Persevering Through Adversity

            Adam “Duffy” Dunson has been a student at Worthington Christian since the 8^th grade. Before coming to WC, he attended Polaris Christian Academy with classmates Tommy Anthony, Anna Schwartz, and Blessing King.  Since transferring to Worthington Christian, Dunson has made friendships that will “endure a lifetime”. He is beloved by classmates for his energetic personality and contagious laugh. Although he is extremely friendly and outgoing, he is the toughest person I have met.

            Growing up, Dunson developed a passion for football. While he excelled at other sports, his passion for football remained. However, his mother, Nikki, and father, Rikki, did not want him to play. This is because Rikki broke his neck in a freak football accident at age 15. He was a star athlete. This tragedy left him wheelchair-bound for the remainder of his life.  Rikki instilled the integrity and grit that Adam bears today. He encouraged and loved Dunson more than anyone. After his father’s passing, Dunson’s desire for football grew even stronger. He persevered through a heartbreaking tragedy and strived to make Rikki proud. His mother Nikki finally had leniency and agreed that Rikki would want Dunson to play. At the beginning of his Junior year, Dunson’s football journey began and soon earned a scholarship to play football for Indiana Wesleyan University.

The biggest influence on Dunson’s life has been his mom, Nikki. Her support for him throughout the years has been tremendous. She has shown him what Christ is like, and how to incorporate Christianity into everyday life. Nikki’s love for Christ and others radiates onto anyone that talks to her. Another influence recently on Dunson’s life has been select families in the Worthington Christian community. Their support and love for Dunson have positively impacted his life in countless ways.

Dunson’s advice for underclassmen is to be yourself. “There are going to be people who don’t appreciate you”, Dunson advised. “You just have to be yourself and live for God”. Dunson has already been pouring into the younger generation. He is extremely outgoing towards kids who may not feel seen or loved. He shows them what toughness and perseverance looks like on the field and in the classroom. His impact on the middle schoolers and underclassmen at Worthington Christian is admirable and Christlike.

~ Tommy Anthony