teen spotlight photography by Brooke Glassford / Colorbox Photography
stats
17 , Senior at Prattville Christian Academy
notable
National Honor Society 2022 PCA Barnabas Award Winner Jr . Civitan Club Chaplain 2022 Boys State Delegate Selected for 13 College Honor Bands
quotable
" I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength ." - Philippians 4:13
Andrew Minton
Prattville Christian Academy his story
Andrew ' s favorite thing about attending PCA is the Christianled environment and the opportunity to grow as a Christian and a leader . Andrew is very involved at PCA . He is in the advanced and marching band , serves as a School Ambassador , and is on the Chapel Leadership ' s Team . He shared , “ Most people know I have Autism but don ' t know that my parents were told I would probably never be in a regular school or be able to live on my own .” He encourages incoming freshmen to “ focus on school and what you want to do and who you want to be . Don ' t let other people influence you negatively . You don ' t have to follow the crowd . It ' s okay to be the band kid !”
what ’ s next
Andrew wants to major in mathematics and possibly pursue a career in sports statistics . He shared , “ In my personal time , I keep up with various sports ' statistics , and it ' s something I ' d enjoy doing on a professional level .”
PG ( parental guidance ) rating
He shared “ My parents have always encouraged me not to give up no matter how hard things were for me , especially being Autistic . They ' ve always pushed me to do my best and taught me that nothing is more important than my relationship with God . My mom used to always tell us before school , "' You are fearfully and wonderfully made , and God doesn ' t make any junk . Remember who you are and whose you are .'" parents ’ perspective
Andrew ’ s parents , Jon and Lauren Minton , shared , “ We admire his heart and his desire to want to do the right thing . From the time he was little , he has always put others first . He ' s taught us more about how to treat others than we feel we have taught him . He has fought to be normal in front of others , but he ' s also embraced who he is and has never been embarrassed to share his story .”
parent-to-parent
Jon and Lauren Minton had this advice for other parents : “ Support your child in their wishes and dreams . Each child has their own unique abilities and perhaps disabilities . What we as parents may see for them isn ' t always what they want or are meant to do ."
Teen Spotlights are eligible for a $ 500 Scholarship - Nomination forms at www . potentialmagazine . com / spotlights
L22 | Winter 2022 www . potentialmagazine . com