WOODS CROSS–Alex Brey did more in his senior year than just learn. Brey just graduated from Woods Cross High School and he was involved with everything from playing sports to being a peer for special needs athletes at the Unified Sports Olympics. The 18-year-old was recently featured in Rustic Spirit Spotlights for his impact work.

“I played soccer, football, basketball and baseball in high school,” said Brey. “In junior high I babysat my neighbor who had special needs. He came to Woods Cross the next year and I played in the special Olympics with him. I had a great time.”

Brey said his friends who were student body officers asked him to attend some other events. “I got to know people I wouldn’t have met. It got me out of my bubble and helped me step into new things. I made friends with a lot of different people with different interests like getting involved with the special needs program.”

In addition to his work in school, Brey serves his community. “I’ve done a lot of service in my church,” he said. “I’ve helped cut down trees and do yard work for my neighbors.”

His parents taught him to serve at an early age, Brey said. “Growing up they definitely had me doing stuff to help other families. My church does a lot of service. It’s work but it’s fun to see how it helps others. It’s very satisfying.”

That desire to serve also carried over when he was older, said Brey. “I started doing things (service) myself with friends.”

Going into Brey’s senior year, a boy on his team committed suicide over the summer. “We made shirts in his honor to wear at the football game,” said Brey. “His favorite color was dark green and his jersey number was 18. His nickname was ‘bones’ so we put that on the shirt. All the profits went to a suicide prevention cause.”

It was a sad time, he said. “But it was also cool to see everyone come together.”

After serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brazil, Brey plans to attend the University of Utah and major in sports marketing.

“I did an internship with the head of sponsorships at the U,” he said. “I got to go to games and meet cool people. I love sports and I love talking to people. I had so much fun doing it.”

Brey said his favorite thing is to spend time with family. “I do a lot with family and grandparents. I’m a social guy who likes to help. I’m ready for the next chapter of my life to see what it holds.”