I enjoy reading and writing about people who set goals, work tirelessly toward their goals, and achieve their goals. I have been a goal setter for my entire life, and I like and enjoy the challenge of working toward something noble and good.
A young man named Adonis Lattimore, a senior at Landstown HS, is a testament to believing in himself and achieving his dream. Adonis has been a wrestler since the second grade, and his dream was to become the Virginia State Wrestling Champion.. Nothing unusual about that - until you discover that Adonis was born with one leg missing, one partial leg, and he has only one completely functioning arm. To make up for those disabilities, Adonis has practiced with a work ethic worthy of ten men. His mindset is such that for years, he has been writing his goal - "To be state champion" - on pages and pages of notebooks.
And so, this year, his senior year, was the last change to make it happen in his weight class - 106 pounds. Sometimes dreams DO come true, because . . . it happened! Adonis won the Virginia title, and his father, his team mates, his school, and his community were there to cheer him on! Such a sweet victory for an athlete that has labored so long and so hard.
Adonis is now being courted by some colleges, so his wrestling career is not over.
A young man like Adonis offers so many life lessons to the world. He would not allow a handicap to interrupt his dream. He continued to work hard and surround himself with coaches and friends who supported his dream. He never gave up on himself, and continued to do his best.
When I was a coaching golf for those 33 years, I loved finding stories of student athletes and sharing them with my team to provide inspiration and focus. As a writer, I still love sharing such stories, because positive stories make everyone feels good, and sometimes, such stories make us work harder in our own lives.
To meet Adonis and see his father's reaction to the win, please click on the link below. You will be glad you did.
https://people.com/sports/virginia-teen-born-without-legs-wins-wrestling-state-championship/
Visit Dede's web page for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics.
I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books. Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self. However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37
Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book. I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading. Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!
Connect with Dede!
Twitter @dederittman
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