Kansas Independence

Lucas Boyce, Orlando Magic executive, shared his foster care experience with a large group of youth at Florida’s Orange Youth Academy. Boyce, originally from Independence, MO, was born prematurely to a mother suffering from a drug addiction and was subsequently adopted into a loving family. At a young age, Boyce struggled with behavior issues, he even failed kindergarten, until his adoptive mother gave him some radical advice:

1. Remember who you are and who you represent.

 

2. Work late, study hard, and you will be successful.

 

 

 

  Courtesy of Orlando Magic

 

The advice paid off. He excelled anyone’s expectations, graduating Valedictorian from high school and graduating cum laude from Central Missouri University.  Boyce had three goals in life: to work for the White House, fly on Air Force One, and work for a NBA team. He was able to accomplish all three of his goals as he was the Associate Director in the Office of Political Affairs at the White House in the Office of Political Affairs.  He joined President George W. Bush on Air Force and has funny stories about it.  This amazing journey has taken him to Guatemala and Rwanda, opening a new world for him. He is currently the Director of Multicultural Insights, Cause Marketing, and Government Affairs for Orlando Magic and oversees the Magic’s relationships with the community and sponsors. Now, he’s writing a book about his life, all before age 30. Boyce plans to donate part of the profits of his book’s sales to adoption agencies.

Ultimately, the speech was inspiring and encouraging. For Boyce, you must see the difficult side of things, in order to enjoy something.  “There will always be storms in life,” Boyce said. “No rain, no rainbows.”

LINK: http://www.examiner.net/sports/x1176005709/Independence-native-making-Magic

LINK: http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports-sentinel-sports-now/2010/06/09/orlando-magic-executive-goes-from-foster-care-to-white-house/?wpmp_switcher=mobile