- [Narrator] Meet Ashton Goodloe.

Ashton is a senior at Central High School in Florence.

He's one of the top academic performers in his class, is a member of the National Honor Society, and is vice president of the Future Business Leaders of America.

Ashton also participates in Peers for Life and is a longtime volunteer with the Special Olympics.

Football is a big part of Ashton's life, but during spring training for his freshman year, he fell during practice and broke both of his knees.

He had a very rough road to recovery, but persevered through pain, depression, and many months of rehab to return to football for his junior and senior year.

- I learned about the Young Heroes watching TV one night, and when I saw the commercial, I was like, that is something that I believe that Ashton would be considered a hero for what he went through when he broke his legs.

- When I found out I was selected as one of the Young Heroes, my mom told me.

I was at track, track practice, and I was shocked, you know, honored.

But, you know, when you find out who you're grouped with and the kids and what they've been through and how much they've accomplished, you kind of feel undeserving.

- You know, what you see with Ashton is what you get.

Pleasure to be around.

He is a major competitor, has a fire about winning, but at the same time, he is always the one who does not want the credit.

He wants to give credit to others.

- My personal definition of a hero is someone who's kind, compassionate, caring, puts others in front of themselves, who is humble, who wants to see others succeed.

- [Narrator] For his courage and determination in the face of physical struggles, Alabama Public Television is proud to name Ashton as one of the five Young Heroes of Alabama for 2023.

Learn about all of APT's Young Heroes and how to nominate a student for the 2024 awards at aptv.org/heroes.