For a little over 2 years, Mr. Adams was my paraprofessional. During the time I shared with him, he had instilled in me the importance of believing in myself, and that I can be ANYTHING I want to be in life if I work hard. Also from Mr. Adams I've learned that nothing in life will be given to me; I must work extremely hard to get it. Of all the things that he taught me, I think the most essential was being a independent, and responsible young man. Today, I think that I definitely have the character that he would expect from me, and I will continue to make him very proud. ~ Some people don't believe in heroes, but they haven't met my paraprofessional

During the last few months of high school, I had pretty much decided on what University I would attend. Based on my grades and finances, SIU (Southern University Illinois) was an ideal opportunity for me. During my senior year in high school, I didn’t receive a scholarship, so I was pleasantly surprised with being awarded the C.O.A.C.H DRAKE Award to help me start my freshmen year in college. To me, the foundation represents NEVER giving up, doing what you love and working hard at it. This also means inspiring others along the way, akin to DRAKE’s legacy! The C.O.A.C.H DRAKE Foundation helped me start my year off great with everything I needed to be a successful first year college student. I am honored and will always be grateful for that opportunity; I look forward to supporting other college-bound students and working with the C.O.A.C.H DRAKE Foundation in years to come! #RIPDRAKE!