Since he was young, senior Craig Lambert has lived by the lesson that making good grades would allow him to achieve what he aims for in life. He joined the optional program in first grade and continues to balance his honors courses with playing trumpet in marching band and writing music and poetry. His younger brother Conner, now a junior at Overton High School, had more academic difficulties.

Growing up, Conner had conduct problems and only passable grades. Craig recalls his own selfish nature at that time: “I knew he acted up, but I didn’t care because I got straight As.” Yet his younger brother still looked up to him.

Middle school brought a challenge. “Seeing him go through school, making bad grades, getting suspended because of conduct, and seeing him get picked on” changed Craig’s perspective of his younger sibling.

Once he got involved in a fight with his brother’s bullies. “’You’re not going to be able to mess with my brother because I’m going to intervene,’” Craig told them, making sure the bullies knew he meant to defend Conner in later cases if necessary. He started looking out for Conner, hoping to help him socially and academically.

Craig recognized that he was a figure whom his brother admired and wanted to be a better role model for Conner. Discovering that he had matured, he learned to consider consequences when making decisions and realized his potential influence on his brother. Looking after Conner and making sure he is on the right track is one of Craig’s main priorities.

Craig earns high grades and looks toward the future without dwelling on sad times to set a model for his brother. “It’s easy for a parent to say, ‘If I can do it, you can do it,’” said Craig, hoping his brother would be more encouraged by his example.

Now Craig looks at Conner as a best friend and an equal rather than as a little brother. Their relationship is reciprocal. They grow and improve together and help each other through rough times.

Craig hopes to be able to aid anyone in need in the future. He wants to make sure he can help Conner if necessary. Looking back, he did not think his life would change much when he realized he had to take more responsibility for his brother.

“I knew I was going to be successful,” said Craig, “[but now I have to] work twice as hard, make sure I’m successful… for both of us.”