Barham White

Barham White - Louisiana
Nomination & Photography by Sprig Designs
Issue 52 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​Nomination: Barham is a leader on and off the field. He has helped his team win two baseball state championships and one football state championship. Barham is also very active in his church youth group. Barham is dependable and works hard in everything he does. He will be continuing his baseball career next year by playing baseball for Louisiana State University - Eunice.

Photography by Sprig Designs

When did you start playing baseball? What position do you play now? And what do you love most about playing baseball?
I have been playing baseball as long as I can remember. I play catcher, and my favorite part about playing baseball is the competition. I love to compete against others, and I think baseball is a great game to find out how much someone wants to win.

Tell us about your two baseball state championships. Walk us through each of the seasons and what it felt not once, but twice!
 God has blessed me immeasurably by allowing me to compete for two championships, but my greatest memories were of the guys in the dugout from those years. I’ve shared teams with some characters who kept the guys entertained all spring long. The laughs and the moments of pure joy in winning big games will be what I remember the most. But holding that trophy up in Sulphur for the last game of the year will hold a special place in my heart forever because it is the ultimate reward for all the hard work and late nights.

What will you miss most about your team, coach, and baseball life?
Looking back on my career as a senior with one more season left, I think I’ll miss the everyday presence of these guys in my life. When you lift weight, hit in the cages, and work defensively with the same guys every day for a couple years, you form bonds with them. I’ll miss playing with guys I grew up with,

Why are you most excited to start playing next year for LSU - Eunice?
I’ve dreamed of playing college baseball since I was 12-13 years old, and when I finally get to take the field at LSUE I think it’ll be confirmation that all the hard work and sacrifices were worth it.

Photography by Sprig Designs

What has your football career been like? What position do you play? What has your biggest personal achievement been on the field?
My football career has done the most to shape my character as a young man. Our class has experienced it’s fair share of adversity through the years with us falling short in the final game of the year twice, but I think it’s helped me understand the winning is not always everything.  I always play to win, but I’ve been in the Superdome of New Orleans holding a state championship trophy and I remember the summer camps and dinners shared with my friends during the season even more than the win.

What do you think that people who don't play football realize about the sport?
The physicality of high-level competitive football is something that cannot be explained. Football is a contact sport, and it’s entirely different on the field versus on tv.

How big is football in your area and what did it mean to win the state championship for your school?
Friday nights are magical in Small Town, USA, and to have all your friends and family pack the stadium to cheer you on is incredible.

What is your football team like? What do you love most about being in their group?
I love the way the guys are like family. It takes a few summer camps and a few days spent being miserable together at summer practices, but when it’s time to play on Fridays everyone knows the guy next to them is giving 100 percent.

Photography by Sprig Designs

What else should we know about you?
I want all people to know I am a follower of Christ and that the joy I found in His grace is available to them as well. The love of Jesus changed my life, and without Him I am nothing. God has blessed me immeasurably so far, and I'll always give 100% effort on the field and in the classroom because of the gifts I have been blessed with.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
Young people today have the chance to change the world. Our generation has been given every tool to succeed and change the world for the better, and now all we have to do is take action. All great things are worth the work that they require, so it's time for us as a generation to get to work. By serving in our communities, bringing about change in the way we treat each other, and loving each other the way Christ loved us, we can change the world.

What lead you to choosing Sprig Designs for your senior portraits? What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
Brad Sanson has gone the extra mile in shooting my athletic events at OCS since I was a freshman and everyone at my school knows he’s the best. He’s willing to do whatever he needs to get the lighting or background just right for your pictures. There are not enough positive things I can say about Brad Sanson and Sprig Designs; Mr. Brad is extremely talented with a camera.

Photography by Cheryl White

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Work hard at what you love, and you can accomplish anything. Don’t listen to people who discourage you, stay determined.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
I’ll go where God takes me. I have no decided plans for after college but whatever I decide to do I know I will succeed.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
 I like to spend time outdoors with my family.

3 Things on your bucket list
Sky diving, visit Europe, and see the Midwest.

Who do you find inspiring?
My dad, Brent, is my hero and always will be but there are also other men in my life that have impacted me immeasurably. My uncle, Blake Shelby, my football coach, Drew Vidrine, and my teacher, Bill Angelly, are a few that I can never repay for the impact they’ve had on my life.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
Jesus is King!

Look for Barham in issue 52 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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click here for more information on issue 52

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