Fuel Solomon's Journey to College Basketball
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Yes! This journey takes grit, focus, hard work, determination, and resilience but also a vision and village! That's how we've made it through. My name is Solomon Hughes and I am now a high school graduate with a vision to play college ball!
I have done the work -- completing 15 college-level courses in high school, earning a 4.8 GPA, while working 3 jobs, still serving my community with over 100 service hours, and helping my mom care for my younger siblings . . . . and . . . being a full-time varsity and AAU basketball player, putting in well over 30 hours of training, practice and game time every single week. As co-captain, I helped lead my high school team to the state championship, where I ended my high school career scoring 100% from the field (you can see it at the link below).
My academic and athletic record helped me gain admission to 10 colleges and universities (including American Univ., Syracuse, Loyola Maryland, Temple, and Seton Hill) and earn an opportunity to walk on to an NCAA D2 team in Pennsylvania! And, I stand ready to work even harder when I get to the next level.
Now, I need my village to help me get there.
Unfortunately, I found my school late after the recruiting season and after the team's scholarship money was already allocated. But, God is good, and being an athletic scholar has kept the pathway open: I earned $24k in an academic scholarship, another $2.5k for being admitted to the Honors Program, and I am eligible for a $5k housing grant and a $5,500 federal loan. That gets me more than halfway there. But there is still a gap -- a $25,778 gap.
The full annual cost of school as calculated by my college is $62,478:
Tuition $42,294
Fees $850
On Campus Housing & Food $14,134
Books, Supplies, Transportation & Expenses $5,200
My mom is my ride-or-die. She has stood with me through it all and literally would and has put herself between me and danger over and over again. It would be a long story to tell you what she's been through as a survivor and single mom of three. But suffice it to say, there's no mountain she wouldn't climb or debt she wouldn't take on to help me reach my dreams. But, it is my prayer that I won't have to ask her to take on a mountain of new debt over the next four years, especially since she is still raising my little siblings alone.
People may think I have it made and resources for college shouldn't be a problem, but, unfortunately, appearances are sometimes only that. Everyone who publicly claims you doesn't privately support you. Despite the lack of support and obstacle after obstacle intentionally thrown in her way, I have watched my mom struggle and overcome for 18 years. And, that's why I leave everything on the court and bring it all to the classroom.
So, village, I am here asking that you help me reach and have the capacity to complete my hoop and academic dreams.
You can contribute through this app or make a donation directly to my college fund so you will know your contribution is used solely for education purposes. Message me and I'll send the wire instructions.
In the meantime, check out my links below:
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP LINK: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2F_3ibnQiYoUI&data=05%7C02%7C%7C13e2ae8cfe104cef594b08dc51cfa9e9%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638475199553890504%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=dBnIKNxkpqFLRvaQBhtE%2FF%2BLp6VtIma7%2BUcpreFrV30%3D&reserved=0
XPOSURE HOOPS POST:
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fp%2FC4V7vufOUaq%2F%3Figsh%3DMTgxcm5oYWtucGQydQ%253D%253D%26img_index%3D1&data=05%7C02%7C%7C13e2ae8cfe104cef594b08dc51cfa9e9%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638475199553900557%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=lKp5%2FVWJi5Qv%2FcNBX5GHrFKYgBjocuan3zDxOjYyLEM%3D&reserved=0
(“Solomon Hughes, a dynamic 5'10 senior guard at Pembroke Pines Charter, has been instrumental in steering his team to an impressive 25-4 win record. His adept skills on the court are marked by his proficiency as a finisher, shooter, and shot creator. Hughes showcases a remarkable ability to navigate through defenses, delivering crucial finishes at the basket. As a sharpshooter, his precision from beyond the arc adds a valuable scoring dimension to the team's arsenal. Hughes' capacity to create scoring opportunities, coupled with his leadership on the court, has undeniably played a pivotal role in the success of Pembroke Pines Charter throughout the season.” )
SENIOR SEASON HIGHLIGHTS:
SENIOR NIGHT MIXED TAPE:
Organizer
Solomon Hughes
Organizer
Hollywood, FL