teen spotlight
photography by Lauren Childs
stats
16, Sophomore at Evangel Christian Academy
notable
2014 Best Football Defense Player; 2014 Best Basketball
Defense Player; AISA Class 3A State Champion; Church
Security Officer; Weight Lifting Squad; School Leader;
Boy Scouts of America
quotable
“I take my motto from my grandmother: ‘A man that doesn’t
work doesn’t eat.’ I apply it to more than just the literal
meaning, but working hard at everything I do to produce the
outcome that I want,” Oaklee said.
how it began
Although Oaklee Williams is only a sophomore, he’s been
dominating the field as a defensive end on the varsity football
team for two years. In 2014, he was named ECA’s Best Football
Defensive Player and equally recognized that same year by
ECA’s junior varsity basketball team. Oaklee doesn’t take all the
credit for his athletic accomplishments.
“The best advice I have received came from both of my
grandmothers. They both told me to have faith in God no
matter what the situation, and to be confident in myself and
believe in whatever abilities I have been blessed with,” he said.
Oaklee is an active member of several ministries at his
church and has served with Boy Scouts of America and Cub
Scouts of America for almost 10 years.
what’s next
Oaklee sees himself becoming a petroleum engineer.
oaklee williams
PG (parental guidance) rating
Montgomery, AL
“My mother provides the most inspiration in my life. As a
child, I never understood how hard she worked for the little
things we had. Growing older and maturing, I see how much
she sacrificed to make sure that I had and still have everything
I need,” Oaklee said.
parents’ perspective
As parents, Aundrey and Marique Ruffin are proud of the positive
choices their son has made thus far. “We admire that Oaklee is
strong enough and confident enough to voice his opinions and
stand up for himself and others,” Marique said.
Marique believes it’s important to lead by example and establish
safe boundaries and moral principles in children from an early age.
“Parents should set boundaries. We sometime focus on giving
our children what we did not have. Therefore, we strive to set a
standard of excellence that places a premium on academics and
personal responsibility.”
parent-to-parent
Marique Ruffin grew up learning that education is crucial
to your destination in life.
“My mother taught me that education is the
foundation to your career path; without some form of education
you can only go so far in life.”
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