Everything in that article was very well written - not apologizing or shying away from a storyline that examines an elite scholar-athlete from a deeper and broader perspective than just the sport he excels in.ÊIn contrast to so many who use fame as a means to promote “self,” Justin is using the scholar-athlete accolades given him as a pedestal to stand upon so he can “live loud” and “speak softly” about what is really important in his life.

As one who could not help notice down here in the Lower 48, Justin stands out from all other young men.ÊTo reiterate the first line of the article, Justin is still both focused and talented.ÊIn fact, I would dare say that his focus has become even much sharper.

Yes, it is true that his excellence in skiing brought him to Marquette, but Justin has an affect on people here in upper Michigan despite his time consuming commitment to skiing. Without question, the example and ministry Justin participates in at the Bay Pines Juvenile Correction Facility in Escanaba has been incredible. The detention facility is a “last hope” for teenagers who are on a fast track with death or imprisonment. Through a few young men like Justin, more than 80 percent of the male teenagers in that correctional facility have made a spiritual commitment to Christ. But the ministry goes beyond that commitment by challenging the teens weekly to ascribe to things like healthier lifestyles, higher moral standards and social responsibility so that they will not only adapt proper social skills, but hopefully have a positive impact on society when released. Ê

We are speaking of once-hardened youth who understand all too well that they face the very real possibility of being killed by fellow gang members once released back on the streets.ÊCredible reports are coming out of Bay Pines that these same youth are becoming leaders and examples to their peers just entering the detention facility, as well as faculty and staff in that facility.

Northern Michigan University is home to the U.S. Olympic Education Center, a place where Olympic hopefuls can come and pursue an education while training. There is one young 16-year-old boy from Virginia whom my wife and I have legal guardianship over while training at the USOEC. Because Justin excels in skiing, he is able to gain the respect and influence over this young Olympic speedskating hopeful and provide a significant influence in his life, mentoring him through challenges that any teenager living away from home on his own in a college dorm environment should not have to face. Ê

This fall, Justin also recognized a need for youth ministry within our church and took it upon himself to meet regularly with a group of teenagers, always challenging them to live out their faith beyond the walls of the church, not simply in words, but in actions.

As a the father of three in their late teens and early 20's, it is those few people like Justin that challenge our thinking of what is truly important in life. We tend to focus narrowly on career goals for ourselves and our children that will provide financial security and success. The decisions to follow a higher calling, promote oneself as a positive role model and unselfishly live life serving others with our talents and gifting will undoubtedly reap much greater rewards throughout Justin's lifetime, not to mention eternity, than simply the popularity or financial gain he could ever receive as just “an outstanding athlete or scholar”.

At 21, Justin is working harder than ever, while continuing to gain notoriety on the collegiate level for skiing. ÊOur local newspaper, The Mining Journal, even captured a picture of Justin out running in the sleet and rain beyond what was required for his training.ÊBut more importantly, he is accomplishing, as Justin himself put it in the article, even better things.ÊHe has already made more of a positive impact on society than most adults can say they have accomplished in a lifetime.ÊI applaud Mr. Morse on the article, and encourage the Chugiak-Eagle River community to uphold young adults like Justin as an example for all youth to aspire to.

Editor's note: Steven Boettcher resides in Marquette, Mich., and is president of Integrated Designs Inc., an architectural-engineering firm that specializes in K-12 and higher education.

This article published in The Alaska Star on Thursday, January 24, 2008.