Congratulations Jakson and thank you for Always Playing IV Each Other!
Excerpt from the APIVEO Player of the Month award ceremony;
Jakson Mayer is the APIVEO Player of the Month because he Always Plays IV Each Other. There is no doubt that Jakson puts others first; but it’s important to understand that he doesn’t do it by putting himself second. Jakson doesn’t simply get out of the way so someone else ends up in front of him. He knows that won’t actually help anyone. He rolls up his sleeves and cares for people; he lifts them up and puts them in places they can’t always go on their own. Let me give you an inspiring example. Jakson’s 6 year old neighbor, Katheryn, was recently diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. This obviously had a devastating effect on Katheryn’s entire family. Her mom, dad, three brothers and sister began a life changing journey into the unknown. Jakson reached out to family and spent time with them because this journey was not unknown to him. Jakson was present in their lives. He showed them he cared about them and what they were going through. In addition to ministering to the family, Jakson and his friends made bracelets to help raise money for Katheryn’s family and their mounting medical bills. This is true leadership. This is serving and loving the people around you. Jakson is a great kid; there is no doubt about that. But at 9 years old he is truly understands what Katheryn’s family is going through. Remember, I said that this was not an unknown journey for Jakson. On February 1st Jakson’s dad passed away from brain cancer. Jakson’s family is all too familiar with the struggles and pain that face Katheryn’s family. Because of this, Jakson realized that he not only knew how they felt but he knew he could help; so he did. I have read a lot of leadership books and I can cite several specific leadership characteristics that Jakson has demonstrated. The amazing thing is…Jakson hasn’t read any of those books. He leads through love. He does the right thing simply because it’s the right thing. I think there’s a good chance Jakson will be writing some of those leadership books instead of just reading them.
We have a special presenter here today, Zach McLeroy, CEO and Chairman of the Board of our sponsor, Zaxby’s. Zach has built a company based on and in servant leadership. We are honored to partner with him and his team on the APIVEO Player of the Month. As APIVEO Player of the Month Jakson has the privilege of naming a charity that will receive a $1,000 donation provided by Zaxby’s. Jakson has selected the Brain Tumor Foundation for Children. Here to accept the check is the foundation’s executive director, Mary Moore.
Jakson, thank you for caring, loving, serving and playing for others. What is in you is in every kid; and hearing about you will inspire them as leaders and inspire them to Always Play IV Each Other…just like you. Congratulations! -Brad Jubin- APIVEO
A special thank you to Zaxby’s, CBS Atlanta, the Brain Tumor Foundation for Children and the APIVEO Player of the Month Selection Committee.