"Who Saw the Star in You" Campaign All Star Team

Who Saw the Star in... DuWayne Scott? -- Mr. Bruce Bradford

I met Bruce Bradford because of another influential male in my life that happened to be the swimming pool manager at my local pool in SW Washington DC. I had acquired strong swimming skills as a result of participating on the summer swim team for several consecutive seasons. I was introduced to Bruce Bradford, Swimming Coach/Teacher at Howard D. Woodson Senior High School. I was about to enter my ninth grade year and was more than ready to swim year round after that summer in which I had not been defeated in any of the events that I swam. It was a time when all the current days clichés; at-risk youth, single parent child, inner city youth etc. where catch terms that sought to define me.

Bruce Bradford allowed me to flourish as a student/athlete. My thirst for knowledge for knowledge sake was ignited and set ablaze because of his example and the environment he provided for not just me but many others.

I had a great scholastic career at H.D. Woodson Senior High School and had earned a full scholarship to several colleges and universities by the middle of my senior year. However, Bruce Bradford’s greatest impact to me came during a moment I had been reprimanded because of my “ I got it made” attitude and lack of academic effort after I had been honored as the “Player of The Week” in TheWashington Post.

He sat me down and proceeded to tell me that I “had more talent than character” and that he was particularly disappointed because there where those that would do so much more with my God given ability. I was devastated because his opinion, as the most influential (black) male role model in my life, meant everything to me. Since coming to terms with what he meant and trying to live up to a standard of character that he would approve of every single day of my life, I owe Bruce Bradford a debt that I can’t put a value on.

I endeavor to be the kind of husband, father, son and human being he would be proud of. It is that simple.

Who Saw the Star in... Mark Mooney? -- Mr. Frank Kelley

Frank Kelley (my high school principal) had a huge impact on me; not to mention a lasting imprint on Middlebury Union High School and at Middlebury College as the Director of Residential Life.

Frank has been with me over the years in spirit. I would go as far to say that I would not be the quite the same person without having had him in my life. He was a kind man, a considerate friend and a compassionate listener while freely dispensing trusted wisdom. In addition, he was a fiery and motivational speaker that could inspire individual achievement, lead groups of people to new heights and beliefs. He saw the star in me in many small ways, but especially when he gave me the Principal’s Award for Leadership.

In fact, there is a photo on my office bookcase of Frank, Duke Nelson and I that provides inspiration everyday. They were such great men. Men like Dud Phinney (25 or 50 cent golf lessons) and more (perhaps forgotten by some) that should be remembered and recognized for the awesome impact they had on younger people and the community. Men I can only strive to be like.

I have had a very fortunate life and have had many mentors along the way who have helped mold me into the person I am now. Most notably I have two parents who went to extreme lengths in making sure I had everything I needed to succeed. I would however like to share my story about someone who helped me through some very difficult times and gave me an opportunity to pursue my goals in both sport and in life.

Who Saw the Star in... Scott Boyle? -- Mr. Mark Whitburn (Whit)

I have had a very fortunate life and have had many mentors along the way who have helped mold me into the person I am now. Most notably I have two parents who went to extreme lengths in making sure I had everything I needed to succeed. I would however like to share my story about someone who helped me through some very difficult times and gave me an opportunity to pursue my goals in both sport and in life.

During my junior year in high school I had a friend who attempted suicide therefore altering his life and those around him. This was tough for me and all my friends to deal with as this act leaves so many unanswered questions. Mark Whitburn (Whit), who was my English teacher and baseball coach at the time, was instrumental in getting me and many others through this period in our lives. Whit had an open door policy in his classroom, and I really mean open door, as he would stop everything he was doing in order to listen to me and provide advice. I took advantage of this policy every school day until I graduated because he made me feel like I had a greater purpose in life and provided support to pursue that purpose. I look back at what he did for me and have spent most every day since looking for a way that I can be as generous and influential to someone who might be where I was when he came into my life. Whit was, and still is, a great baseball coach, but what he did for me athletically will never add up to what he did for me personally.