With a pen in hand and a trail of amazing achievements behind him, Mount Dora High School senior Gabriel “Gabe” Lewis officially signed his letter of intent Wednesday to continue his cross country and track & field career at Seminole State College.

The signing ceremony, held at MDHS, celebrated not only Gabe’s athletic accomplishments but also his extraordinary journey through the early part of his life. 

Born prematurely, Gave has never let those his early health challenges define him.

“I’ve really overcome anything I’ve tried,” Gabe says. “I’m a very determined person. Any challenges and I won’t stop until I figure out how to do it.”

Gave has been the heartbeat of the Mount Dora cross country program the past few years, helping the team secure three district runner-up finishes and qualifying individually for the FHSAA state championships in both his junior and senior seasons. He stands as the school record holder in the cross country 5K and the 3200 meters, ranks as the second-fastest in school history in the 1600 meters, and captured a district championship in the 1600m.

His selection to represent the west side in the FACA All Star Senior Classic is a testament to the respect he has earned across the state.

Coach Cody Adkinson praised the senior during the ceremony.

“Gabriel has been a cornerstone of our cross country program, contributing to three team district runner-up finishes and helping elevate the standard of excellence year after year,” Adkinson says. “Gabriel has brought personality and tradition to our program. His race day ritual of asking someone he respects to tie his shoes for luck has become a memorable part of his journey. If you were chosen, you knew the pressure was on to get those laces just right.” 

Running with one arm in a sport that demands balance and symmetry required Gabe to adapt his stride and develop an even stronger work ethic.

“All summer long, he will get up and run,” his mom says. “He’s very dedicated and will overcome anything that gets in his way. He won’t let anything stop him and always figure out a way.”

That tenacity was evident from childhood. As a young boy, Lewis army-crawled across the floor and rolled on a skateboard his grandfather built before learning to walk. He displayed the same relentless drive that fuels his running today.

“We haven’t found anything he can’t do,” his mom added. “He’s such an inspiration. A lot of times people who are different hide, but he is so outgoing and friendly.”

Off the course, Gabe also enjoys pickleball, bowling, and spending time with friends. He plans to pursue a career in air traffic control while competing at the collegiate level for Seminole State. 

His message to others facing challenges is inspiring: “Just be yourself. Don’t let being different affect you. Work hard at what you want and don’t stop for anyone.”

Coach Adkinson expressed both pride in Gabe’s accomplishments and excitement for his future.

“Though we are incredibly proud of everything Gabriel has accomplished, we are even more excited to see what lies ahead as he continues his academic and athletic career at Seminole State College competing in cross country and track and field,” the coach says. “Gabriel has been an outstanding representative of MDHS, and while he will be missed, we are confident he will continue to achieve great things at the next level. Seminole State is gaining a dedicated competitor and a strong leader.”