Terron Armstead of the Miami Dolphins gives a new bike to a middle schooler after hearing he walked SIX MILES to graduate…and buys a van for his family!
- Additionally, Jones was given a full ride to Harris-Stowe State University.
- The eighth-grader, 14, holds a 4.0 GPA and wants to become a NASCAR driver
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Terron Armstead – an offensive lineman for the Miami Dolphins – bought a new bike and minivan for an eighth-grader and his family after learning the child had traveled six miles to graduate from college in St. Louis, Missouri.
Xavier Jones, a 14-year-old with sickle cell disease – a group of disorders that distorts and breaks down red blood cells – received a $5,000 Ryan Pritchard electric bike at a celebrity basketball game run by the foundation eponymous from Armstead on Friday after, the NFL player learned of his determination to succeed in the face of adversity.
We hear a story like Xavier. It’s just,’ Armstead, a resident of Cahokia, Illinois, told the local outlet. KMOV. ‘Follow Xavier’s lead. He’s a leader whether he likes it or not. His story is inspiring. It’s motivating. That’s what leaders do.
Harris-Stowe State University President Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith was so moved by Jones’ dedication and perseverance that she awarded him a full “presidential scholarship.” The money will cover four years of tuition, accommodation, books and fees.
“I wanted to graduate and all my awards and stuff,” Jones said. KSDKCommentadding “my grandpa, his car died” and that he could only attend his graduation ceremony if he walked to the historically black college and university (HBCU).
Terron Armstead of the Miami Dolphins gave 14-year-old Xavier Jones an electric bike after learning his story
Jones traveled 6.5 miles to attend her high school graduation at Harris-Stow State University
Harris-Stow State University president Tonia Smith (L) offered Jones a full scholarship
“I didn’t expect that,” Jones told KMOV.
Raised by his grandfather after his mother passed away “a few years ago”, the eighth grader has six siblings and holds a perfect GPA of 4.0 despite growing up in the poverty.
“The shoes he was walking in had holes in the bottom, holes in the top,” Darren Seals – Jones’ mentor – told KSDK. “Two and a half hour walk. A long road, I wouldn’t have walked it.
‘He did what he had to do.’
Armstead praised Jones’ leadership, adding the teenager was ‘inspiring’, ‘motivating’ and a ‘leader’
Jones received the gifts at a celebrity basketball game hosted by the Armstead Foundation
Jones is graduating from Yeatman-Liddell Preparatory Middle School (pictured) this summer and will attend the Lift for Life Academy in the fall
After receiving his new bike, Jones shared that he was “glad” to have attended his own graduation ceremony “because I didn’t have to walk anymore.”
With aspirations of becoming a NASCAR driver one day, the teenager is determined to “go to college without paying anything”.
But for now, Jones’ next step is to continue her studies at the Lift for Life Academy.
“I am so grateful to these two sponsors for their generous donations and for helping us make a difference in Xavier’s life,” Armstead shared on Instagram, thanking both Ryan Pritchard’s e-bike brand and Bommarito Automotive Group. for their contribution to charitable donations.
“Let’s keep spreading the love and positivity!” »
The aim of the Terron Armstead Foundation is “to educate and challenge those who seek opportunities to become the best version of themselves”.
The non-profit organization also organizes youth basketball and soccer camps in the summer.
