Tory Squires came late to football. He spent the earlier part of his life just trying to survive. He lived in shelters, and with a parent who struggled with drug addiction. Bouncing from school to school, from one state to another and back again, Tory never enjoyed the stable home foundation that young people need to discover their abilities and interests, let alone develop them. Much of his upbringing occurred on some of the hardest streets of Chicago’s South Side. Many people he knew did not make it. He saw peers turn to the most destructive influences of the street—drugs, crime, and gangs.

Finally, at age 13, Tory came to Chicago’s Mercy Home for Boys & Girls. With this more consistent and supportive environment, the true gifts that this young man possesses have become evident—particularly, his love and his amazing aptitude for the game of football. Today, Tory is flourishing with the solid academic, athletic and spiritual direction he receives at Chicago’s Gordon Tech Catholic High School. And, he utilizes his tutors and study time back at Mercy Home to support his success in the classroom, allowing him to follow his passion for football.

On the football field, Tory has made up for lost time, turning heads with his abilities, and earning a reputation for his unwavering focus and determination. Tory’s tremendous talent is also supported by the enormity of his character. He has a great head on his shoulders. And as he does on the field, Tory never sits out a play, never quits in the pursuit of his goals.

Mercy Home looks forward to big things from this very special young man in the years to come. And so on behalf of his entire Mercy Home family, I proudly support the nomination of Tory Squires for the 2009 High School Football Rudy Award.

Thank you for your consideration.

Blessings,

Rev. L. Scott Donahue
President & CEO
Mercy Home for Boys & Girls

• Overcoming the odds
• Gordon Tech's Tory Squires has seen a lot in his short life.