teen spotlight
photography by Lauren Childs
stats
15, Freshman at Montgomery Catholic
notable
Honor Bands at Troy and Auburn; Huntingdon Red Wings
Wheelchair Basketball Player of the Year; Montgomery Catholic Marching Band, Jazz Band, Symphonic Band; Spina Bifida
Association Walk-n-Roll Volunteer; Boy Scouts Star Scout and
Senior Patrol Leader
quotable
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not
grow weary, they will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31). Ricky
explains that he saw this verse everywhere when he was seven
years old and paralyzed after a surgery for spina bifida, and he
feels that God was sending him a message.
how it began
Ricky was born with spina bifida, and by the end of first grade
he was completely paralyzed. However, with a lot of therapy
and determination he regained the ability to walk. Ricky was
able to play basketball for St. Bede’s in the fourth through sixth
grades, but was unable to continue by seventh grade. Did he let
this roadblock get in his way? Absolutely not! Ricky joined the
Huntingdon Red Wings wheelchair basketball team.
Ricky is also a member of Montgomery Catholic’s marching,
symphonic, and jazz bands. When asked what a music piece
inspired by his life would be titled, Ricky responded, “‘Everything Will Be Okay.’ God has always let me know He is there
and listening and that ‘Everything Will Be Okay.”
what’s next
ricky treloar
Currently, he thinks he might want to teach music. This is no
surprise, given how much he loves playing, performing and
writing music. Regardless of what he chooses to do, he wants to
be remembered as a person who is faithful to God and determined to succeed.
Montgomery, AL
parents’ perspective
Ricky’s parents, Greg and Teresa, admire their son’s faith, determination, and positive attitude. Teresa said, “He was born with Spina
Bifida, so that was a challenge, but we looked at his potential and
told him whatever he believed, he could do.” Ricky’s desire to serve
others through volunteering and teaching stems from his loving
parents, who both have careers based around helping people.
parent-to-parent
“Focus on your child’s strengths. Model positive behavior
and attitude, model kindness, and build up your child’s
self-esteem. Don’t be afraid to be a parent. It is not your
role to be a friend; you are a parent first. That’s sometimes hard, but
so very rewarding!” says Teresa.
L32 |
Spring 2016
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