This year?s winner of the Carol S. Adelstein Outstanding Student Award did not hear the applause as his name was called at the awards ceremony Thursday, but he undoubtedly saw the pride in the congratulatory smiles of his coaches, teammates and fellow students. He is University of Kentucky Football linebacker Terry Clayton.
Clayton was presented with the Adelstein Award at a ceremony in 230 Student Center at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 13. He is further honored with the cash award that accompanies the recognition at the campuswide Student Awards Ceremony at 7 p.m. April 19, in the Grand Ballroom of the UK Student Center.
?I want to say ?thank you? to Barb Deniston and Jake Karnes for nominating me for this award,? said Clayton in his acceptance speech. ?I also thank Susan Fogg and the (UK) disabilities office for providing me with the services I need to be successful. Special thanks go to my interpreters, Dick Purnell and Diane Cross.
?I?ll say my biggest thank you to my mom and dad (Jason and Betty Sydnor) for helping me to believe I can do anything if I work hard enough.?
Named for the wife of retired UK English professor Michael Adelstein, the award is presented annually to the student with a disability who best serves as an inspiration to the university community. Nominees for the Adelstein Award are evaluated through the excellence they demonstrate in academic achievement, leadership, extracurricular activities, and social or personal qualities.
Clayton, a junior majoring in kinesiology in the College of Education, lost his hearing at age 5 due to a bout of the chickenpox. He wears a hearing aid but most of his communications on and off the field are by sign and lip reading. He is an outstanding student in the classroom ? he was named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll in his sophomore year ? and a force to be dealt with on the gridiron.
?Terry has clearly demonstrated to his teammates and coaches what an outstanding person he is because of the way he has dealt with and overcome his disability. He has found ways to compensate. Our players love working with him,? said
Rich Brooks, UK?s head football coach. ?He gives you everything he has and takes a lot of pride in everything he does.?
Clayton joined the team as a walk-on, red-shirted his freshman year, then his raw strength, determination and instinct for the game began earning him playing time as a sophomore.
Linebackers coach, Chuck Smith, said, ?One of the things that make Terry special is that never once has he used his disability as an excuse not to do something. That is unique and shows great character on his part.
?On the field he is a strong, explosive player. He really pays attention and picks up things by watching. For that reason, he doesn?t make many mistakes,? said Smith.
A graduate of Logan County High School and a native of Olmstead, Ky., Clayton is the son of Betty and Jason Sydnor.
Clayton receives the award from Dr. Pat Terrell, the Vice President for Student Affairs
Clayton delivers his acceptance speech
Clayton with his parents, Jason and Betty Snyder
Clayton is interviewed by Dick Gabriel of WKYT (right). Also pictured is interpreter Dick Purnell (center).
Terry Clayton is congratulated by teammates Maurice Grinter (center) and James Alexander (right).
Terry Clayton congratulated by UK defensive coordinator Mike Archer.
(from left) Bob Bradley, UK Associate Athletics Director for Student Life; defensive coordinator Mike Archer; Terry Clayton; linebackers coach Chuck Smith
