While the story doesn’t originate in Ahwautkee it should resonate with everyone.
Queen Creek quarterback Carson Jones is being recognized nationally for standing up for a fellow student.
Jones distinguished himself by his selfless actions helping protect a fellow student against bullies.
Chy Johnson, a 16-year-old sophomore born with a birth defect brain disorder called micocephaly in which the normal life expectancy is 25 to 30 years, had long been the victim of other students bullying her because of her differences. However, this year her mother had enough of Chy coming home crying every day, so she decided to call family friend Jones for help.
Jones, who first met Johnson when he was in eighth grade while volunteering for Special Olympics, went far beyond Mrs. Johnson’s request.
For starters, his football teammates and he asked Johnson to join them for lunch in the school cafeteria every day.
Beginning with her first-hour class to the end of the day, the team makes it a point to look after her. Johnson is a regular attendee at Jones’ practices and games and he reciprocates by walking her to her classes.
Jones has been selected as the 2013 Section 7 recipient of the “National High School Spirit of Sport Award” by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).
The National High School Spirit of Sport Award was created by the NFHS to recognize those individuals who exemplify the ideals of the spirit of sport that represent the core mission of education-based athletics.
The starting quarterback on last fall’s undefeated Arizona Interscholastic Association Division III state championship football team, Jones also participates in track and boys volleyball at Queen City High School and maintains a 4.2 grade-point average.
Contact writer: (480) 898-7915 or JSkoda@ahwatukee.com. Follow him on Twitter @JSkodaAFN.
