Harli Wallace isn’t your typical teenager. Born with a rare genetic condition known as Shprintzen-Goldberg, otherwise simple daily activities can be a challenge.

The 16-year-old from Arizona has undergone more than 30 surgeries to address a variety of issues. Her experience has left her scarred physically. Emotionally, though, she is upbeat and an inspiration to everyone at Casa Grande High School.

Last September, one varsity football player made Harli’s wish come true.

As crowds of students yelled during what first seemed like a typical fall pep rally, Harli walked across the floor to help cheer on the team. Waiting at the end of the line, though, was Trevor Russell, a sophomore member of the football team and friend of the Wallace family.

The cheerleaders screamed and classmates followed suit as Trevor stood up, flowers in hand, asking Harli to be his date to homecoming.

It was a moment neither Harli nor Trevor will never forget.

“I heard her cousins and her sister talking about how much they wished someone would take Harli to homecoming, so I just decided to do it,” Russell said. “She was stunned and surprised.”

Through that one act of kindness, Trevor continues to maintain a friendship with Harli, a relationship that has grown this past year.

“Even after Homecoming and until this day Trevor’s kindness continues with simple things like acknowledging her at lunchtime or anywhere around the school with giving her a friendly hug,” said Harli’s mother, Kimberly Suour. “Coming from myself, a parent of a special needs child, this kindhearted young man deserves all the recognition in the world.”

Russell dreams of playing college football next year, and hopes one day for a shot at the NFL. Through this sport from the earliest age, he learned that what he does off the field is just as important as what he does on it.

A young man with natural talent, Trevor has led through example and serves as a role model for peers to follow.

“I’ve been a captain on the team, and the coaches have always held me to a higher standard,” Trevor said. “I learned my leadership skills from one of my old coaches. He’sbeen a mentor to me and taught me everything I know about football and how to be a better man.”

During the recent USA Football National Development Game in Los Angeles, Trevor learned that leadership skills are valuable during the recruitment process as well.

“Football teaches us so much as athletes,” he said. “That was one of the things that helped me become a leader. USA Football sets high standards and makes sure you stay on top of your game.”

It shows through his words and actions throughout the community.

“I don’t even have the words to tell you how proud we are of him and the young man he has become,” said Heather Russell, Trevor’s mother. “He just came to me the other day with some ideas of what he can do for kids that are in the hospital. The thing is he doesn’t just want to take them to the hospital and drop them off, he wants to meet the kids and hang out with them.

“He has such a big heart and has always said that God gave him his talent for a reason and that he is supposed to use that to help others.”

Trevor hopes his “small acts” as he calls them start a trend of kindness within his team, his town and the world.

“In my heart, I just feel like I want to help people,” he said. “When people are sad it just makes them feel better, gives them a moment of happiness and I just want to help them feel that.”