By Jorden Snow
Rapidonian
Big Rapids HS
1st Place Division 4, Yearbook Verbal
Personality Profile
JUDGING CRITERIA
- Clear, relevant, engaging angle that makes story worthy of inclusion
- Solid lead that draws reader into story
- Meaningful student quotes that enrich story and reflect effective interviewing
- Evidence of adequate research
- Story goes beyond superficial coverage to give a total perspective and feel for the subject
- Adheres to rules of good journalism including: short paragraphs, effective transitions and use of active voice, freedom from editorial comment, careful editing and proofreading to eliminate mechanical errors, correct use of grammar
Sophomore Jorden Snow knows you don’t have to wear a cape or chase villains to be a hero. Mainly because her hero could be described as the opposite. With mud stained jeans, a scruffy face, calloused hands, and a bit of a farmer’s tan, Jorden’s dad Brian is her hero. “A lot of people may not look at my dad and think of a super hero, but he makes me want to follow in his footsteps, and in my opinion that is the definition of a hero.” Her dad Brian, is a hero to her because he wants her to live her life to the fullest and to try new things. From teaching her life lessons, to flying through mud puddles in their buggies, he has made an impact on her life. That middle aged, hard working redneck (as she put it), has became the person she looks up to. “He has taught me to love having fun and to send it,” said Jorden. “Send it could mean many things. In the dune buggy world it means to go full throttle, put the petal to the metal, and just go for it. I apply it to my life as going after what you want and never slowing down–to push yourself past your comfort zone.” Jorden has gone on countless trips with her hero and has made millions of memories. They go riding trails in the top of the mitten and get to experience things that most people don’t get the chance to. “We get to see elk, bear, and countless wildlife when going through trails. We’ll always try to find gravel pits to go in circles in. We go as fast as the wind can take us.” While the adventures are part of the fun, Jorden also notices how her father treats other people and tries his hardest to provide for his family, all while trying to make it fun. It is a heroic quality that she admires in him. “I think the more time I spend with him, the more of a hero he becomes to me, and the more I want to do what he does.” Jorden has helped build the buggies they ride in and during those times her father taught her many valuable lessons. One of the most important to her was to go out on a limb and try new things. “Your hero can be anyone you want it to be. Mine is my dad,” Jorden said.