Statistically, Kei Harris should be either on his way to prison or dead. Kei is a young black man who was abused by his step father during his childhood. One may ask, “How bad of a situation was it?”. The answer is “So bad, Kei and his siblings were taken from their mother and step father and placed in foster care”. Somehow, Kei Harris has had the wherewithal to survive a very difficult situation and provide leadership for his younger siblings.

I had the opportunity to work with Kei as his football coach during Kei's 12 grade season. From the outset, I was terribly impressed with this young man. Kei is a somewhat gifted athlete and academic student. Kei handled himself well among adults, was thoughtful and sensitive to others, and more importantly, served as a role model for his younger siblings.

During the season, I took Kei and his 8th grade brother to dinner before one game. During dinner, I was talking to Kei about his mentor I had met earlier in the football season. I asked Kei about his relationship with the mentor and what role the mentor played in Kei's life. Kei explained his mentor was like a counselor, caretaker, advisor, confidant. Kei's 8th grade brother listened to Kei's answers intently. I realized I didn't know if the young sibling of Kei had a mentor as Kei does, so I asked. The young brother said very proudly, “Kei is my mentor. I try to do what he wants me to do. He has been very good to me”.

Kei Harris was one of the leaders on the field for La Joya this season. Kei played both offense and defense. Kei was the second leading rusher and leading tackler for a team that played in one of the toughest leagues in all of Arizona. The players and coaches alike, looked to Kei for a positive performance each and every night, whether it was practice or game.

Kei Harris is also in the Jobs for Arizona Graduates (JAG) class. This class performs community service projects in the community as well as provide support for students who are interested in employment after graduation. Kei's enrollment and participation in the class has actually caused many students to enroll in the class and to willingly participate in the projects the JAG class performs.

I cannot give justice to the quality of this young man, who is so deserving of your award, by writing more about Kei Harris' trials and tribulation of life and his successes. I can only say, if one were to meet this young man and have the opportunity to get to know him as I and the people he has touched at La Joya Community High School, there is no doubt in my mind the committee would award the Rudy award to Kei Harris.

• Student overcomes abuse to rise above