My name is Brian Tully and I live in Norfolk.  I am a freshman at Xaverian Brothers High School. I am fifteen years old and the oldest of four brothers. American Heroes are an extremely important part of my life. I live with an American Hero on a daily basis. My father is a Boston Fire Lieutenant who loves his job and has full knowledge and experience of the risk that accompanies it. My dad’s dad was also a Boston Firefighter. Unfortunately, at the age of 39 he paid the ultimate price when he was killed in the line of duty.  My grandfather is what influenced my dad into becoming a firefighter. As well as my father and grandfather, my aunt and two uncles are also Boston Firefighters. I am surrounded by many other heroes, my mom’s dad was a Boston Police Officer and four of my cousins are serving our country in the armed forces.  An American Hero, in my eyes, is somebody who dedicates their life by working to better our country and help keep it safe. There are many types of heroes in our country, such as the armed forces, fire department, police department and much more. These heroes go to work every day knowing that their life is at risk, but they know that their job is worth the risk because they are helping our communities and country. However, these are not the only American Heroes. More heroes, that are often overlooked, are doctors, nurses, and teachers. These heroes may not risk their lives for our country, but they keep the people of our country healthy, educated, and maybe even save our life when we need them most.

            Like Adam, I am determined to “Stay the course.” I have been a member of the student council since the third grade and it is a great way to help our schools and help our community. During my many years of student council I have learned several ways to help my community. For example, in sixth grade as school president, I had the honor to make a dedication speech at the planting of Adam Kennedy’s tree in front of the Freeman Centennial School. In student council I have also affected my community by planning fundraisers for cancer, raising money for our school, and reading books to children during Read Across America. In this year to come I plan to not only run for student council, but I am going to run for freshman class president of my school. A second way that I can “Stay the course,” is to follow my goals in life. While at Xaverian, I am going to focus on my academics and try my hardest to maintain honor role throughout the years. After my four years at Xaverian I want to go on to college. After I finish college I desire to go to medical school and get my degree as a doctor. I want to assist other doctors and keep the people of our country as healthy as possible. A final way that I can “Stay the course,” is to use my knowledge as a doctor to make a major difference in people’s lives. My mom’s mom and two of her sisters have battled Breast Cancer, so my goal as a doctor is to help find a cure for cancer and help all the people that suffer from cancer in our communities each year. This is how I will “Stay the course,” and hopefully as I get older there will be more ways I follow Adams footsteps. Adam is a true American Hero; he is an inspiration to me and my family, and he will never be forgotten in our community.