For Quinn Bonfield, a Lakota East High School senior in Butler Tech’s Sports Medicine program, the path to success has been shaped by perseverance, curiosity, and a commitment to helping others. As one of Ohio’s five U.S. Presidential Scholar nominees in Career Technical Education (CTE), Quinn demonstrates the qualities of a leader, a scholar, and a community servant.
Quinn’s journey into the world of physical therapy was born out of personal adversity. A promising baseball pitcher, his dreams of excelling on the mound took a sudden turn during his sophomore year. While throwing pitches at tryouts, a sharp pain in his shoulder led to a devastating diagnosis—a tumor in his collarbone had grown and caused a fracture.
“I had to go through a lot of rehab,” Quinn recalls. “That experience opened my eyes to the field of physical therapy.”
After recovering, Quinn faced another medical challenge, this time involving recurring issues with his finger. Multiple surgeries and further rehabilitation deepened his appreciation for the field and helped him decide to pursue a career in physical therapy. Now, he plans to major in Exercise Science on a Physical Therapy track, hoping to earn his doctorate by age 23 through a six-year program at Belmont University.
Beyond his personal resilience, Quinn has grown as a leader at Lakota East and for Butler Tech. As President of Lakota East’s HOSA chapter, he has played a key role in guiding his chapter to state and international competitions.
“Being in HOSA since my sophomore year has shaped me tremendously,” Quinn shared. “It’s taught me leadership, communication, and how to inspire others to aim high.”
Quinn’s commitment to service extends far beyond the classroom. From volunteering in medical tents at marathons to shadowing physical therapists and mentoring peers, he embraces opportunities to give back. A member of the National Honor Society, he also participates in several other clubs, including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Asian American Association. His involvement in these organizations reflects his drive to learn, grow, and support his community.
While his achievements are numerous, Quinn remains humble. He credits his older brother, a physical therapy assistant, and his sports medicine teacher, Nikki Drew, as two of his biggest inspirations.
“Coach Drew has given me so many opportunities to grow,” Quinn says. “She’s been a guiding force in helping me pursue my passion.”
Quinn’s advice to younger students considering career technical education is simple but powerful: “Explore your options and find what truly excites you. CTE classes can open doors you didn’t even know existed.”
As Quinn prepares to graduate, he reflects on the lessons that have shaped him. “I used to be a big introvert,” he admits. “But through volunteering, leadership roles, and the experiences I’ve had in CTE, my communication and leadership skills have grown so much.”
Quinn Bonfield’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and purpose. His journey serves as an inspiration not only to his peers but also to the countless lives he will undoubtedly impact as he works toward a future in physical therapy. With his nomination for the U.S. Presidential Scholar designation in CTE, Quinn’s hard work, determination, and passion for helping others have been rightfully recognized, and his bright future is just beginning.