Twelve years ago, I was named to the First Team All Alabama Academic Team representing Jefferson State. I underwent a rigorous nomination and application process to be named to the team. A lot of good things were said and written about me. I was treated to an awards banquet at the Wynfrey Hotel and I even had my picture in the Birmingham News. Being named to the team opened up many doors for me. It was through this process that I would eventually end up spending the following summer in Washington, D.C.
The phrase that has stuck with me since that time was not something that was never written in a nomination letter or put in the application packet. “May you live up to the honors bestowed upon you.” It is a phrase that my uncle Doug used after I received word that I had been named to the team. It stayed in the back of my head the rest of that Spring as I continued to receive honors, awards, and scholarships.
It has always been a humbling phrase reminding me that there is still work to be done. Enjoy the moment, but don’t rest on your laurels. I’ve always taken it as a challenge.
Tonight, I will be going back to another award banquet after being nominated and selected for a very prestigious award by the University of Montevallo National Alumni Association. I feel truly honored and humbled to be recognized by the university I fell in love with twelve years ago. At the same time, I feel overwhelmed and unworthy of such a prestigious award. The challenge still remains, “May I live up to the honors bestowed upon me…”
Final Thoughts on a First Impression 
so very proud of you and who you have become…..In my opinion Ii have the 3 best sons in the world.