Driscoll 'family' built fine young man

My son, Andrew, started out at Driscoll High School pretty much a mediocre soccer player. To be quite honest, I did not know the kid could run. When he was younger, he would play goalie and stay in the box or he would be out on the field playing traffic cop, directing teammates to the ball. The small-school environment gave him opportunities that a large school may not have afforded him. Just the other day, he signed his national letter of intent for St. Ambrose University men's soccer program. He runs track for Driscoll to stay in shape and amazes me when he "places."

Academically, Andrew struggled very much with math in grade school, and through diligence and hard work, he was inspired by his teachers' willingness to help him. He is now in the honors math program. The spirit and willingness of the faculty to go out of the way to help kids excel is amazing. Many kids at Driscoll need the small class size and individualized attention that may not happen in the large school environment. Last year, Driscoll sent every single graduate off to college.

Andrew publicly acknowledges soccer coach Enrique Mendoza, who has helped him become the person and player he is today, his teachers who have inspired him to be a diligent student. Thank goodness for the academic mission that Principal Fred Muehleman supports each day. The campus ministry and Laraine Parker have helped him grow spiritually to respect others and be grateful each day to his God.

Driscoll may be known as a football powerhouse, but there are many unsung stories on campus that may fall silent come fall. We believe in the Driscoll experience and hope and pray each day that we can continue its academic and athletic tradition. Each day my son amazes me, I am so proud of him and grateful to the Driscoll family for fashioning him into a fine, young man.

Susan Strickland

Glendale Heights