Don’t wait for people to be friendly, show them how. (Unknown)

When a gal finds herself with yet another high school freshman boy living in her home (in fact the third and final freshman in our family) one quickly remembers that on the “social” spectrum in life, there’s really not a lower spot on which to be located. Being a ninth grade boy can be a tad rough in spots, and there is simply no way to avoid the awkward. Thankfully, it’s quite temporary! However, this is why I am trying in an intentional way this year to highlight some of these terrific young men, lest they forget how amazing they are. Today, I’d like to introduce you to the handsome and very sunny Jacob Modleski! He’s pictured, above left, with his friend and fellow OLMC grad, Bryce Kreiner.

Jake is a 9th grader at Guerin Catholic High School. As I understand it, this phenomenal kiddo is attempting to take on three sports this year for the Golden Eagles. Since he’s both athletic and quite bright, I feel like the kid has a fair chance to accomplish this task and be successful at soccer, basketball and golf too!!

Outgoing, intelligent and funny, Jake is a friendly young man. In fact, a mutual friend, Claudine Kreiner, shared with me this afternoon that two of her boys consider Jacob to be another older brother, so gifted and welcoming is he with younger children. Also, as uncool as I tend to be trying to force 15 year-olds to have awkward conversations with me, Jacob has several times humored me just long enough that I have been able to discern that he is a very articulate boy. He is impossible to miss, because he just shines!

A goalie for the Freshman and JV soccer teams this fall, Jake has become remarkably successful at the sport in rather fast fashion. This, I assume, is largely due to his fast feet, great hands and plenty of competitive fire. He loves to fish, and the kid knows how to strike a golf ball! He’s been both helpful and encouraging in this sport to our Zach who is a less experienced, but enthusiastic golfer.

Jake is the son of Matt and Dianne Modleski and he has an older brother, Keaton, who graduated from GCHS last spring. Jake, I just wanted to take a moment today to let you know that I’ve been keeping my eye on you for a couple years now and it’s become very apparent to me that you are a fantastic young man, full of character and integrity. As a team mate, you’re top notch too. I love, love, love how you always keep things positive, loose and how you cheer loudly for the guys around you! Keep up the good work, kid…and GO GOLDEN EAGLES!!