“ Eckerd gives Ladarius a Fighting, Second Chance ”
Ladarious' Story
Ladarious was all smiles as his coach handed him a pen to sign his college commitment letter. Two-time Florida state wrestling champion, Ladarious overcame huge obstacles to graduate high school and earn a wrestling scholarship to Indiana Tech University. But, life wasn’t always worth smiling about for Ladarious. In and out of foster care with a mother in prison and a father he never knew, Ladarious could’ve grown up to be another sad statistic.
Ladarious, however, chose a different path. By the end of his freshman year, he was standing on stage to receive the school’s Turnaround Achievement Award – and in the audience that day was Kathryn Starkey, wife of Eckerd Board Member Trey Starkey. The couple then shared Ladarious’ moving and inspirational story with Eckerd, realizing his needs aligned perfectly with their mission of giving much-needed second chances to youth.
Enlisting the help of board members, staff and friends, Eckerd established a scholarship fund in Ladarious’ name to support his successful transition to college and help supplement his travel and living expenses. Eckerd staff even purchased luggage and helped Ladarious set up a bank account – all things a parent usually does for their child when they leave for college.
