Lauren Tarver | March 2025
On March 12, 2025, the FBLA Chapter of Zion-Benton Township High School was joined (virtually) by four-time Emmy Award-winning sports broadcaster, Devin Gardner. Devin, a former starting quarterback for the University of Michigan and a professional football player, took questions and delivered an inspiring message to our FBLA scholars, reminding them that success comes to those who embrace the mindset of a “mountain climber.” He emphasized that once you conquer one challenge, another is always on the horizon — so you must keep climbing! His words were exactly the encouragement our students needed as they gear up for the FBLA State Leadership Conference later this month.
Devin’s impact extends beyond his accomplishments in sports and broadcasting—he is a dedicated community stakeholder committed to uplifting and inspiring the next generation. Through his work with young athletes and students, he demonstrates the importance of perseverance, leadership, and continuous growth. His willingness to engage with our FBLA scholars highlights his dedication to shaping future business leaders, emphasizing that the lessons of teamwork, discipline, and adaptability learned on the field apply to all career paths. By sharing his journey and insights, Devin reinforced the idea that success is not just about talent but about mindset, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Effective school-family-community partnerships require active participation from all stakeholders (Griffin & Steen, 2025). Devin’s visit was a testament to the power of mentorship and community involvement, reminding our students that they, too, have the potential to become influential leaders in their own right.
Reference
Griffin, D., & Steen, S. (2025). School-family-community partnerships: Applying Epstein’s theory of the six types of involvement to school counselor practice. Professional School Counseling, 19(4), 215-230.
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