Senior Spotlight Raceland-Worthington High School Garrison Edward Stephens

Senior Spotlight Raceland-Worthington High School

Garrison Edward Stephens

Jarrod E. Stephens

The Ashland Beacon

“Nothing is certain except death and taxes,” is a quote that is attributed to Benjamin Franklin. I would like to however add another item to the list. “Kids grow up way too fast.” Evidence of this is all around us as senior classes don their caps and gowns to be recognized as the graduating class of 2025.

The word “fast” can certainly be used to describe one Raceland graduate, Garrison Stephens, and his hard work and positive attitude have helped him succeed in everything that he has pursued.

When most kids learn to walk, Garrison’s papaw said, “He never learned to walk. He only learned to run.” He ran and jumped everywhere, no matter if it was across the room or across the yard.

Garrison has attended Raceland since kindergarten and aside from having a stellar academic record, he’s also been involved in sports. Sports have always been a huge part of Garrison’s life. Baseball, basketball, archery and track each shaped his competitive spirit.

After a season-ending track injury sidelined Garrison at his first track meet of his sophomore year, he had a lot of unfinished business. While the road to recovery was long and irritating, it did give him time to cheer for his teammates as their season continued.

When asked what pushed him, Garrison said he had a lot of encouragement from his track coach and teacher Randy Helton. “Mr. Helton, or Coach Helton, is a social studies teacher and my track coach. I had him in 8th-grade social studies, and he’s been my track coach for 5 years and has always been there for me. He is very talkative, and if you see him in the hallway, you'd better be prepared to miss a few more minutes of class than expected. He truly cares about your well-being and especially being on his track team if I’m not feeling the greatest and something is hurting, he trusts me and knows I’m not a quitter so he believes me when I say I can’t run a race or am not feeling right. I know he helped me succeed in and outside of the classroom with his kindness and energy.”

When his junior season rolled around Garrison picked up where he left off. He finished the season with a personal best long jump of 19 feet 1 inch. In hurdles he finished fourth in his region and personal best 16.76 seconds at the State Class A meet.

Garrison enjoys being creative and building. Part of that creativity was fostered by his Technology Education teacher. “Mr. Pennington is my Tech-ed teacher and is over our Technological Student Association. I was first able to join his Tech-ed class in the 8th grade, and I have loved it ever since. He has taught me very useful skills to use in the workshop and classroom. He has allowed me to be creative and use the skills he taught us to build projects and also 3D print things we like. He has always been nice to me (mainly because I have always paid attention and didn’t goof off as much as the other kids in his class). He was a Great teacher, and he helped me succeed by using his class as a way for us to build and have fun while at school.”

When not in school Garrison loves hunting, fishing, collecting and selling sports cards, play guitar and singing in church.

With high school almost in his rearview, Garrison plans to continue allowing sports to play a major role in his future. He finished 5th in his graduating class with a 4.17 GPA and plans to pursue a degree in Sports Administration and/or Sports Communication. Garrison will be attending Ashland Community and Technical College in the fall where he will finish his associate’s degree in one year. He will then transfer to a four-year university.

However, I must say, aside from all the sporting and academic successes that he’s had, to me, the most impressive part of his young life has been his character and devotion to God. Garrison has proven time and again that when you doubt him, he will make you look silly. How do I know this? Well, I’m his dad and I’m eternally grateful for the opportunity to have seen him grow into an awesome young man.

When asked what he sees in his future, Garrison replied, “I see myself using the education and skills I learned through college and internships to make me successful in the job the Lord places me in.” 

Congratulations Garrison on all your achievements and we look forward to seeing what God has in store for you.