Lycoming Valley Teen of the Week: Alonzo Rice
WILLIAMSPORT — Standing by his peers, both on and off the football field, Williamsport Area High School senior Alonzo Rice has proven to be a true leader.
Rice was selected as the Lycoming Valley Teen of the Week after being nominated by WAHS Counselor Jessica Becker.
When he was a kid, Rice said he would always play outside.
Whether it was two-hand touch, wiffle ball, or a neighborhood kickball game, Rice harbored an interest in athletics, regardless of the activity.
Now in his last year of high school, the senior has dedicated over half his entire school career to
baseball, basketball, track and field, and football.
“Alonzo’s involvement in numerous sports and activities is a testament to his boundless energy and commitment to personal growth,” Becker said.
In track, he was awarded the Most Versatile Athlete for his impressive skills in discus, relays, sprinting, and long jump.
Throughout his time on the Williamsport Millionaires, Rice has been recognized as Defensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player on his football team.
“In all my years as an educator, I have rarely encountered a student as dynamic, dedicated, and compassionate as Alonzo,” Becker said. “His commitment to excellence in both academics and extracurricular activities, coupled with his unwavering positivity and inclusivity, make him an exemplary role model for his peers.”
Rice was inspired by the NFL Hall of Fame Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis.
“He was my idol because he kind of grew up in not such a good environment. He grew up in poverty, didn’t have the best home life with his family. He used it as his motivation,” Rice said.
“That’s something that I always kind of looked up to and I try to replicate now with my life.” When discussing leadership, Rice noted that the word can often be misunderstood.
“Leadership comes with integrity and that ambition, and a great sense of charisma,” he said. “It’s not only with one’s words that they show that type of charisma in their leadership. I think with their actions...
I always told people that you don’t have to be the best player on the team to be a leader. As long as you go out there and you show people that you’re willing to fight for it.”
However, Rice’s commitment doesn't stop when he steps off the turf.
This year, Rice was nominated by his peers to be on his school’s Hope Squad, a program where selected students help their peers who have been dealing with problems.
For Rice, the position meant a lot.
“A lot of people saw it as a joke, but I was truly honored. I thought it was a really good thing that the school was putting on with that group,” he said. "As a Hope Squad member, it made me go about things differently than I would have before... I was always good with myself, but just being a part of that squad really made me feel obligated to do better overall.”
Becker stated Rice’s enthusiasm towards his nomination was “a testament to his compassionate nature and commitment to supporting his fellow students.”
On top of his athletic accomplishments and dedication to his peers and schoolwork, Rice also noted his love for music as a songwriter and guitar player.
He has also made outstanding academic achievements while working in the construction trade for the past three years.
During his junior year in high school, Rice took a history course through Pennsylvania College of Technology. As a senior, he took English and math courses through the college.
Rice has a 3.7 GPA. After graduation, he plans on attending Savannah Technical College in Georgia to obtain a degree in construction management.
Despite his love for the sport, Rice will not continue to play football at Savannah Technical College, as the school does not have a team.
