By Terra Avilla
In my era where I realize I will never be a boy mom, I wanted to continue to spread some light on the wonderful young men in this community, because their moms are obviously doing a great job.
Derek Cook is not your average 11-year-old. In a world where kids often seem glued to screens, Derek stands out. Not just from the boys his age, but like… in general.
I joke to his mama, Shannon that I want him to marry my daughter one day (like listen bud, I don’t care – I have three, just pick one) but it’s true. If my girls ever brought home a boy like Derek, my heart would sing.
Derek’s sweet nature is evident in everything he does. Whether he’s helping a little kid walk down the stairs at the ballpark, or holding the door open for… well everyone, it’s just plain obvious that he approaches every task with enthusiasm and a genuine desire to make others happy.
I’ve also never heard a little kid says ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ as much as this kid.
When he’s not busy spreading joy, Derek is deeply involved in 4-H, where he learns about agriculture, leadership, and community service. He has a particular knack for raising turkeys, often referring to them as his “feathered friends.”
His dedication to 4-H has not only taught him responsibility but has also given him the opportunity to showcase his projects at county fairs, where he proudly displays his award-winning poultry.
But wait, there’s more! Derek is also a budding baseball star. On the field, he transforms from a polite young man into a fierce competitor. I was actually very surprised to see him be so aggressive. It was awesome.
Watching him play was so cool, as well I loved watching him follow up the plays by a cheerful high-five to his teammates, regardless of the score.
His infectious spirit reminds us all of the importance of community, compassion, and a good laugh. So next time you see Derek on the baseball field or helping out at a local event, take a moment to appreciate the wonderful young man he is—and one of the reasons I love where we live.
