From Troubled to Triumphant
As a quiet, awkward 16-year-old boy, Michael was an easy target for school bullies — they assaulted him on the bus, stole his CDs and Walkman, and generally made life miserable. Everything changed for Michael when the ViaQuest Foundation’s PGA professional Derek Kinzer enrolled him in the Golf & Life Skills program. Throughout the snowy winter months, Derek and Michael practiced the basics in Michael’s living room to get ready for the greens in time for spring. He was a natural and quickly fell in love with the sport. Just 18 short months after putting in his living room, Michael competed in the regional Special Olympics and won a gold medal. This qualified him for state level, where he also captured the gold. A year later, Michael repeated the feat.
In just three short years, Michael went from a troubled teen to a self-assured and successful young man with a special talent. Last spring, Michael obtained his greatest prize, his high school diploma. On the heels of this great accomplishment, Michael is gainfully employed, has moved out of his group home and now resides in an independent living facility.