teen spotlight
photography by Lauren Childs
stats
16, Junior at Montgomery Academy
notable
2016 Alabama Youth Governor; National Speech and Debate
Tournament 2015; 2nd Place Alabama Youth Judicial
Competition; 1st Place Science Olympiad; SGA President;
H.E.A.R.T. Club
motto
“Persevere. No matter how hard things are, keep trying. If you
don’t try, you will never know if you could have succeeded.
Always persevere, and you have the potential to accomplish
anything,” says Ford.
his story
In 2015, Ford qualified for the National Speech and Debate
Tournament, and he has taken part in the National Judicial
Competition in Chicago for three years. He and his teammates
placed 2nd overall at the Alabama Youth Judicial Conference,
and also won the esteemed Hugh Maddox award for “Best
Overall Team”. This year, he received the honored position of
Alabama Youth Governor. Ford also participates in academic
activities such as Science Olympiad, Spanish Honor Society,
English Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta. He also enjoys
acting, and was even cast as the lead in the Montgomery
Academy Spring musical.
what’s next
When asked what he wants to do in the future, Ford replied,
“I want to become a dermatologist, take over my father’s cattle
business, and eventually run for office. I have a love for science,
farming, and politics, so I hope to become all of these when I
get older.”
ford cleveland
PG (parental guidance) rating
Montgomery, AL
Ford says his mom’s advice (“You’re not always right”) has
helped him listen to others respectfully and keep an open
mind. He adds, “My mom’s advice has allowed me to settle
down and become a more rational person.” Overall, he is proud
of his family’s love for each other.
parents’ perspective
“Ford truly has a joyful personality,” says Susannah. “He tries so
hard and works so hard to excel at whatever he does. Sometimes, he
fails, but he has such a great attitude and picks himself right back
up and works hard to improve. He is constantly amazing us!”
parent-to-parent
Susannah suggests that other parents show their children
unconditional love and how proud they are of them.
“Enjoy your child at every stage and expose them to a variet