Zachary Parsons was a young man of exceptional character. Zach was with us at Sacred Heart High School
from his 2013 freshman year until he passed from this earth in a car accident in 2016, at the age of seventeen.
His life reminds us how precious time, and how we spend it, truly are.
Zachary positively inspired those he met to reach beyond their comfort zones and make a difference in the
lives of others. One of his favorite quotes was “Life isn’t about finding yourself. It’s about creating yourself.” For
Zach, this not only meant daring to show kindness, love, and respect to each other, but to also model curiosity,
vulnerability, humility, tenacity, and grace by embracing challenges. Whether it was taking the lead in the
school musical (though sadly, we never got to see that performance), tackling speech and debate (including
extemporaneous speaking), going out for basketball and tennis, or forging respectful friendships with those
who were much different from him, he was fearless in his love for life and others.
Zachary was a recipient of the American Youth Foundation (AYF) “I Dare You” Award (now known as the
“National Leadership Award”). The award imparts a dare to its recipients: “to discover and develop your unique
capacities for service, and to share your gifts with others to make a positive difference in your community and
the wider world. Aspire Nobly. Adventure Daringly. Serve Humbly.” Zach’s life truly embodied this honor; so
therefore, to honor his life, we instituted this award at Sacred Heart High School in his memory.
Jason and Debbie, Zachary’s parents, selected, designed, and gave a perpetual recognition plaque which is
displayed in the Sacred Heart commons area, bearing Zachary’s image and the recipients’ names.
Something else about Zach: he dressed up for school almost every day. He liked to say “You look good, you
do good.”
At Sacred Heart High School, the I Dare You award recognizes two youth (a boy and a girl) currently in 11th
grade, who strive to be their best and make a positive difference in their communities. Recipients are
nominated by the Sacred Heart School administration, having distinguished themselves through actions and
leadership potential. The recipients receive an official certificate, a copy of William Danforth’s motivational book
“I Dare You,” and an invitation to join other young leaders at the National Leadership Conference in Michigan
this summer.
