Luke is a strong-willed and funny 9-year-old who loves to make people laugh and give out hugs—sometimes even to a whole room of strangers! He thrives on encouragement and being part of a team, whether it’s at the pool getting kids to chant, “let’s go Luke!” before he jumps, or running through a tunnel of fans at flag football. Athletic and full of energy, Luke would play sports all day if he could, and he loves the feeling of being celebrated for his efforts.
At school, Luke spends time both with his peers and in his intervention classroom. While speech can be a challenge, he always finds creative ways to communicate—often turning it into a fun game of charades. His classmates love him, and he proudly celebrates World Down Syndrome Day each year to spread awareness and acceptance. Luke has a big heart, and his teachers say he has a way of making every day brighter for those around him.
Luke is also incredibly brave. After losing his older sister at a young age, and recently learning he has a mild blood disorder, he continues to face life with resilience and positivity. He likes to remind people just how tough he is, and he never backs down from a challenge. Luke never sees his disability as a limitation—he sees it as a part of who he is, and he’s proud of it. His family has always encouraged him to chase his dreams, and Luke believes he is capable of doing anything he sets his mind to.
More than anything, Luke loves Michigan sports—especially football. He cheers loudly, swings his Michigan towel during touchdowns, and proudly wears his maize and blue in the middle of Buckeye country. Meeting the Michigan team (especially QB Bryce Underwood) and coaches, giving high fives, and joining the players in a huddle would be a dream come true for Luke, who lives for the energy of the game and the joy of being part of a team.
