My name is Cenard Deonte Gonzales. I am a senior at Shadow Creek High School. Football is a passion of mine. I am on the Offensive Line. My position is Guard and Center, but I enjoy the defensive line. My team won the 5A State Championship for 2018 and we fell short a few points at the 2018 State Championship game. That is the only game we lost in 2 years. Last year we were 16-0. It was a very exciting year! Our football team is a family and we learn togetherness, commitment, and integrity. Our coaches are strict and work us hard, but we know its to better our program. I come from a religious family. My grandfather is my Pastor. We churched when no one else attended church. I was raised on the bible, scriptures, prayer, faith, and giving back. It never felt liked a burden because I enjoy church. It was not until I became a teenager when I felt my own connection. I suffered a concussion and I truly put prayer into action. We heard about concussions and saw videos on what to avoid and how to handle them, but it’s a difference when you encounter the pain of light affecting your vision. I had to stay in the bed a week and watching my grandmother pray by my bedside touched my heart because I could feel the manifestation of my healing. I learned to pray sincerely then. I prayed not only for myself but also my grandmother who feel ill. She still suffers with breathing issue, but we trust God for a healing and for what he has done this far for her. I work with the Youth Department and the Media Team at my church. I do mentor the younger kids. I am also a camp leader during our boot camp activities (before Covid). I work the camera on Sundays and during special events at our church. I am also a Junior Deacon. I shadow the Deacons and Trustees of the church doing different facility checks, offering, church lock up, and hospital visits. I am 1st Vice President of Top Teens of America the Missouri City Chapter. I have been involved with this group for the past 3 years. I have attended Leadership Conferences, Awareness classes, and Enrichment Groups. We participate in the March of Dimes as well as raise money for St. Jude. I have also set as a Teen Juror for the Pearland Teen Courts. I worked on the jury panel and listen to different juvenile cases. We would then deliberate and come up with a plan and a punishment for the defendant. I also participate with IMPACT. IMPACT is a non-profit organization that targets at risk youth. We assist with hands on life skills. Working with these groups, reminds me of how blessed I am and how I can allow the light of Jesus to shine thru me.