WILMINGTON, N.C. — Alex Gibson, a New Hanover High School senior and linebacker, is known throughout the greater Wilmington area. He was voted the Wilmington Area Player of the Year by a local newspaper.

“I’ve actually been an inside linebacker my whole time playing,” Gibson, 17, said.

His love for football has helped him build relationships on the field and off.

“I think just being out in your community and helping other people just honestly makes me want to play harder for the community, and it makes me remember how lucky I am to be able to play football and not to take it for granted,” Gibson said.

Gibson also volunteers in his community.

“Whenever I was young, we used to do a Miracle Field, and that was when we played baseball with special-needs people too,” he said.

Gibson has found his passion when it comes to helping those with special needs.

“I think it’s great to just be out in your community and do as much as you can,” he said.

Gibson volunteered at the Fishin’ with Special Friends event, where he was paired with Max. They went out on the pier to fish and spend time together.

Through his volunteer work, Gibson has seen how something small can make a huge difference in someone else’s life.

“I just believe, you know, kindness goes a long way, and I love helping other people and spending time with people,” Gibson said.