Belief in a higher power and help from others propelled 2021 Georgetown High School graduate Avery Brooks to soar to new heights.
Avery, a star athlete, says a juvenile arthritis diagnosis at age z4 combined with the discipline required to manage her disease helped her develop a focused approach to life. Nurtured in faith at First Baptist Georgetown, she learned to keep her priorities straight and, as a result of her hard work, she is enjoying generous academic and athletic scholarships as a freshman at the University of Kansas.
Her parents, Jon Brooks, a custom homebuilder, and Michelle Brooks, a teacher at Village Elementary School, instilled in her the values of hard work and perseverance. And, no excuses, Avery says.
Every three months, for much of her life, she traveled to the Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas for treatments. Now too old to be a patient at the children’s facility, Avery manages her disease through diet, sleep, and bi-monthly injections.
Raising the bar
Seeing and being treated by such caring health providers set her course for the future. She is majoring in exercise science with plans to become a pediatric physician’s assistant so she can encourage other children and young people to pursue their dreams despite health challenges. “I feel so grateful to have been poured into by my family, friends, coaches, and the staff at Scottish Rite Hospital,” she says.” The least I can do is give to others the same encouragement, support, joy, and hope they all instilled in me.”
A strong landing
Pole vaulting came about by accident—literally. In the seventh grade, while participating in competitive cheerleading, Avery fractured her pelvic bone. A friend who turned to pole vaulting after a similar cheer accident encouraged Avery to give it a try.
With her trademark infectious smile, Avery says pole vaulters are adrenaline junkies by nature.
While the vault takes mere seconds, time seems to slow with the turn she makes going over the bar, folding her body into a V shape so she sees the horizontal pole and mat below and then falling backwards onto the mat.
As a senior at GHS, she set a school record with a 12’9” jump and won the silver medal in state competition. Her highest vault to date is 13 feet.
Giving thanks
Avery is quick to give credit for her success and outlook on life to mentors like Benold Middle School Coach Nicole Coronado Zavala and Georgetown High School Coach Andrew Braun.
“What sets her apart from others,” says coach Zavala,”is her passion and discipline for not only being the hardest working student and athlete, but being the best individual she could possibly be. Avery works hard and grows in all she does whether it be school work, athletics, or as a person.”
Avery says Coach Zavala in particular encouraged her to seek a higher purpose for her life—a message she still takes to heart.
“I glorify the Lord in everything I do,” Avery affirms. Reading the Bible every morning during the wait for her event at track meets is among the rituals likely to help this inspiring young athlete soar to ever greater heights.