Courtney Holmes, Christopher Columbus Boys Catholic High School – Holmes is a two-time track & field State Champion in the 4x400 meter and a member of the 2019 8A Football State Championship team at Columbus. When he’s not on the track or field, he’s giving back to his community. He has participated in Super Kids- Super Sharing, where he helped collect school supplies and sports equipment to help underprivileged children in the greater Miami area. Holmes is also a volunteer football coach for the youth football league and an active member of 5000 Role Models where he is mentored and mentors “at-risk” youth through guidance and educational assistance. His success has not come easy though, he has faced and overcome unimaginable trials and tribulations. At a young age, his father left his family, and his mother was killed in a hit and run. This led him to living with his aunt and cousins, who a year later, he came home and found murdered. Along with those tragedies, he faced major setbacks. During his sophomore year, he tore his ACL and had reconstructive knee surgery. After overcoming that injury, he was shot during the summer of his senior year. While Holmes was fighting for his life, all that was on his mind was making it back in time to support his team in the upcoming football season. He prevailed through it all and returned in time for football season. Holmes is the definition of a fighter and someone whose positive spirit for life despite his experiences shines bright.

Click here to read more about Joshua Koolik from the Pine Crest School.