The April recipient of the Heart of Service Award is someone who has greatly impacted me and my family directly since their arrival in Bacon County. So I can give a personal testimony about the work this person does, but it is plainly evident that many families have been impacted and many students have been influenced just like my family has and my daughter personally has.
At West Point, all cadets memorize the definition of a “leader of character.” A leader of character seeks to discover the truth, decide what is right, and demonstrate the courage and commitment to act accordingly. This definition of a leader of character is embodied by this month’s Heart of Service recipient. The West Point cadet prayer implores that we “choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong, and never to be content with a half-truth when the whole can be won.” This person not only lives this out personally but seeks to impart these wisdoms and values to all of the young people – and their parents – he has the opportunity to influence.
And he has the opportunity to influence a lot of young people, and families, in Bacon County. Every student who wears a jersey with “BACON” across their chest is under the direction of this leader. Every parent and fan who sits in the stands with a BC on their hat or shirt is guided by the values he models for us all.
While his awards and accolades are many – records, championships, “this-and-that of the year”, a WBNA and Olympic gold medal pedigree to his credit, and more – I know that nothing matters more to him than this district, these teams, and the growth of Red Raiders here and now. If you’ve ever received an email from this man, you know his leadership motto well – “ONE TEAM, ONE GOAL, NO DIVISION.” If the Red K1ngdom has a king, he wouldn’t claim to be it, but we all know he wears the crown and leads us fearlessly into battle upon all the playing fields of friendly strife and sporting contests we engage in.
And with that, I think it is plain to see why COACH SUG PARKER is your newest Heart of Service recipient!