Connor Davis

Boaz High School

Boaz, Alabama

Connor Davis is a senior at Boaz High School. Connor’s long-time participation in athletics was cut short his freshman year when doctors informed him he would no longer be able to participate because of Marfan syndrome. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder of the connective tissue. It has a range of expressions, from mild to severe. The most serious complications are defects of the heart valves and aorta. It may also affect the lungs, the eyes, the dural sac surrounding the spinal cord, the skeleton and the hard palate.

Connor refused to let this diagnosis pull him away from sports, however. He continued to stay active in the athletic programs of Boaz High Schools, accepting and performing such duties as head student trainer, statistician, bookkeeper, videographer, scorekeeper and practice assistant. And in addition to his contributions to the school athletic program, he competes on the city swim team each summer, earning medals for sixth place in the state for backstroke and third place in the district in free relay.

Connor plays an even more important role as a mentor at his school through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Working with both high school and elementary school students, Connor is a “huddle leader,” guiding many different students down the path to success in life.

In describing Connor’s triumph over adversity, his nominator, guidance counselor Becky Boddie, wrote, “Although Connor has faced obstacles in his life, he has found a way to overcome adversity and make the most of every situation. He has a wonderful family who love him and supports him one hundred percent. Connor manages to always provide a smiling face and an encouraging word for anyone and everyone. He has faith that God is watching over him and will guide him down the path that is best suited for him.”

In addition to his athletic activities, Connor is a member of both the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society. He was selected by the faculty of his school for the American Citizenship Award and as the DAR Good Citizen for his class. For all four years, he has served as his class president. Most recently, Connor was selected as the Class 5A, Region 5 Bryant-Jordan Student-Athlete Achievement Award winner.

Connor actively supports his community on his own and through the ministries of his home church, First Baptist Church of Boaz. As a Junior Ambassador of the Boaz Chamber of Commerce, he sets up city events, manages them and cleans up afterward. After last year’s devastating tornadoes, he participated in the cleanup of nearby towns. “There is more compassion in this young man than I have ever witnessed in any human being, young or old,” Boaz High School media specialist Dianne Holliday wrote of Connor.