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2003 Award Honoree Tyler Yonge Making a difference through the power of one -- in sports and in life -- is an important theme to Tyler Yonge, a recent graduate of Vanguard High School in Ocala, Fla. The 18-year-old earned four varsity letters in tennis and soccer, both sports in which the influence of good role models had a great impact on him. He credits soccer coach Tom Flynn and tennis coach Todd Carstenn with providing him with opportunities for athletic success as well as personal values, including "great wit, respect for others, good sportsmanship, and that a person can make a difference in the lives of many or in the life of one other." Yonge was raised with the ideals of a strong sense of family and faith, which dovetailed well with the ideals of sportsmanship. He is mindful of the importance of setting a good example himself. "My faith provides me wisdom and contentment to stay focused on the important facets of life," he said. "My younger brother makes me live a better life because I understand the influence I have on him. I hope to positively influence others during my lifetime by demonstrating that faith and family provide a strong foundation." True to his ideals, Yonge is a leader on and off the field. He was the captain of his senior-year soccer team and an honorable mention on the Ocala Star-Banner's All-Area team, and had an undefeated season in singles tennis through the district championship. Yonge was active in student government as a senator and historian, and was the vice-president and a founding member of the Applecore Volunteer Group at the Appleton Museum. He attended the National Youth Leadership Forum of Law and received the Law Studies Student of the Year Award his sophomore year. Vanguard's valedictorian graduated summa cum laude with an International Baccalaureate diploma. Yonge will attend the University of Central Florida in Orlando to pursue a degree in film studies or pre-law. Yonge is the son of Chip and Dana Yonge of Ocala. |
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