Elmwood Senior Continues To Beat The Odds, Inspire Others
By: Alexandra Sutter WMBD/WYZZ
Updated: October 31, 2012
PEORIA -- Trent Parrish is a senior at Elmwood High School with an extraordinary story. After a tragic accident changed his life, the teenager continues to beat the odds in every way.
For this high school senior, being a part of the cross county team is a miracle.
Parrish said, "The doctor said I would never walk or talk again and they actually said I wouldn't make it through the first night and glory to God, I made it."
When Trent Parrish was just nine years old, his life was turned upside down. He was in a jet ski accident that caused a severe head injury, followed by weeks in a coma.
When the doctors thought there was no more they could do, they sent him to a rehabilitation center.
He said, "Within 48 hours they had me up and walking with assistance, praise the Lord, and I don't know what I would do if I couldn't walk."
Trent has had an impact on people in the classroom and on the track. It seems everyone at Elmwood High School is inspired by his story.
Cross country coach and math teacher Gregg Meyers has known Parrish most of his life. He's one of many that call him a "walking miracle."
Meyers said, "He's the type of kid you can't tell him no, you can't do that - he's just gonna prove you wrong. He's just the type of kid that will do what he sets his mind too."
Parrish said that mind set comes from his faith in God. "I'm just so thankful for everything he's done in my life and just know not to take life for granted, not to take practices for granted."
Parrish is a member of Key club, the National Honor Society and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
He said he's grateful for everyone who's given him the chances he never thought he'd have. He said, "The coaches...they've been so good to me and just the classmates and the faculty, everyone's been so good to me and I just hope I can positively impact their lives."
And that is what he plans to do.
Parrish will attend Bradley University next fall. He plans to study physical therapy with a focus in sports injuries.
