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Never Giving Up

Every school, every class has a different definition of what makes a great class president.

Whether its charisma, intelligence, athleticism, popularity, artistry, or just an amazing sense of humor, there is always something that makes a class’ leader stand out.

Zach Pickett is a junior class president that not only embodies many of these characteristics, but one that knows what it means to persevere – to always fight – and to no matter what, try and beat the odds.

Zach is the youngest of the Pickett’s three boys. He is an athlete, an excellent student, and a dedicated member of his community. Like many children, growing up in Northern California, Zach is a swimmer. His summers always meant meets, water polo matches, lifeguarding at his community lake, and soaking up the sun.

On a typical day last summer, at the age of 16, Zach dove into the lake in a spot where it was little too shallow. He hit the sand hard and broke his neck.

“Zach couldn’t move from the neck down,” remembers Judy, Zach’s mother. “We didn’t know if or how he would heal”

From the ICU, he was transferred to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital in Sacramento, more than an hour away from home for the Pickett family. There, for eight weeks, Zach fought to gain strength and heal. There, the Picketts were introduced to the Ronald McDonald House – their home away from home.

“I knew about the Ronald McDonald House. But I didn’t know it,” said Judy. “We were offered a room at the House in Sacramento, just steps from where our son was, so at least one of us could always be by Zach’s side. It was a roof over our heads – it was pure convenience – but it was so much more. It was where we belonged – where all the chaos and turmoil that we were facing was mitigated by the care, concern and love felt everywhere in that House.”

When Zach was released to start out-patient care, the family was able to move into one of the complex’s apartments, which was wheel chair accessible and comfortable for Zach, given his new disabilities.

“At the House and in our apartment, everything was just there for us – stocked cupboards, shampoo and soap, laundry machines, even 25 cent Cokes. All the little things were taken care of, so we could take care of the one thing that mattered most, Zach. And in the apartment, I had my own kitchen, I can’t tell you what it meant to cook again and have the food that Zach had missed. He had lost a lot of weight in the hospital and being able to make him his favorite dinners helped him gain the strength he needed to keep getting better.”

Now, back at home, Zach continues to get better. He is back in the pool, swimming like a champion. In fact, he recently qualified for the Paralympics trials.

“There’s no point in feeling sorry for myself,” says Zach. “It was an accident. Sure, I’m not the same. But I’m never giving up. Whatever life demands, I will get it done. This summer, I’ll start driving. I’m back to racing in the pool. Someday, I’ll walk on my own. And I’ll always be there to lend a hand throughout my community.”

When Zach ran for class president this fall, the vote was nearly unanimous. He is the kind of leader that anyone would look up to. He is the kind of person that his classmates aspire to be.

Comments (4)|(Hide)

  • Eugene S.
    vq

    25/05/2013 4:05pm

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  • Rosie
    msi

    21/05/2013 7:16am

    |

  • Jorge L. Ayala Walker

    08/05/2013 8:53am

    This kid and his family shows her how to deal with life and if bad things happens never give up.

  • Jorge L. Ayala Walker

    08/05/2013 8:52am

    This kid and his family shows her how to deal with life and if bad things happens never give up.

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