Announcing the 2025 “Steer Your Future” Scholarship Winner

A Story of Tragedy, Strength, and Triumph

In August 2022, Tucker had just finished his sophomore year of basketball and was working tirelessly to become a starter for the next season. He had earned his driver’s license and his first truck — a proud milestone for any teen. But his life changed forever on the way home from a championship game when he was struck by a speeding drunk driver.

The crash was devastating. His two best friends, who witnessed the wreck, called 911. Thanks to his seatbelt and airbag, Tucker survived — but just barely. He was airlifted to Arkansas Children’s Hospital with internal bleeding, a collapsed lung, a fractured femur and ankle, several fractured vertebrae, and a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

In the hospital, Tucker couldn’t communicate. He couldn’t sleep. He could only blink. For weeks, he remained unresponsive, and even after beginning intensive therapy, his progress was agonizingly slow. Doctors feared that he might never fully recover — even suggesting he could permanently lose the ability to understand spoken language.

But Tucker and his family never gave up.

One moment changed everything: when his mother asked him to press the number 2 on her phone if he understood her, he pressed it — again and again. That flicker of recognition was the beginning of a long, grueling comeback.

A Community Behind Him — And a Bright Future Ahead

From relearning how to sit up, walk, and even spin a basketball, Tucker made small but meaningful gains every day. He was eventually released from the hospital to a hero’s welcome — his entire community gathered to celebrate his return home.

Recovery didn’t stop there. Tucker began outpatient therapy just days after discharge, traveling two hours round trip four days a week, plus one in-home session weekly. He returned to school, unable to play sports but actively supporting and managing his basketball team.

Now, two years later, Tucker is working, driving independently, and preparing to attend college. While he doesn’t often talk about the daily challenges he still faces, he has bravely chosen to share his story through this scholarship platform — in his words, it is only by the grace of God that he is here today.

Why This Story Matters

Tucker’s story is not just one of resilience — it’s a sobering reminder of the irreversible damage caused by one terrible decision: drinking and driving. His life, his family, and his entire community were forever changed because someone got behind the wheel impaired.

These are the stories that matter — and that need to be heard. They shine a light on the human cost of impaired driving and the strength it takes to rise in the aftermath.

We are incredibly honored to share Tucker’s story as this year’s scholarship recipient. His courage, determination, and grace under unimaginable circumstances are an inspiration to us all. We know he will continue to defy expectations and achieve great things, and we are so proud to play a small part in helping him steer his future.