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| Volume XXIII Number 2 | February 1, 2002 |
Andrew Bowers, An Inspiration To All
By Michael JamesOKEECHOBEE - He is 18 years old, the absolute pride of his parents, Andrew and Kay Bowers, a role model to his peers and pure sunshine to anyone who has the distinct pleasure of knowing this young man. He is none other than Andrew Bowers, Jr.
Andrew is the only child of Andrew and Kay and a resident of the Brighton Reservation. He has truly been the focus of his parent’s life. It is this "genuine" love, interest and devotion from his parents to which Andrew attributes his many achievements. At the time of this interview, Andrew had just received his acceptance letter from Florida State University. His plans after graduation are to relax for a short time and then off to Tallahassee in the fall.
Andrew is an avid sportsman, he plays wide receiver in football, shooting guard in basketball and centerfield in baseball. His interest in sports peaked 4 years ago. Andrew has a philosophy, "if I am going to get involved in something, and be there to do it, then I am going to do it the best that I can. I can’t just settle and get by." Well, one would certainly say that Andrew has done it the best.
As far as his achievements, his resume reads like a who’s who in everything! He has recently had the honor of being selected as a state finalist for the High School Heisman Award for the state of Florida, sponsored by Wendy’s. There were only 11 individuals chosen throughout the state of Florida.
Andrew was recognized by School Board Superintendent Phoebe Raulerson, who is also the Okeechobee High School Principal, and, on Feb. 9, he will receive a Bronze medal in Tampa at Busch Gardens.
However, that is only his most recent award. In just the past few months, he was named Athlete of the Month for October, Gatorade Will to Win Athlete, sponsored by Gatorade, Offensive MVP for 2000-2001, and Mr. OHS.
Mr. OHS was the most meaningful to Andrew, because he was chosen by his peers. He was also chosen for 7 Senior Most categories, which was narrowed down to being named the student with the "Most Leadership." His mother says humbly, that there is nothing that is bestowed upon her son that surprises her.
His mother refers to him as an overachiever, and not just in sports. In academics, again this young man excels. He is in all honors classes and takes 2 college courses. He maintains a 3.4 grade point average.
The Tribune asked him how he manages to maintain a balance with all that he is involved in, his answer, "I stay up very late at night studying." It doesn’t end there, Andrew is also a member of the Student Council, the Beta Club, the National Honor Society and the Quill and Scroll Club, which is a part of the Journalism department.
Considering Andrew’s vast interests and talents, he has quite a decision once he gets to Tallahassee. When asked if he may be considering following in his father’s footsteps, who is an attorney and practices in Okeechobee, certainly he is considering it. He is also considering advertising or graphic design. Whatever career he decides, you can be assured that he’ll be a screaming success.
At the end of the interview, Andrew was asked to whom or what he attributes his various achievements to, and without pause he named his parents and his entire family again. "My family has always been there for me, they have always supported me. My parents trust me and always makes sure that I am on task."
What is so refreshing is that, with all the honors and awards he has received, Andrew Bowers is a humble, caring and giving young man. Congratulations and best of luck to Andrew, and congratulations and many praises to Mr. and Mrs. Bowers. After all, it is true that the parents’ biggest successes are the achievements of their children.
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