teen spotlight
photography by Shelby Berry
stats
17, Senior at Auburn High School
notable
Eagle Scout; National Honor Society; Boy Scouts of America
National Certificate of Merit; National Technical Honor Society;
Varsity Football Team; Auburn City Schools Addiction
Prevention Coalition
quotable
Ted’s life motto is simple: “Do hard things.”
his story
At Auburn High School, Ted is known not only for his
impressive academic achievements, but also for his leadership
and sense of community. Academically, Ted has achieved such
honors as being inducted into Mu Alpha Theta and National
Technical Honor Society. Outside of school, he offers his time
in volunteer service, including working for the Auburn Food
Pantry and partnering with children who have special needs.
Ted serves in the Boy Scouts of America as an Eagle Scout;
he even received the BSA National Certificate of Merit. In
addition to volunteering, Ted loves to play sports- especially
football. Recently, his dedication to football has paid off. After
excelling as a player and captain of the Auburn High varsity
football team, Ted has been extended offers to play football at
the United States Military Academy at West Point, the United
States Air Force Academy, the University of Tennessee, Martin,
and The Citadel.
what’s next
Ted hopes to serve in the military as an engineer.
ted wages
PG (parental guidance) rating
Ted is proud of his entire family’s ability to work hard. When
asked who has provided the most inspiration in his life, Ted
answered, “My dad. I am learning how to be a father, a
husband, a leader, and a man by watching him.”
Auburn, AL
parents’ perspective
Trey and Wynne admire that Ted “seems to be completely
comfortable in his own skin. His circumstances do not dictate who
he is—he is consistent in his character.” They explain that they’ve
tried to help Ted become not only an effective leader, but also a
respectful follower when the situation calls for it.
parent-to-parent
Trey recommends that other parents “challenge (their)
children to do hard and uncomfortable things.” Wynne
recognizes that it really does take a village to raise a child, adding,
“Where parenting is concerned, there is so much you don’t know.
Seek out the wisdom of those who have gone before you- men and
women who will be honest with you about their successes, but more
importantly, about their shortcomings.”
www.potentialmagazine.com
Winter 2016 |
25