Potential Magazine September 2014 | Page 36

teen spotlight photography by Lauren Childs stats 17, Senior at Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School notable Ultimate Frisbee team captain 2013-2014, Student of the Month, February 2014; Baseball; Tennis; Cross Country; Track & Field; Latin Club; 1st overall in Resurrection Run 5K; 1st overall in Montgomery Triathlon 5k quotable William picked up this treasured advice from his granddad: “Try as hard as you can in school so that you will be able to enjoy life when you are older.” how it began William Sellers has a natural need for speed. At LAMP, he’s an active member of Track & Field and a Cross Country participant. He was the Team Cross Country section winner two years in a row and Cross Country State runner-up two years in a row. He’s also won several 5k competitions in the area. William’s knack for winning races developed in a friendly competition with his step dad, Tom Pierce, when he was little. “He was really fast, and I just wanted to beat him,” William said. what’s next After high school, William plans to pursue a career as an Architectural Engineer and get his degree at Auburn University. “My real dad and granddad do that kind of work, and I always thought it was really fun,” he said. PG (parental guidance) rating William watched his mother stay up late working and he learned how to manage things from his stepdad. He believes they have taught him how to work for what he wants in life. William counts his late uncle, Oliver Scho Sellers as his biggest inspiration. “Before he died six years ago, he taught me many things about life: How to act when certain complications happen, how to treat other people, and how to love God,” William said. william sellers Montgomery, AL parents’ perspective Tom and Heather Pierce admire their son’s integrity. “He has always been a very honest young man and seems to think about things before he does them,” Heather said. Tom believes that “being supportive and showing tough love when needed has made Will a strong person and very successful in school.” parent-to-parent William’s mom had parents who’ve been supportive of her career and taught her to “stand up tall and be proud of myself; and not to follow people, but to lead them.” They offered this advice to other parents: “Lo