claim to fame
daniel lobello
Taking a tragedy and transforming it into something uplifting is a
special gift and just one of the many talents possessed by Catholic
High School junior and Montgomery native Daniel LoBello. When
a dear family friend died, the 16 year old looked past his own grief
and found a way to help others, exhibiting some strong leadership
skills in the process. “We had a very dear friend pass away from
breast cancer. Although she wasn’t a blood relative, she was my
‘Aunt Kathy.’
“After she died, my younger brother, David, and I wanted
to do something in her memory. I heard about the Pray in Pink
Event sponsored by the Joy to Life Foundation that brings together
people in congregations across the area to pray for a cure for breast
cancer and provides information about breast cancer. I thought
it would be great to have this event at our Church,” he said. So he
contacted the right people and then took charge of organizing it
for his church, making prayer cards and pink ribbons to pass out at
mass each weekend.
His philanthropic efforts are not limited to this cause alone.
“Recently I participated in a HOBY Conference and learned about
the plight of world hunger. I participated in a local food drive when
I returned,” he said. And he and his brother helped out a local
school. “We gathered school supplies for a second grade class at
Ladonia Elementary School in Russell County. Don’t think your
small action won’t make a difference.”
and there’s school too
Daniel has excelled academically, earning a spot in the Junior
Honor Society and a place in the American Mathematics
Competition, all while playing basketball and football. He’s
still considering which university to attend but plans to study
aerospace engineering because, “I have always been challenged by
the idea of building or creating things.”
daniel lobello
PG (parental guidance) rating
Daniel is grateful to his parents for pushing him past his comfort
zone. Learning to play certain sports and also the guitar came with
some challenges, but my parents have encouraged me to try new
things, even when I didn’t want to.”
parents’ perspective
According to Steven, a professor of psychology at Auburn University Montgomery, and
Donna, Director of the State of Alabama
Multiple Needs Child Office the “it takes a
village” concept is true. “Daniel has been a
student at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory
School since kindergarten. He has received
positive support and guidance not only in our
home, but also from faculty, staff and coaches.
His drive and his character have been influenced by many, not just us,” Donna said.
Both Steven and Donna say Daniel is very
self-motivated, and offered a bit of advice for other parents of
self-motivated kids. “He tends to know what he needs to do to
accomplish his goals. We try to listen to him and to offer guidance
and support, when needed,” Donna said. Support is the key. “At
26
times I feel Daniel is
pushing himself too much, and
I may try to encourage him to not do as much. If he
tells me he can do something, I have to stop and remind myself to
support him and to be there to offer help, if needed.”