Holy Spirit Catholic High School senior Luke Ramos has been named the Class 1A, Region 5 recipient in the Bryant-Jordan Scholarship Program’s Student Achievement category, according to an April 9 announcement. The award recognizes seniors who overcome personal obstacles to excel both academically and athletically.
Ramos was born with congenital limb deficiency in his right arm but became an all-region offensive lineman and a standout shot put and discus thrower for Holy Spirit. He is one of 52 regional Achievement winners, each receiving a $3,000 scholarship and eligible for additional awards at the statewide Bryant-Jordan banquet on April 13 in Birmingham. Since its inception in 1986, the program has provided more than $14 million in scholarships.
Football coach Bobby Snyder described Ramos as tough, energetic, and driven. “The biggest thing I could offer Luke was to treat him just like any other kid coming out for football, and it wasn’t very long before he was outperforming everyone who had both hands,” Snyder said. “He’s one of those players you only get once in a career.”
Despite having a right arm significantly shorter than his left and lacking a right hand—though he has fingers he calls ‘nubbins’—Ramos participated throughout high school in football as well as indoor and outdoor track and field events after playing baseball as a freshman. Reflecting on his experiences growing up, Ramos said: “When I was little in elementary school, I’d have teachers single me out and have to help me do simple things like cutting paper…I guess I just tried to learn how it would work for me.”
Ahead of his senior football season, Ramos faced another challenge when he suffered a right shoulder injury that threatened to end his season early. Instead of surgery—which would have ended his high school football career—he chose to wear a brace so he could finish out the season with his teammates. “Over the last four years, football gave me a family…It’s so important to me because it’s a family, and I didn’t want to let my family down on that last stretch,” Ramos said.
Snyder praised Ramos’ character: “When I think of him, I think of character, selflessness and that unforgettable smile…There was never a chance he would miss his senior season.” Looking ahead, Ramos plans to attend the University of Alabama where he will compete on the Crimson Tide’s para track and field team.
Snyder concluded: “I think he’s going to go far in life because there’s no ‘can’t-do’ in his vocabulary…That’s how he’s always been.”
