Every town has a J.J. Tubbs.

I'm glad mine does. J.J. -- a 1999 graduate of Rock Island High School -- is
a scholar, athlete and young person of high character. He's someone who
you believe will make a difference in the world.

Your town may have several people like J.J. Tubbs -- males or females who
will do great things. They're the ones -- if you are not yet blessed with children
-- you want yours to be like.

Your J.J. Tubbs is liked by everyone, especially adults with experience in
dealing with young people. He/she/they are considerate of others and refuse
to embarrass their family, friends and teammates by getting in trouble or
compromising their values.

A J.J. Tubbs is capable of rolling with the punches, diplomatically defusing
any situation -- volatile or not. He/she/they can stand up for what's right, and
never shirk responsibility, but have a funny side to them and can laugh at
themselves. They participate in extra-curricular activities and have maintained
high standards in the classroom.

A J.J. Tubbs is the one who family members, coaches, friends and teachers
rave about, but will ``aw shucks'' their accomplishments. A J.J. Tubbs will
lead by taking charge or example with the best interest of classmates and
teammates at heart. They will make no decision unless it is beneficial to the
whole and do so without jealousy or envy.

If we're lucky, we'll vote for a J.J. Tubbs, someone forthright enough to take a
stand and work for the people. Even better would be working for a J.J. Tubbs,
a boss who has the good of all in mind when it comes to company decisions.

Recently, the J.J. Tubbs I know -- all 5-foot-8 (on a good day) and 150 pounds
of him -- went off to college. Along with other freshmen, he is reporting early
to football practice at the University of Illinois to familiarize himself with his
surroundings.

I don't know what path the J.J. Tubbs I know will take on the gridiron, but I'm
sure he will find some success. His coaches down Champaign-way will see
his grit and determination and understand what the rest of us already know:
what he lacks in physical gifts, he makes up for with heart, mind and soul.

I've spent the majority of the past three summers with my town's J.J. Tubbs.
I have watched him become a polished athlete, but, more importantly, I've
watched him become a wonderful human being.

I've watched his principles be tested by others. Though respectful of the stance
others took and decisions they made, the J.J. Tubbs I know has never bent.
He politely sets an example, hoping those who do not believe will follow. More
often than not, J.J. Tubbs has swayed the non-believers to the side that is
good for the whole.

There is sorrow that I will not be allowed to share certain things with my
town's J.J. Tubbs, that a particular chapter of his life is closed.

There is, however, relief, knowing others will benefit from the kind of person the
J.J. Tubbs I know can and will be.