Lake Worth, FL.- “Don’t be a follower. Be an outstanding leader.”
Those were the words that Dr. Joaquin Garcia High’s senior DB Sherwins Raymond said in a message to members of his student body. Earlier this week, the senior Raymond was honored by earning the David Quellion Award, an annual award celebrating inclusion throughout one’s community.
In a field of over 3,000 applicants, Sherwins stood out the most with his leadership qualities that include serving as a captain of the Bulldogs’ football team, and the Head Director of Inclusion and Culture of the DJGHS Best Buddies club.
When asked about what earning this award means to him, Sherwins had this to say:
“The award shows me how my actions are actually making a difference and a positive impact on people around the school. I’ve always wanted to spread my own happiness to everyone else and Best Buddies has helped me with that. It also shows the growing connection between the football program and what’s going on with Best Buddies, it’s truly amazing and I’m blessed to be at the forefront of it!”
Raymond became a member of Garcia High’s Best Buddies program last school year, and since then he’s become overwhelmed with the opportunity to spread love to everyone.
“I first got into Best Buddies junior year; it was recommended to me by my Defensive Coordinator Coach Marciante…. My driving factor has just been to make as many people smile every day as I can. I really do love seeing others smile and knowing that I can help bring out that joy is truly a blessing from the Lord!! But I also wanted to show everyone that no one should be treated differently in any circumstance for any physical reason, that everyone deserves chances at true friendships and to be involved.”
Raymond continued by highlighting the support he’s seen the organization get campus wide, stating
“I’ve noticed how more and more people want to be involved with Best Buddies, just watching everyone grow individually and together has been amazing. I’ve noticed people becoming closer and better friends, which is what Best Buddies is all about! It genuinely makes me happy to see all the new smiles and faces that have been coming, and I can’t wait for more.”
Sherwins Raymond has paired his excellence off the field with elite displays of athleticism on Friday nights. The 6 foot hybrid LB/DB has been on a tear to open his senior year, recording 31 tackles, 2 sacks, 8 tackles for loss, 14 QB hurries, 7 pass breakups, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble, 1 defensive touchdown and allowed only 3 catches so far.
With his senior season coming to a close in just a few short weeks, Sherwins had one final valuable message that deserves to be broadcasted nationwide:
“I want everyone at García High to know that they were without a doubt put onto the earth for a reason. And that expressing their true authentic personalities could change others lives without them even noticing it, God created them a certain way for a reason so they should embrace it not try to change themselves into what they see around them. No matter what faces people make at you try your best to be YOU, even if it does mean going against the “social norms” or getting made fun of sometimes, because eventually they’ll be right next to you.“
As Sherwins Raymond prepares to close out his high school career, his impact at Garcia High will extend far beyond the football field. Through his leadership and work with Best Buddies, Raymond has shown that true greatness is measured not only by what you accomplish, but by the lives you touch along the way. His message is simple but powerful: be yourself, embrace others, and make the world a little better for those around you.
Cover Photo Credits: Alex Muniz, NewEraPrep
