CLICK HERE
to invest in
our students!
SUA’s Quarterback—
Setting a Legacy in Motion
of each player to
spend time and
develop friendships
with the students
has confirmed
Cameron Morrah have
Deon Butler, Craig Campbell and
of SUA
ents
stud
the
with
Campbell’s instincts
ns
rnoo
afte
invested many
about serving.
“Forcing someone to
invest will never work. It needs to be
eattle Urban Academy’s longsomething a person desires to do.”
standing relationship with
Campbell-Nelson co-owner
Campbell’s insight, commitment,
Craig Campbell has advanced the
and faith are infectious. In his
mission of SUA. Through Campbell’s
humility, Campbell would deny any
involvement, new relationships and
mentorship role, but his relationship
partnerships have been continuously
with the players throughout the years
cultivated, and the news of SUA’s
is impacting their lives in a real way.
good work is spreading.
The young men admire Campbell’s
commitment to SUA and respect his
One such partnership, with the
faith. Butler reflects, “This time here
Seattle Seahawks, began in 2008
at SUA has been big for me, helping
with newly drafted Cornerback, Josh
me re-focus and bringing me back
Wilson. Wilson became a fast friend
to a realization I first had during my
and supporter of SUA, and over the
time at Penn State—that this life isn’t
years he and Campbell connected
about me. I am just a part of God’s
with additional players—including
bigger plan.” Morrah also explained
Butler and Morrah—introducing them
the significance of SUA to him. “The
to the work of SUA. The eagerness
faith emphasis makes the work of
S
SUA that much more appealing
to me. It has been good to be
surrounded by the SUA community.”
The mentoring doesn’t stop there.
Students feel valued and are
inspired to do well. One junior states,
“Knowing I have someone here
wanting me to do well makes me
want to do well myself. I know they
[Deon and Cameron] will be back to
check on me and that is motivating!”
One individual saw an opportunity
to inspire others. Because Craig
Campbell invited these pro athletes
into the lives of SUA students, bonds
of friendship have been forged.
God worked in the lives of the
players and students to create the
relationships that exist today. Through
these relationships the students are
understanding the importance of
mentorship and are inspired to be
good role models to those looking up
to them in their own lives. A legacy
of investment has begun. 
Yes, I want to be a part of a winning team with sua!
CLICK HERE
to invest in
our students!
 $2,500  $1,000  $500
 $250
 Other:$
(To make this a monthly gift to SUA, complete the form on the back.)
 I’d like to become an SUA prayer partner.
Email address: Make checks payable to:
19303 Fremont Ave North, MS #15
Seattle, WA 98133
UUANEWSL0112 UUAGNP000
6
Thank you. Your gift to Seattle Urban Academy is tax-deductible as allowed by law, and you will receive a receipt.
urbanvoice
2011-12 academic YEAr
winter EDITION
OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF SEATTLE URBAN ACADEMY
Seahawks and SUA—A Winning Team
I
t was fall 2010 and Deon Butler, Wide Receiver
for the Seattle Seahawks (pictured at right),
took his first steps inside the doors of Seattle
Urban Academy.
Photo courtesy of Seattle Seahaw
ks
As each head turned and the room quieted, he
was immediately aware of the power he has
as a professional athlete. As inadvertent as that
granted power may be, Butler made a decision
to be responsible with it—and committed to
building friendships with the students of SUA
(Learn more about Butler’s introduction to SUA
on page 6).
Shortly after, Tight End Cameron Morrah joined
Butler for his frequent visits with the students.
The relationships began by sitting in class and
helping with school work in any way they could,
whether by assisting with taking notes, outlining,
planning for projects, or simply helping students
stay on task.
As Butler and Morrah were consistently present, students
began to trust them. What started as classroom help,
progressed to friendship and in many cases, mentorship.
Morrah and Butler have earned the right to be heard;
students trust their new friends and are willing—even
eager—to heed their advice.
For Butler, time at SUA is not about community service or any
other formality, but instead about personal passion. “After
getting to know these kids and hearing what they deal with
on a daily basis, it is upsetting to me, and I want to do what
I can—even if I am just one piece of the puzzle. I feel
honored to help.”
(continued on page 2)
Deon Butler giving his all on
the field and with our students
(continued from page 1)
Photo courtesy of Seattle Seahaw
In the world of professional sports, time off is a coveted rarity; so
when Butler and Morrah spend their one free day a week with SUA
students, it is clear that they are exactly where they want to be.
“Spending time here at SUA is the best part of my off day—I love
hanging with these students,” says Morrah.
ks
In the subsequent months, Butler and Morrah held events to bring
together students with other players on their team. At one recent
event, Running Back Marshawn Lynch saw for himself that the
bond Butler and Morrah share with the students is real.
At practice the following week Lynch expressed to Butler,
“I see now that you guys really know and care about
the kids.”
As that bond continues to grow, the players look for new
ways to help. Butler sees an opportunity to help SUA
students understand the importance of having a goal
and then making a plan to achieve it. “In many ways we
aren’t that different from the students. We are in a similar
age group and have certainly made bad decisions at
times in our lives. It is great to share what we’ve learned
along the way.” Morrah agrees and adds the importance
of being transparent. “We don’t sugarcoat our stories
either—it is better to be straight-up and honest.”
Cameron Morrah
making a
difference both on
and off the field
I want to do what I
SUA is thankful for this unique and powerful partnership with professional
athletes and the deliberate care of our community at large who invest in
the lives of our students. 
can—even if I am
just one piece of
the puzzle. I feel
honored to help.”
Students Inspired by Players’ Investment
T
he commitment and effort
of Seattle Seahawk football
players Cameron Morrah
and Deon Butler have not gone
unnoticed by SUA students.
Through their conversations, SUA
junior, Tashi, now trusts her “big
brothers” with her own story.
“Because they’ve shared their
stories with me, I now feel like they
can understand mine.”
Also impacted, DeVante, a junior,
feels that Butler and Morrah
showing up all the time means they
must really care. “I know they could
be anywhere else, but they choose
to be at SUA with me—that means
a lot, you know?”
Tila, SUA senior, adds her
thoughts. “It really is the perfect
situation because both Cameron
and Deon like to hang out and
have fun, but they will also crack
down on us and make sure we
get our work done.”
As the students share about
their friendships with Morrah
and Butler, their faces light up.
“To me, Cameron is like ‘Big Foot.’
But there is more to him than how
big he is. I’ve learned that he is
also a really nice guy—and a good
listener. He is SUA’s big hump of
love,” says Tila.
The students don’t have to look
twice to see a more serious side
though. “Cameron’s big thing is




URBAN VOICE is a free publication of
Seattle Urban Academy, located at
3800 S. Othello Street, Seattle, WA 98118
206.723.0333
2
 Seattle Urban Academy 2012
All rights reserved.
For a tour and site visit of Seattle Urban Academy, please contact
Justin Kawabori by email at [email protected]
or by phone at 206.289.7866
Tila quickly declares that for Deon
it is all about goals. “He wants to
make sure we set our goals in life
early on, so we know exactly what
we are working towards.” 
To establish a recurring giving plan through your bank, follow these steps:
1) Fill out the authorization form below; 2) Get a blank check and write VOID across it.
3) Send this authorization form and the voided check to Seattle Urban Academy.
I give my bank permission to transfer $___________from my checking account
on the  5th or  20th of each month.
account
Name on account
From front left
Fun Center event—
ilt at a recent Family
Ramel, Joelvon,
a,
sic
Jes
Relationships were bu
t,
set
sia, KayKay, Justin For
he
Ep
e,
nis
De
,
h,
ren
to right: Lau
Nate, Cameron Morra
Bill, Patrick Williams,
ler,
But
on
De
r,
in
ntie
Ms. Gra
Lockett, Doug Baldw
awn Lynch, Ricardo
Ben Obomanu, Marsh
education. He is always telling us to
make sure to go as far as we can in
our education,” says Tashi.
Your gift is very much appreciated and fully deductible as a charitable contribution. A copy of our latest financial report may be obtained by writing to Seattle Urban Academy, 19303 Fremont Avenue N., Seattle, WA 98133. If you are a
resident of one of these states, you may obtain financial information directly from the state agency: FLORIDA – A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE
DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, 1-800-435-7352 (800-HELP-FLA) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY
THE STATE. Florida Registration #CH5230. GEORGIA - A full and fair description of the programs of Seattle Urban Academy and our financial statement summary is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated
above. MARYLAND – For the cost of copies and postage, Office of the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 MISSISSIPPI – The organization’s official registration and financial information may be obtained from the
Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 1-888-236-6167. Registration by the Secretary of State does not imply endorsement. NEW JERSEY – INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS
CHARITABLE SOLICITATION AND THE PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE CHARITY DURING THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD THAT WERE DEDICATED TO THE CHARITABLE PURPOSE MAY
BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY BY CALLING (973) 504-6215 AND IS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/ocp.htm#charity. REGISTRATION
WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT. NEW YORK – Office of the Attorney General, Department of Law, Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271. NORTH CAROLINA – FINANCIAL
INFORMATION ABOUT THIS ORGANIZATION AND A COPY OF ITS LICENSE ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE STATE SOLICITATION LICENSING BRANCH AT 1-888-830-4989. THE LICENSE IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT
BY THE STATE. PENNSYLVANIA – The official registration and financial information of Seattle Urban Academy may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999.
Registration does not imply endorsement. VIRGINIA – Virginia State Office of Consumer Affairs, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services, PO Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218. WASHINGTON – Charities Division, Office of the
Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504-0422, 1-800-332-4483. WEST VIRGINIA – Residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV
25305. Registration with any of these state agencies does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by any state.
To give using your credit card, follow these steps:
1) Fill out the authorization form below;
2) Send this authorization form to Seattle Urban Academy.
I give Seattle Urban Academy permission to charge $___________from my:
— Deon Butler
Deon Butler (left) and Cameron
Morrah (right)
helping out in class
Bank name
Branch
Credit card
Expiration date
Bank address
Signature
Date
CityState
OR to give online, visit www.seattleurbanacademy.org/winning 
 Please make this a recurring gift
on the  5th or  20th of each month.
Please return this form in the enclosed envelope.
Zip
Account #Routing #
Name on account
SignatureDate
Remember to enclose your voided check that includes your
preprinted address (if not, write it by hand)
5
ANNOUNCING THE 2012 MIRACLE EVENT!
E
xciting things are happening at Seattle
Urban Academy, and momentum is
building for The Miracle Event, SUA’s
annual fundraiser.
If you attended the event last year, you
will recall the moving stories we heard from
the students themselves. This year’s event
promises to be even better!
Tuesday, May 8th, 2012
Benaroya Hall, Seattle
Our students are working on a creative
production based on the wonderful hymn, Amazing
Grace—understanding that we once were lost, but
now we’re found. You won’t want to miss it!
How can you participate?
SUA’s annual fundraiser raises nearly 30% of our
annual operating budget. We are therefore looking
for 30 leaders to help us raise $180,000 or more by
captaining tables of ten at a minimum of $5,000 per
table, and/or contributing as an event sponsor—
corporate or personal.
Your prayers and consideration are greatly
appreciated!
Interested in helping us raise these critical funds? Please contact
Justin Kawabori in Donor Relations at 206.289.7866 or
[email protected]
LEGACY OF INVESTMENT IN SUA’S DNA
SUA Executive Director, Sharon Okamoto, has invested in the lives of those
around her since she was a young girl. She would come home from school and
take time to teach her younger sisters what she had learned that day.
Not much has changed. Sharon continues to model a legacy of learning,
sharing, and inspiring others to grow as well. Through leaders, staff, community,
students and their families, Seattle Urban Academy is a place where investment
through relationship is foundational.
Sharon Okamoto
SUA desires to continue this legacy. There are many ways to make an impact.
Will you help by investing today to make a lasting difference?
3
NEW DIMENSION IN CAREER DEVELOPMENT
PROVIDES YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO INVEST
S
UA is excited to
welcome back Amy
Kendall-Timoll after
the birth of her baby!
Amy is eager to help
meet the additional math
requirement we shared with
you last November, as well as
expand our Career Development
Program. In the final quarter of this
school year, we will be launching
an exciting new dimension to SUA’s
career development.
In addition to our annual career
and job shadow days, there will
be mentoring opportunities for
professionals in fields of students’
interests.
SUA staff works to help
students identify their passion, set
goals, and then make plans on
how to achieve their goals. The
interests of students vary, and we
desire to find a mentor match for
each student’s unique interest.
Some student interests have already
been made known. Junior Eric
Hoto wants to start his own soccer
apparel business. His passion for
the game has provided the desire
and drive to succeed—now he
needs the expertise for the details
and “how-to’s.” Others aspire to be
Teachers, Cosmetologists, Health
Workers, Writers, Producers, Social
Workers, Entrepreneurs, Ministry
Workers and more.
Do you, or perhaps someone you
know, have skills or knowledge
which you’d consider sharing with
SUA students?
Please contact one of us for details:
Students enjoy
getting first-hand
mentoring in their
field of interest.
Justin Kawabori
CRISTA Donor Relations
206.289.7866
[email protected]
Amy Kendall-Timoll
[email protected]
4
(continued from page 1)
Photo courtesy of Seattle Seahaw
In the world of professional sports, time off is a coveted rarity; so
when Butler and Morrah spend their one free day a week with SUA
students, it is clear that they are exactly where they want to be.
“Spending time here at SUA is the best part of my off day—I love
hanging with these students,” says Morrah.
ks
In the subsequent months, Butler and Morrah held events to bring
together students with other players on their team. At one recent
event, Running Back Marshawn Lynch saw for himself that the
bond Butler and Morrah share with the students is real.
At practice the following week Lynch expressed to Butler,
“I see now that you guys really know and care about
the kids.”
As that bond continues to grow, the players look for new
ways to help. Butler sees an opportunity to help SUA
students understand the importance of having a goal
and then making a plan to achieve it. “In many ways we
aren’t that different from the students. We are in a similar
age group and have certainly made bad decisions at
times in our lives. It is great to share what we’ve learned
along the way.” Morrah agrees and adds the importance
of being transparent. “We don’t sugarcoat our stories
either—it is better to be straight-up and honest.”
Cameron Morrah
making a
difference both on
and off the field
I want to do what I
SUA is thankful for this unique and powerful partnership with professional
athletes and the deliberate care of our community at large who invest in
the lives of our students. 
can—even if I am
just one piece of
the puzzle. I feel
honored to help.”
Students Inspired by Players’ Investment
T
he commitment and effort
of Seattle Seahawk football
players Cameron Morrah
and Deon Butler have not gone
unnoticed by SUA students.
Through their conversations, SUA
junior, Tashi, now trusts her “big
brothers” with her own story.
“Because they’ve shared their
stories with me, I now feel like they
can understand mine.”
Also impacted, DeVante, a junior,
feels that Butler and Morrah
showing up all the time means they
must really care. “I know they could
be anywhere else, but they choose
to be at SUA with me—that means
a lot, you know?”
Tila, SUA senior, adds her
thoughts. “It really is the perfect
situation because both Cameron
and Deon like to hang out and
have fun, but they will also crack
down on us and make sure we
get our work done.”
As the students share about
their friendships with Morrah
and Butler, their faces light up.
“To me, Cameron is like ‘Big Foot.’
But there is more to him than how
big he is. I’ve learned that he is
also a really nice guy—and a good
listener. He is SUA’s big hump of
love,” says Tila.
The students don’t have to look
twice to see a more serious side
though. “Cameron’s big thing is




URBAN VOICE is a free publication of
Seattle Urban Academy, located at
3800 S. Othello Street, Seattle, WA 98118
206.723.0333
2
 Seattle Urban Academy 2012
All rights reserved.
For a tour and site visit of Seattle Urban Academy, please contact
Justin Kawabori by email at [email protected]
or by phone at 206.289.7866
Tila quickly declares that for Deon
it is all about goals. “He wants to
make sure we set our goals in life
early on, so we know exactly what
we are working towards.” 
To establish a recurring giving plan through your bank, follow these steps:
1) Fill out the authorization form below; 2) Get a blank check and write VOID across it.
3) Send this authorization form and the voided check to Seattle Urban Academy.
I give my bank permission to transfer $___________from my checking account
on the  5th or  20th of each month.
account
Name on account
From front left
Fun Center event—
ilt at a recent Family
Ramel, Joelvon,
a,
sic
Jes
Relationships were bu
t,
set
sia, KayKay, Justin For
he
Ep
e,
nis
De
,
h,
ren
to right: Lau
Nate, Cameron Morra
Bill, Patrick Williams,
ler,
But
on
De
r,
in
ntie
Ms. Gra
Lockett, Doug Baldw
awn Lynch, Ricardo
Ben Obomanu, Marsh
education. He is always telling us to
make sure to go as far as we can in
our education,” says Tashi.
Your gift is very much appreciated and fully deductible as a charitable contribution. A copy of our latest financial report may be obtained by writing to Seattle Urban Academy, 19303 Fremont Avenue N., Seattle, WA 98133. If you are a
resident of one of these states, you may obtain financial information directly from the state agency: FLORIDA – A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE
DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, 1-800-435-7352 (800-HELP-FLA) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY
THE STATE. Florida Registration #CH5230. GEORGIA - A full and fair description of the programs of Seattle Urban Academy and our financial statement summary is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated
above. MARYLAND – For the cost of copies and postage, Office of the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 MISSISSIPPI – The organization’s official registration and financial information may be obtained from the
Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 1-888-236-6167. Registration by the Secretary of State does not imply endorsement. NEW JERSEY – INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS
CHARITABLE SOLICITATION AND THE PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE CHARITY DURING THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD THAT WERE DEDICATED TO THE CHARITABLE PURPOSE MAY
BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY BY CALLING (973) 504-6215 AND IS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/ocp.htm#charity. REGISTRATION
WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT. NEW YORK – Office of the Attorney General, Department of Law, Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271. NORTH CAROLINA – FINANCIAL
INFORMATION ABOUT THIS ORGANIZATION AND A COPY OF ITS LICENSE ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE STATE SOLICITATION LICENSING BRANCH AT 1-888-830-4989. THE LICENSE IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT
BY THE STATE. PENNSYLVANIA – The official registration and financial information of Seattle Urban Academy may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999.
Registration does not imply endorsement. VIRGINIA – Virginia State Office of Consumer Affairs, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services, PO Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218. WASHINGTON – Charities Division, Office of the
Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504-0422, 1-800-332-4483. WEST VIRGINIA – Residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV
25305. Registration with any of these state agencies does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by any state.
To give using your credit card, follow these steps:
1) Fill out the authorization form below;
2) Send this authorization form to Seattle Urban Academy.
I give Seattle Urban Academy permission to charge $___________from my:
— Deon Butler
Deon Butler (left) and Cameron
Morrah (right)
helping out in class
Bank name
Branch
Credit card
Expiration date
Bank address
Signature
Date
CityState
OR to give online, visit www.seattleurbanacademy.org/winning 
 Please make this a recurring gift
on the  5th or  20th of each month.
Please return this form in the enclosed envelope.
Zip
Account #Routing #
Name on account
SignatureDate
Remember to enclose your voided check that includes your
preprinted address (if not, write it by hand)
5
CLICK HERE
to invest in
our students!
SUA’s Quarterback—
Setting a Legacy in Motion
of each player to
spend time and
develop friendships
with the students
has confirmed
Cameron Morrah have
Deon Butler, Craig Campbell and
of SUA
ents
stud
the
with
Campbell’s instincts
ns
rnoo
afte
invested many
about serving.
“Forcing someone to
invest will never work. It needs to be
eattle Urban Academy’s longsomething a person desires to do.”
standing relationship with
Campbell-Nelson co-owner
Campbell’s insight, commitment,
Craig Campbell has advanced the
and faith are infectious. In his
mission of SUA. Through Campbell’s
humility, Campbell would deny any
involvement, new relationships and
mentorship role, but his relationship
partnerships have been continuously
with the players throughout the years
cultivated, and the news of SUA’s
is impacting their lives in a real way.
good work is spreading.
The young men admire Campbell’s
commitment to SUA and respect his
One such partnership, with the
faith. Butler reflects, “This time here
Seattle Seahawks, began in 2008
at SUA has been big for me, helping
with newly drafted Cornerback, Josh
me re-focus and bringing me back
Wilson. Wilson became a fast friend
to a realization I first had during my
and supporter of SUA, and over the
time at Penn State—that this life isn’t
years he and Campbell connected
about me. I am just a part of God’s
with additional players—including
bigger plan.” Morrah also explained
Butler and Morrah—introducing them
the significance of SUA to him. “The
to the work of SUA. The eagerness
faith emphasis makes the work of
S
SUA that much more appealing
to me. It has been good to be
surrounded by the SUA community.”
The mentoring doesn’t stop there.
Students feel valued and are
inspired to do well. One junior states,
“Knowing I have someone here
wanting me to do well makes me
want to do well myself. I know they
[Deon and Cameron] will be back to
check on me and that is motivating!”
One individual saw an opportunity
to inspire others. Because Craig
Campbell invited these pro athletes
into the lives of SUA students, bonds
of friendship have been forged.
God worked in the lives of the
players and students to create the
relationships that exist today. Through
these relationships the students are
understanding the importance of
mentorship and are inspired to be
good role models to those looking up
to them in their own lives. A legacy
of investment has begun. 
Yes, I want to be a part of a winning team with sua!
CLICK HERE
to invest in
our students!
 $2,500  $1,000  $500
 $250
 Other:$
(To make this a monthly gift to SUA, complete the form on the back.)
 I’d like to become an SUA prayer partner.
Email address: Make checks payable to:
19303 Fremont Ave North, MS #15
Seattle, WA 98133
UUANEWSL0112 UUAGNP000
6
Thank you. Your gift to Seattle Urban Academy is tax-deductible as allowed by law, and you will receive a receipt.
urbanvoice
2011-12 academic YEAr
winter EDITION
OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF SEATTLE URBAN ACADEMY
Seahawks and SUA—A Winning Team
I
t was fall 2010 and Deon Butler, Wide Receiver
for the Seattle Seahawks (pictured at right),
took his first steps inside the doors of Seattle
Urban Academy.
Photo courtesy of Seattle Seahaw
ks
As each head turned and the room quieted, he
was immediately aware of the power he has
as a professional athlete. As inadvertent as that
granted power may be, Butler made a decision
to be responsible with it—and committed to
building friendships with the students of SUA
(Learn more about Butler’s introduction to SUA
on page 6).
Shortly after, Tight End Cameron Morrah joined
Butler for his frequent visits with the students.
The relationships began by sitting in class and
helping with school work in any way they could,
whether by assisting with taking notes, outlining,
planning for projects, or simply helping students
stay on task.
As Butler and Morrah were consistently present, students
began to trust them. What started as classroom help,
progressed to friendship and in many cases, mentorship.
Morrah and Butler have earned the right to be heard;
students trust their new friends and are willing—even
eager—to heed their advice.
For Butler, time at SUA is not about community service or any
other formality, but instead about personal passion. “After
getting to know these kids and hearing what they deal with
on a daily basis, it is upsetting to me, and I want to do what
I can—even if I am just one piece of the puzzle. I feel
honored to help.”
(continued on page 2)
Deon Butler giving his all on
the field and with our students