SAMUEL FERGUSON

Samuel Ferguson was raised along with his sister Hannah by his two parents, Heba and Paul Ferguson. He attended Central Christian Academy for middle school and is currently a senior in high school at Trinity Academy in Wichita, Kansas.

Sam strives daily to be a disciplined, humble, and compassionate person. From his accomplishments in athletics to his involvement in community service, he is always trying his best to embody these characteristics as well as be a witness for Christ. His favorite verse comes out of 2 Timothy 1:7, which says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

His willingness to serve has allowed him to volunteer in his church, where he helps with the kid’s ministry, as well as co-lead a recycling initiative at his school to aid the janitors. He also played a central role in raising funds for his cross country team by coordinating a fundraiser at a local fireworks store, where he and his team volunteered. His participation in the National Honor Society allows him numerous opportunities to serve in his school and community. He ultimately believes that service should be prioritized in one’s life.

Sam played varsity soccer and ran varsity cross country and track during his freshman and sophomore years. Entering junior year, he made the decision to focus his full athletic attention on running. This decision proved fruitful as he won an individual state championship in the 3200m, qualified for New Balance Indoor Nationals in Boston, Massachusetts, and helped his cross country team to its third consecutive state title. This past cross country season, he ran the sixth fastest 5000m time in Kansas history. Sam recently committed to run for the University of Mississippi to further his academic and athletic endeavors. He lives by the words of Eliud Kipchoge, who became the first man to break the sub-two-hour marathon barrier, in which Kipchoge says, “Only the disciplined ones in life are free. If you aren’t disciplined, you are a slave to your moods. You are a slave to your passions.”

In his free time, Sam loves to read, his favorite books centering around, but not limited to, the science of running and sports psychology. His curiosity surrounding the human body and psyche has prompted him to pursue a dual major in exercise science as well as biology, in which he envisions applying for medical school thereafter. Choosing a major was particularly challenging for Sam as numerous career paths intrigued him, but he knew that he wanted to choose
something that not only related to running but would allow him to interact and help people in the future. Sam is particularly excited to get involved with college research, especially in the Exercise and Memory Lab, which examines the effects of exercise on cognitive function, primarily memory function. He agrees with the quote, “We do not stop exercising because we grow old; rather, we grow old because we stop exercising.” He believes that medicine needs to focus on prevention as much as treatment, in which exercise is a key factor. Overall, he plans to combine his interests in science, running, and healthcare to contribute meaningfully to the field.

Sam is beyond honored and grateful to have been afforded this incredible opportunity as a Lifelong Learning Scholar and to uphold Timothy’s legacy. He eagerly anticipates broadening his perspectives by experiencing what the world has to offer. Above all, his ultimate aspiration is that his life’s pursuits and connections would reflect glory back to God.