SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: G-A-V-I-N

When life throws challenges your way, it’s easy to get bitter. It’s easy to complain. But Gavin St. Martin? He’s built differently.

Born on January 12, 2007, in Kalamazoo, Gavin has always been full of energy and heart. Growing up in a family of five, with an older and younger brother, competition and laughter were part of daily life. That upbringing shaped Gavin into the person his friends, classmates, and teammates admire so much today.

Gavin attended St. Monica for elementary school and St. Augustine for middle school before making his way to Hackett, where he immediately made an impact on and off the field. He’s a proud member of Hackett’s football, basketball, and baseball teams, and he was also part of Paul Dull’s Disciples. Whether he’s playing sports, working as a basketball ref at the YMCA during the winter, or just hanging out with friends like Brooks, Christian, and the Ogrins, Gavin brings a unique energy wherever he goes.

Gavin is a busy guy—but he wouldn’t like to have it any other way. In his free time, you’ll find him outside hooping, at the beach, camping, riding his bike, or squeezing in a game of Pop-A-Shot, Madden, 2K, or MLB The Show. His passion for sports even shapes his future plans: Gavin plans to study Sports Management and Economic Finance at Alma College, where he dreams of balling out on the field and court alongside his brother Logan.

When it comes to personality, Gavin is the kind of guy everyone wants around. He’s got a big heart, a quick sense of humor, and a “run-and-gun” way of thinking—whatever’s on his mind, he says it. He looks up to his parents, his older brother, and Smiley Verduzco, and emulates his dad’s passion and competitive fire. In his words, loyalty and a good sense of humor are a must when going about friendships—you can’t be friends with a “rock.”

Looking ahead, Gavin dreams big: becoming a CEO one day (with a few jokes about committing “a little fraud” just to keep things interesting), living between Michigan and Florida, and traveling to Australia to see all the crazy things he’s heard about.

His favorite Hackett memory is traveling to MSU for baseball—one of those unforgettable, crazy days that perfectly capture his love for life.

His favorite person to pick on is Christian Ynclan. Ever since he stole Gavin’s fries his freshman year, it’s been a rivalry fueled by nothing but love and laughs.

Gavin’s positive spirit was put to the ultimate test recently. Just two weeks ago, while playing catch, Gavin was accidentally struck in the face by a bat. What followed were two surgeries: one to fix and splint his front teeth, and another to wire his jaw shut. He now spends his days eating and drinking through a syringe, resting, and recovering.

Most people would’ve been frustrated, angry, or withdrawn. Not Gavin.

Even in the middle of pain, uncertainty, and a grueling recovery, Gavin stayed upbeat, joking around, smiling, and appreciating every moment his friends came to visit. When he made it out to the baseball game against Schoolcraft, you could see how much it meant to him—and to everyone else who missed his light-hearted presence.

Truly it’s no wonder why people say Gavin is so likable. It’s not just because he’s kind, funny, or competitive—it’s because he never lets the tough times change him. He’s the guy who gets knocked down, gets back up with a smile, and never throws a fit. He leads with gratitude, humor, and toughness that most people twice his age would admire.

At the end of the day, Gavin hopes people remember him for his wired jaw and, more importantly, for always keeping a good attitude no matter what.

And if you know Gavin, you know he’s already achieved that—and so much more.

“Keep an open mind. You never know what’s going to happen next, so stay ready, stay positive, and never lose your heart.” -