Football Star Was a Real Role Model

* Re “Crash Kills Newport Harbor Football Star,” May 15:

After Newport Harbor High School’s stunning victory over Irvine for the CIF Southern Section Division VI title last December, I had the privilege of meeting and talking with Andre Stewart. He was charismatic, enthusiastic, energetic, gracious and humble.

He had accomplished so much his senior year. What made this even more impressive was that he was beloved by everyone in and out of sports and had done all this in what might have been a difficult environment for a lesser person.

His father, a handsome man, stood by quietly as we spoke. In his eyes was that special love and squelched tears of a father grateful for his son’s success. One of those rare unforgettable moments when everything comes together for a child that makes parenthood so special.

Andre was a real role model.

We will miss his beautiful strides in the Orange County North-South All-Star Game and the joy of following his collegiate career.

If there is any consolation in all this, it is that he fulfilled more in one year than most in a lifetime. Today heaven has one heck of a halfback.

MICHAEL ARNOLD GLUECK

Newport Beach