name: Andrew Minton
stats
17, Senior at Prattville Christian Academy
notable
- National Honor Society
- 2022 PCA Barnabas Award Winner
- Jr. Civitan Club Chaplain
- 2022 Boys State Delegate
- Selected for 13 College Honor Bands
quotable
“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” -Philippians 4:13
his story
Andrew’s favorite thing about attending PCA is the Christian-led environment and the opportunity to grow as a Christian and a leader. Andrew is very involved at PCA. He is in the advanced and marching band, serves as a School Ambassador, and is on the Chapel Leadership’s Team. He shared, “Most people know I have Autism but don’t know that my parents were told I would probably never be in a regular school or be able to live on my own.” He encourages incoming freshmen to “focus on school and what you want to do and who you want to be. Don’t let other people influence you negatively. You don’t have to follow the crowd. It’s okay to be the band kid!”
what’s next
Andrew wants to major in mathematics and possibly pursue a career in sports statistics. He shared, “In my personal time, I keep up with various sports’ statistics, and it’s something I’d enjoy doing on a professional level.”
PG (parental guidance) rating
He shared “My parents have always encouraged me not to give up no matter how hard things were for me, especially being Autistic. They’ve always pushed me to do my best and taught me that nothing is more important than my relationship with God. My mom used to always tell us before school, “‘You are fearfully and wonderfully made, and God doesn’t make any junk. Remember who you are and whose you are.'”
parents’ perspective
Andrew’s parents, Jon and Lauren Minton, shared, “We admire his heart and his desire to want to do the right thing. From the time he was little, he has always put others first. He’s taught us more about how to treat others than we feel we have taught him. He has fought to be normal in front of others, but he’s also embraced who he is and has never been embarrassed to share his story.”
parent-to-parent
Jon and Lauren Minton had this advice for other parents: “Support your child in their wishes and dreams. Each child has their own unique abilities and perhaps disabilities. What we as parents may see for them isn’t always what they want or are meant to do.”
