Katie Sell
2008 recipient of the Sgt. Andrew Wallace Memorial Scholarship
I had the pleasure of being friends with Andrew Wallace. He was such a kind man, and he always did all he could for his students. He never seemed to get mad, and he always had a smile on his face. Andrew was my wrestling coach and my friend. He never treated me with disrespect and never took it easy on me just because I was a girl. I always admired Andrew, for he was such a good teacher. In my junior year Andrew was killed, and that was one of the hardest times in my life. As a team leader I felt I had to support the team and be strong, but no matter how hard I tried I could not handle my emotions. None of us could. Andrew had made such an impact on the whole team, and we couldn’t believe what was happening.
Throughout my senior year we used the memory of Andrew to push the team to new heights, and many organizations in our high school got involved with projects in memory of Andrew too. Andrew had guided so many of the students at my school. At the end of my wrestling season I was privileged to receive the Andrew Wallace Award. This award was given to one senior wrestler that showed the most spirit, dedication, and leadership. I was overwhelmed with pride. Andrew had meant so much to us, and this was the greatest honor I had received in wrestling.
Then at the end of my senior year I received the Andrew Wallace Scholarship and I couldn’t believe it. It was a complete surprise and honor. The money would go a long way for my college, but what was more important to me was another thing I was given that night. Andrew’s wife and parents gave me a necklace with a foot pendant that was given out at Emmeline Cook Elementary School where Andrew also taught. They told me what it represented, and from then on I wear it everywhere I go. This necklace is a reminder to me to be the best person I can be, and to do everything I can with the time given to me. The necklace is a reminder to always be good person and to strive to be the type of person Andrew was. I will never forget all that Andrew has done for me, the team, our schools, and our country. Andrew is a true hero, and I hope that I can also serve our country in my own way. I am striving for the Olympics, and to be the best representative for the US that I can be. I hope that I can keep the memory of Andrew alive through my actions, and I will never forget what an honor it was to be friends with Andrew.
~ Katie Sell
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