Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz and founder of the AO1 Foundation shared his passion for serving God, whether on the football field or overseas on the missions field, during remarks to nearly 1,000 people as the featured speaker at Atlantic Christian School’s 5th annual Legacy Gala on Monday, April 30 held at the school’s campus in Egg Harbor Township.
Wentz inspired a diverse crowd of students and parents, teachers and coaches, and community and business leaders with his message of seeking to honor God first with his life. “In everything I do, I want to impact others for Jesus Christ because one day I hope to see lots of people in heaven who were influenced by something that I said or did,” Wentz said.
Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen and Board of Directors Chairman Doug Pearson presented Wentz with a plaque congratulating him for his exemplary legacy of faith, hope, love, and service and also gave him an honorary ACS athletic hoodie with his name and Eagles jersey #11 embossed on the back.
“We were thrilled to be able to bring Carson to speak at our school to be such a bright beacon of light for Christ here in our community,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen. “Carson is someone that our young people can look up to and respect. He is the kind of positive role model that is so needed in our society today.”
The Gala Program featured Wentz speaking to the audience in a lively, question-and-answer format that was moderated by the hosts of the Philadelphia-based ESPN 610 AM radio show “Faith on the Field.” Eight ACS middle school and high school students also joined Wentz on stage to ask him a question. Milligan College Men’s Basketball Head Coach Bill Robinson, a 1987 ACS alumnus, had the honor of introducing Wentz to the audience, after sharing how his education at ACS had helped shape him for life.
Wentz spoke enthusiastically about the goals of his Audience of One Foundation, founded 10 months ago, and how serving on two missions trips to Haiti has been a life-changing experience. His said his foundation recently partnered with “Mission of Hope in Haiti” and he has pledged to match donations of up to $500,000 to help build a sports complex there.
In response to a question from AP sportswriter and “Faith on the Field” show host Rob Maaddi, Wentz shared how his faith in God helped him deal with getting injured just before the playoffs and not having the opportunity to play in the Super Bowl. “As a kid I had envisioned myself on the stage one day holding the Lombardi Trophy. It was difficult. I had to swallow my pride and trust God through it all. In the end, it was Jesus Christ who got the glory through Nick Foles and Doug Pederson being on that stage.”
6th grader Zach Fosbenner of Beesley’s Point asked Wentz how he was handling the sudden fame and fortune of being a successful NFL player and whether he liked the fame or would prefer a slower life. Wentz responded that he would probably prefer a slower life, but that God has given him a platform to share his faith and that he wants to make the most of the opportunity. “My goal is not to make myself famous, but to make God famous,” Wentz said.
The audience at the Gala program included several hundred students from across southern New Jersey, ranging in age from elementary school to college and many active on athletic teams at their schools. In response to a question from 7th grader Paige Noble of Egg Harbor Township, who plays on three ACS middle school teams, Wentz encouraged the students to establish a healthy balance between schoolwork and demanding activities, such as athletics. “It’s important to have the right priorities and to do the important things first, and that might mean sacrificing some of your social life too,” Wentz said. Wentz was valedictorian of his high school class and was an academic All-American in college with a 4.0 GPA.
12th grader Hunter Smith of Egg Harbor Township drew laughter and applause when he congratulated Wentz on his recent engagement and asked for his advice on what qualities he should look for in a future spouse. Wentz responded that he met his fiancé while they were both serving on a missions trip. “To find someone on a missions trip and see her heart for Christ, that sealed the deal,” Wentz said.
Leading up to Wentz’s remarks as the featured Gala speaker, various students and alumni participated in the program. 12th grader Kate Kelley opened the Gala program with prayer, followed by a High School Select Ensemble performing two songs.
