Disability should never dampen one’s spirit. Photo: 123rf
Taeshawn Moore would have loved nothing more than to be able suit up as a member of the Spartans’ football and basketball teams in Ovey Comeaux High School (OCHS) in Lafayette, Louisiana, United States.
Unfortunately for Moore, participating in those sports weren’t in the cards for his life.
Moore, an 18-year-old senior, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was six months old.
“He was a manager for the basketball team first,” Spartans athletic director and head basketball coach Montrell Taylor said. “He is such a good kid. He has a great attitude, and he is always looking to help out.”
“He’s such a hard worker,” Spartans head football coach Marquis Newsome said. “He never misses practice and if anyone needs anything, or needs help with something, he’s got it.”
Whether he’s walking the OCHS hallways or along the sidelines during Spartans football or basketball games, the student known by his peers as “TM”, can always be seen with “an infectious smile” on his face.
“Despite the adversity he has faced, “TM always is in good spirits,” Taylor said. “He faces every day with a smile. He can be in real pain, and you’ll never know it. There’s just a joyfulness about him. He’s the definition of what it means to be a Spartan.”
“TM is always smiling, and he is always positive and optimistic,” Newsome said. “We’re talking about a kid who was not given the best cards in life with his legs, but his spirit is something we all wish we had.”
Moore, whose popularity began in middle school at Edgar Martin, prides himself on being uplifting and not wallowing in self-pity.
“I’m happy and excited about life,” said Moore, who didn’t begin walking independently until he was three. “God made me this way. So, I want to make somebody else be happy every day when I can.”
And his actions have not gone unnoticed or unappreciated, as Moore, who has seen his popularity skyrocket since arriving on campus, was voted OCHS’s Homecoming King by the student body.
“Everybody knows this little kid,” Moore’s mother Cecily Greene said. “He’s been well-known since middle school. He has a big heart and a big personality. Despite his disability, he is always trying to help any and everybody. He’s very outgoing and he doesn’t let anything stop him. He’s resilient.”
Taylor said, “Getting that recognition and that spotlight is something TM deserves. His limitations physically don’t faze him at all. He has made a great impact on our school.”
Moore, who said being named Homecoming King was the “best day of my life,” admits he couldn’t believe it when he found out.
“I was like ‘What? I got the homecoming king. What?’,” Moore said he asked rhetorically. “It made me feel good. I’m happy they chose me for homecoming king. It meant a lot to me. Everyone loves me at OCHS, and I love them. That was the best day ever.”
As the holiday season begins, Moore and Greene said they have a lot to be thankful for.
And not just this year, but every year.
“I’m just thankful for his strength and the purpose he gives me,” Greene said. “Things could be worse, and they are not. Seeing his smile helps me. Anyone who doesn’t know Taeshawn or haven’t met him, they’ve missed out on an experience. He’s someone who can brighten up any room without even trying. I’m so thankful for him.”
“Not being able to play football or basketball because of my legs made me sad,” Moore said.
“But I’m thankful. I’m thankful for God of course, my family, friends, teachers and everyone who loves me. I love OCHS.”
“TM’s not a quitter,” Newsome said. “He represents us well. People look up to him, so he has definitely had a big impact on our school. He is an inspiration to everyone.” – The Advocate/Tribune News Service
