Samson, Courageous Kids Contest U.S. Marine Corps Winner
April 7, 2024
Samson, 16, was selected as OMK's Courageous Kids Contest winner in the U.S. Marine Corps category! Samson is the child of a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran in treatment for combat-related injuries.
"My son's journey alongside our family during my husband's PTSD treatment has been nothing short of remarkable," his mother told OMK. "His courage, strength, and resilience have shone brightly, even in the face of adversity.
My son’s unwavering support and willingness to stand by our side during this challenging time demonstrates immense courage. He has faced the complexities of my husbands treatment head-on, showing bravery beyond his years.
In supporting his Dad, our son has not only displayed these qualities but also contributed significantly to his healing process. His love, compassion, and unwavering presence have been invaluable. Together, we all navigate this path, and I have no doubt that his strength will continue to uplift not only his Dad but our entire family.
Samson has stood out in 3 major areas:
All Star Athlete: Samson has been nominated amongst his teammates to be a Captain (as a 10th grader) of his Cross Country and Track and Field teams. Samson exhibited remarkable leadership on and off the field as he contributed to the success of his teams becoming League Champs back to back.
His ability to motivate and inspire teammates is truly commendable. Whether it’s pushing through grueling workouts or encouraging others during practice and in races, Samson consistently leads by example. His passion for sports and dedication to His team makes him an invaluable asset to our school’s athletic program.
Inspiring Academic: Samson is not only an outstanding athlete but also an exceptional student. With a remarkable GPA of 4.2, he has consistently excelled in his studies. His commitment to academic excellence is evident in his participation in Advanced Placement Courses (AP) since 9th grade.
Outstanding Citizen: What truly sets Samson apart is his selfless commitment to helping others. In his free time, he has volunteered countless hours through the nonprofit "I am a Promise Books" initiative which collects, organizes and prepares donated books and journals for children at local SAFE Family Justice Centers.
These centers provide advocacy and support services to children who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, as well as other services for youth who are at risk. His empathy, kindness, and genuine concern for others is who Samson is at school, with classmates and teammates, and no matter where he is, because it is who he is.
His passion for sports and dedication to His team makes him an invaluable asset to our school’s athletic program. We are so thankful and grateful for the Our Military Kids Grant as it has been a joyful lifeline for him."
Q&A with Samson
What are your favorite after-school activities? What do you love about them?
My favorite after-school activities are my cross country and track practices because I enjoy running; it is one of my favorite things to do.
To you, what does it mean to be a military kid?
To me, being a military kid is acknowledging that my Dad dedicated a large portion of his life in the military while sacrificing his time, health and even his life for our country.
Do you have any advice to other kids with a Veteran parent?
I would advise other children of veterans to cherish the moments they have with their veteran parents. Veterans often spend significant time away from home, and they truly value the time spent with their family. What may seem like a small gesture can mean the world to them.
What do you want to be when you get older?
As I grow older, my ambition is to become an architect, having been inspired by various building styles throughout my life. I am eager to channel my creativity and blend my artistic and engineering talents to create stunning architectural designs. Moreover, I aspire to be a marathon runner who explores the world.
