Gabriel Waits is a Renaissance man. Like the nobles of that famous age in history, he truly expresses multiple gifts. Waits lives to embrace knowledge, developing skills in emotional, academic. physical, social, and artistic interactions.

Gabe is always learning. Even within his family life.

Waits has gained a profound understanding of trauma, connection, and vulnerability in children. The proud big brother to five adopted siblings clearly relishes his life with his brothers and sisters.

When speaking of family and the process of adopting five siblings Gabe says, “When I let my siblings express who they truly are and validate their experiences, not only do they become more of their authentic selves, but I also become more who I am meant to be.

Don’t get it twisted, this is not the Brady bunch. According to Gabriel, “We love one another and argue just like kids in any family. However, each of his siblings bringing their individual stories and experiences to the family has enriched the life of the entire unit.

His mother, Anne Waits, says, “Gabe has really understood his role as the oldest in a blended family. It really softened him. We could not have done any of this without him. Adoption really changed us all for the better.”

At school, Gabe studied Advanced Placement physics, honors chemistry, web design and computer programming, just to name a few areas of his interests. His current grade-point average is an impressive 4.28.

Gabe Waits is also a National Honor Society member. He has been accepted at Elon University and will begin attending in the fall.

As if academic excellence weren’t enough, this young man is also a serious actor. He has been recognized as best actor in a play at Liberty High School. On top of that, Gabe also received the Rising Star Award at Liberty High School and has also been awarded as the best actor in a musical.

Speaking of his artistic work, Gabe declares, “When I became involved in community theater, I did not understand the influence that performing would have on my life or the inspiring trajectory it would launch for me.”

Waits recently made it to the final audition of a callback of a theater production in New York City. Instead of being disappointed at not making the play, he told his mother that he was grateful for the opportunity to express his artistic talent in a different venue. Gabe will continue to pursue his vision of a degree in musical theater at Elon University over the next four years.

Waits is also an athlete who contributes time and effort to Special Olympics as a fully abled mentor for disabled athletes. Gabe fondly talks about this experience with the flag football team.

“Our team met every Saturday to run drills and practice together. I got to call plays, throw passes, and run alongside my teammates. What I learned was that I was a better person being a part of that vibrant team.”

Science teacher Cara-Rae Smith from Village High School says of Gabe, “He is creative and talented in so many areas including the arts, sciences and athletics. He is passionate and kind and just a total joy to be around.”

She continues talking about Gabriel, saying, “My favorite thing about Gabe is his love of learning.”

Gabe’s parents are surprised with his life and its wide range of interests. But they always support his internal thirst for learning — Renaissance style — and look forward to seeing where it takes him.