Scholar of the Week
Gregory Walker of Richmond Community High School
by Janeal Downs
An important part of Gregory Walker’s life, story and his favorite thing to do, cialis is participating in sports. His love for sports started when he was younger, when his dad would take him to the YMCA. Not only would he play soccer with his friends, but he would also
play basketball at the YMCA. This interest in sports carried over to his time in school and during high school, he played junior varsity basketball in the 9th and 10th grade, varsity football in 10th grade, soccer in 10th and 11th grade and football in his 11th and 12th grade years. Out of all the sports he plays, soccer is his favorite. Among other athletic accomplishments, Gregory’s soccer team won the Conference 26 Championship during the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons.
Gregory’s interest in sports also encouraged him to continue his education and major in physical therapy. One year while playing football, Gregory tore his ACL, an obviously frustrating situation. ”I had to go to a physical therapist and my physical therapist kind of changed my attitude about it,” Gregory said. His physical therapist’s support inspired him to work toward being able to help someone in the same way in the future. In order to pursue his goals, this fall semester Gregory will attend Hampton University. After getting his bachelor’s degree, he wants to attend a graduate physical therapy program. “I believe this will lead me to a successful career as a licensed physical therapist specializing in providing rehabilitative services to young athletes sustaining sports injuries,” Gregory wrote in an essay.
While he is still in high school, Gregory works hard not just with sports but also academically. He currently maintains a 4.34 GPA. He is a member of Richmond Community High School’s National Honor Society and also the Jazz Band. With the band he plays the trumpet, which he has played since the 6th grade. Performing with Jazz Band is another one of his favorite activities. Outside of school, he volunteers at Pine Camp Recreational Center and with his church, Gravel Hill Baptist Church, where he helps feed the homeless. Through volunteer work, he has learned to “be thankful for what you have because some people don’t have what you have.”
The YMCA was important to Gregory when he was younger, and it still is today. Currently, he volunteers at the Northside Richmond YMCA. He helps with the child care program, referees basketball games and is a member of the Leader’s Club. One of the most inspirational people in Gregory’s life is his supervisor in the YMCA’s Leader’s Club, Ben Major. “He’s really outgoing, he’s full of positive energy. If anyone’s down, just being around him will cheer you up,” Gregory said.
One thing Gregory has learned during his time in high school is that “hard work pays off.” He plans to continue working hard and one day in the future have his own physical therapy practice. “I’m not the type to ever give up on something I have my eye on,” Gregory said. ”I never give up.”
