Trust isn’t something Justice Elliot talks about lightly. For the Cushing High School senior, it’s the accomplishment that matters most. It isn’t measured by trophies or recognition, but by knowing the people around him believe in his character.
“I am proud of becoming someone that others and my teammates can trust,” Elliot said. “Whether that comes from football or personal life.”
For Elliot, trust isn’t earned through one big moment. It’s built through everyday choices, showing up for teammates, following through on commitments and becoming someone others know they can depend on. Football has played a major role in shaping that mindset.
“Football has taught me how you don’t get everything you want in life,” Elliot said. “To get to your goals, it requires grit and dedication.”
The game has shown him that success doesn’t come simply because you want it. It requires commitment through difficult practices, disappointing moments and the discipline to keep working when progress feels slow. Those lessons have carried into the classroom, his friendships and the expectations he sets for himself.
One of the people who has made that journey easier is teacher Kalie Rockwell.
“My favorite teacher would have to be Mrs. Kalie Rockwell because she has always brought me up when my head is down,” Elliot said.
He’s also thankful for teammate Erick Garrido, whose friendship has been built on accountability rather than comfort.
“We constantly seek improvement out of each other,” Elliot said. “He’s definitely made me become a better athlete and person.”
Elliot says one of the best things about Cushing is the opportunities the community provides. Whether through school activities, athletics or local events, he appreciates being part of a town where people are willing to support one another.
He tries to return that support whenever he can. Whether it’s helping clean up after an event or lending a hand to clubs and sports he isn’t involved in, Elliot believes those small acts can have a lasting impact.
One piece of advice has shaped him more than any other.
“We accept the love that we think we deserve,” Elliot said. “That’s greatly affected my life on who I am around and the choices I come to make.”
He says those words have influenced the relationships he chooses and reminded him to surround himself with people who encourage him to become better.
When asked who has had the greatest impact on his life, Elliot doesn’t hesitate.
“I would have to thank my dad,” he said. “He’s always been there for me whether I liked it or not, and he’s always been a role model in my life and someone I can look up to.”
Elliot knows football eventually comes to an end, but the lessons it leaves behind don’t. The grit it demanded, the responsibility it reinforced and the importance of earning people’s trust are lessons he plans to carry well beyond his senior year.
