A recent Seminole High graduate is making more than just his family proud.
James Grace signed his letter of intent to play football on a full ride scholarship for Saint Thomas University in the fall of 2022.
“My journey from Seminole little league down the road to here felt amazing, “said Grace. “I had had a lot of help to get here.”
Grace said he always had a big community of teachers, athletic coaches, friends and of course family cheering him on but after he sadly lost his dad to diabetes at 11, his mom wanted more for him.
“I love my mom; that’s my baby - she will always be my number one girl,” said Grace. “She signed my up for the Big Brother Big Sister program in Tampa; I can’t really say how much this program means to me.”
Grace was matched with Chris Bauders and six years later, they’re still rockin’.
"It’s been quite the experience, watching him grow,” said Bauders. “Him having that challenge at a very young age and watching him deal with it and how he pushed forward despite all the obstacles that he faced to become who he is today - it’s unbelievable.”
The BBBS community supports relationships between the youth and upstanding members of our community like Grace and Bauders.
“I’m very proud watching James and Chris grow up,” said Heather Hogsett-Castle, Director of Activity and training for BBBS Tampa Bay. “ They’ve been a devoted pair in our program for years and it’s been an honor to watch them grow and watch James get to that next level - reaching the goal of graduation and then playing for this school. We’re very proud.”
Grace is set to head to South Florida to accept his role as linebacker for Saint Thomas University, this summer.
If you’re interested in becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister check here to see how.