Jaylon Beck

Demopolis High School

Demopolis, Alabama

Jaylon Beck is a senior at Demopolis High School.

In 2007, Jaylon and his entire family were involved in a bus accident while returning home from a family reunion. One of his cousins was killed. Jaylon emerged with a broken foot and a broken elbow that required surgery. His father suffered a cracked ankle, and his mother received a crushed lower leg and a concussion. As a result of her injuries, Jaylon’s mother now has an artificial ankle and experiences painful headaches.

Sadly, this was not to be the only tragedy affecting the family. This past New Year’s Eve, Jaylon’s father suffered a major heart attack. On New Year’s Day, He underwent emergency open heart surgery.

In her nomination of Jaylon as a Young Hero, church youth leader Willa A. Mack wrote, “I think a hero can be a young man who steps up, emotionally supports his loved ones and does whatever is required to help his family during tragic and trying situation. I think a hero can be a young man who continues to dream even through moments of adversity.”

Jaylon has maintained excellent grades, ranked 37 out of his total class of 134. He is a member of the National Beta Club, the Demopolis High School Choir, and the Multimedia Publications (Yearbook) Staff. He participates on the track and field team – and made his theatrical debut last year in last year’s school production of Thoroughly Modern Millie.

Ms. Mack wrote of Jaylon’s vocal abilities. “Jaylon, in my humble opinion, has been gifted by God with a powerful yet angelic voice…I have had the privilege of witnessing Jaylon’s voice lift spirits and bring tears to people’s eyes, especially his mother’s eyes. It is not very often when we can find a young person who sings music about Jesus with such conviction.”

A brave young man, Jaylon has experienced traumatic moments, but because of his resilience, he has not allowed these times to stop him from dreaming or cause him to lose his motivation for success. For all these reasons and more, Jaylon Beck is recognized by his school and our state as one of the 2015 Young Heroes of Alabama.