Garnet Valley's Andrew Thomas Named Finalist for High School Rudy Award

by Jeff Fisher
Pennsylvania High School Football Huddle

Andrew Thomas, Garnet Valley's team captain and team MVP, is one of twelve finalists for this year's High School Rudy Awards.

Here's Andrew's story from the organization's website:

Andrew Thomas is Team Captain, Team MVP, and First-Team All League Defensive Lineman for the Garnet Valley Jaguars. He is also an excellent student, despite having Attention Deficit Disorder, spending countless hours volunteering as a youth mentor and historical society preservationist, and having to devote a lot of time to providing for his family. Andrew and his family have had to endure a number of challenges that would tear a lesser family apart. A few years ago, Andrew’s two year old brother was struck by a car in front of the family’s home. Andrew played the role of counselor, helping his siblings cope with the accident, while giving support to his little brother during the recovery process. Two years ago, Andrew’s father was laid off from his job of thirteen years. To help his parents make up the difference, Andrew established a lawn care business that, after just two months in operation, was grossing more than $1,000 per month.


His father found work again in May of 2011, but his employment was in distant Hawaii. Without their father at home, Andrew took on the role of man of the house. Just two weeks after his father’s departure, his mother suffered a debilitating stroke. Because their father could not fly home immediately, Andrew was left as the caretaker for his siblings. Recently, the family’s landlord defaulted on his mortgage, and the family was forced to find a new home.


Throughout all of this, Andrew remains as his family’s rock. “Andrew rarely complains, and reminds us to look at the positive side of things,” said Richard Thomas, Andrew’s father.” He lives by the motto of his football team, ‘Oneness, Selflessness, Hard Work and Character.’ I am so proud to say I am part of Andrew Thomas’ life.”.

To learn about all twelve finalists and vote for your favorite, go to www.highschoolrudyawards.com.

Thursday night at 6PM Eastern Time, Byron Jenson of the the High School Rudy Awards will be a guest on the NHSCA Sports Hour to talk about all of the finalists.

Click here to listen.