Joliet West High School rising senior, Lawson Sizemore (Class of 2021), epitomizes the JTHS Character Attribute of Perseverance. Sizemore seeks opportunities to compete in and coach sports, all while adapting to life with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type A, a lifelong disorder that progressively causes peripheral nerve damage. Diagnosed at three years old, Lawson has transitioned from life with a walker to a wheelchair.

Sizemore’s perseverance shines through as he makes valuable contributions as the Assistant Coach for West’s Boys Varsity Basketball, Varsity Football and Varsity Baseball teams. He also shares his time and talents as the basketball coach for Troy’s Special Olympics Team. Seeing his disability as a blessing and an opportunity to do things differently, Sizemore shares his positive and perseverant spirit and story with each one of his sports teams.

Sizemore serves as an inspiring role model to his teammates and the younger student athletes he coaches by taking his schoolwork and extracurricular activities as seriously as his sports commitments.  Jadeyn Tinajero, an incoming West freshman who participated on the Troy Basketball team that Sizemore coaches, said, “Lawson is a great friend and has taught me a lot about basketball.  He doesn’t let anything get in his way or stop him from doing anything he has set his mind to.  Anyone who gets to know him has gained an extraordinary friend.” 

Sizemore dedicates extensive time to his studies, National Honor Society, and the West Journalism Program. After high school, Sizemore plans combine his love of sports and journalism by studying sports broadcasting at a four-year university. Ultimately, Sizemore’s dream career would be to either work as a basketball coach or sports broadcaster.

His story was also recently featured by the Herald News as he celebrated his golden birthday during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As for where Sizemore gets some of his inspiration, Sizemore said, “Some inspirational high school teachers and staff are Coach Kreiger, Coach Hood, Mr. Millsaps and Mr. Marco. Coach Kreiger is a great leader, with outstanding communication skills, who everyone should look up to. Coach Hood is a hard worker and a role model for all athletes. Mr. Millsaps has a great personality and is a fun person to be around. Mr. Marco has the most positive attitude and is always willing to help anyone. Ms. Galloy is another great teacher who cares deeply about each and every one of her students. I am definitely blessed to have these great role models in my life.”

Sizemore shares the following advice for current high school students: “Try to get involved as much as you can. It makes your high school experience much more enjoyable. Attack everyday with your best because nothing in life is guaranteed.”

Sizemore adds, “Thanks to everyone that has ever been in my corner supporting me, especially my family.”