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Buhler student awarded by Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes

The Hutchinson News - 10/18/2019

Oct. 18--BUHLER -- Colby Davis is a special kid. Although he is confined to a wheelchair due to his cerebral palsy, he is always looking on the bright side and encouraging his fellow students. This year, the students at Buhler High School paid his kindness back by crowning him Homecoming King. And because of that move, Kansas City Chiefs' quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, and PLB Sports wanted to acknowledge both Davis and the students at Buhler High School.

At the pep rally, held in Buhler High School's gymnasium, Ty Ballou, the founder and CEO of PLB Sports, presented every student, faculty member and staff member at the school with a box of Patrick Mahomes cereal. He also gave Colby a jersey that Mahomes autographed specifically for him. Ballou said he and Mahomes learned about Colby through a social media post.

"It's not the biggest school," Ballou said. "It's the school with the biggest character."

Kansas City quarterback Mahomes started a foundation earlier this year -- 15 and the Mahomies. This foundation helps children's programs that focus on community, academics and wellness. Mahomes' cereal "Mahomes Magic Crunch," which entered the market this August, sold 300,000 boxes in the Kansas City region in the past seven weeks, totaling $88,000. The money raised goes to his foundation.

Ballou told the high school crowd about the importance of paying it forward every day, and that is what Mahomes is doing with his charity. Ballou traveled from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to deliver the cereal boxes and the signed jersey. Although Mahomes was not able to attend the spirit rally because of Thursday's game, he sent his best.

"It's so awesome that the school has supported me," Colby said, smiling and holding his red No. 15 jersey.

Many of Colby's fellow students came up to him and hugged him after his recognition from Ballou.

"I love Colby so much," said Alison Willm, 17, a cheerleader at Buhler. "He makes everybody smile. He is amazing."

Colby's father is proud of his son. He said his outlook is infectious.

"Colby is just really good about touching people and making them feel good about themselves. He's great about making everybody feel happy," said Ward Davis, Colby's father. "He feels every day is a precious day. You've got to make something great of every day."

A friend of Colby's since they were in preschool, Emily Schmidt, 17, said Colby deserves every bit of recognition he is receiving.

"He's got a great heart," Emily said.

Buhler principal, Michael Ellegood said that everyone is special, and because everyone is special, the district wants to make everyone shine.

Beth O'Brien, the functional special education teacher at Buhler, understands that premise. She believes all students should be seen and heard. She does not want students to "look over" students like Colby, but to look at them, really see them and become friends.

"The students have come to really know him (Colby) and know who he is," O'Brien said. "His legacy is that he can bring hope."

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