“I just always loved the sport of football,” said Madison High School senior Chase DeVaughn, also known as “The Ticket” by friends and family, who has been playing football for as long as he can remember. In fact, his name “The Ticket” was earned through his great work ethic and dedication as people saw him as a ticket out of the rough area he is from, Hiram Clarke. Not playing football is something that is beyond unimaginable for him, not only because his community believes in him, but because the sport will always hold a place in his heart.
DeVaughn’s football journey began at the age of three. He shared the interest with his older brothers who played football themselves. Growing up, he split his time between football, basketball, baseball, and track. Yet football has always been his number one sport, as he’s attended numerous football camps that have boosted his skill enormously and shaped him into the player he is today. At the age of four he played football at Townwood Park in Houston with the South Main Mustangs. In elementary school he attended the Vince Young Madison Alum Camp, Neil Brockers Football Camp, Brandon Lafells Football Camp, and a host of others all around the Houston area. When middle school came around, he continued to play Little League all the way through 6th grade to prepare for playing for a school team in 7th grade in which he attended Pershing Middle School. Here he attended the Houston Texans Annual Football Camp at NRG, where every year he attended he was titled MVP.
When DeVaughn graduated 8th grade, he immediately made the varsity football team at Madison High School his freshman year. “I think I was the only freshman on the varsity level at that time…and the rest is history they say,” said DeVaughn. Even though DeVaughn is nothing but talented and was born with athletic skills, his football career would not be as sturdy as it is now without the support of his loving parents. They have always supported him in tremendous ways as they are the reason behind all his amazing trainers, and Little League teams. “There’s not one game I’ve had and looked in the stands and did not see my parents there,” DeVaughn said. “With every sport they supported me through any condition.”
Aside from attending camps and doing practice drills in his free time to get better, DeVaughn sticks to his very own workout routine to build strength that will guarantee he be the best he can possibly be on the field, which includes 200 pushups every night, running, stretching, and lifting. He says he fell in love with working out and is now apart of his daily routine. Working on mobility is key to his improvement and is a must every day at home. DeVaughn feels that because of football, his daily workouts, and the sport itself helps him in every aspect of his life. “It teaches me to stick with it. It teaches me to work as a team and it gives me that grit to work hard in anything I do,” DeVaughn said.
DeVaughn looks up to J.J. Watt as a role model. He feels that Watt changed the Houston community in many ways just by living off of what he loves the most; football. Watt is a big inspiration to DeVaughn as he wants to help people with his football fortunes just like Watt does. In the future, DeVaughn plans to attend and play football for Morehouse College. “I want to leave my mark at Morehouse as the best to ever step foot on a football field there,” DeVaughn stated. He does not want to just be known as a football player, but as an entrepreneur who’s a one-man band with instruments to success.
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October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com
As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.
Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.