SURVIVAL CLASS
BRADLEY - A very intelligent, non-athletic, shy and vulnerable young man who struggles to fit in. Still grieving the loss of his mother, he is a closet guitar player and singer/song writer who always wanted to be a rock star.
VAL – An athletic, former star quarterback who quit football. Val is a thoughtful and morally grounded young man who stands up for others, including Bradley. He shows leadership qualities and survival skills during the wilderness hike, despite his own struggles with self-doubt and past decisions.
COLE – A wiry, tattooed young man with a rebellious, confrontational attitude and a troubled past. He is rough around the edges, often antagonistic, but shows moments of vulnerability and complexity.
DESHAWN – A powerfully built All-State running back, with a full scholarship to Ohio State and a lock to play in the NFL. Tough with a no-nonsense attitude who values loyalty and leadership. He is protective of his friends and shows emotional depth, especially when dealing with loss and adversity.
TERRELL – A lean, outgoing young Black man with a big smile and a playful, teasing personality. He is part of the close-knit group and often lightens tense moments with humor. If he can't make the NFL, he would like to become a comic like his idol Dave Chappelle.
EMILIO – A Hispanic teenager with a strong personality and a devote Catholic. Despite his religious faith, Emilio has had a few run ins with the law. He aspires to take over his family's landscaping business and shows resilience and courage during the survival ordeal.
MR. OWENS – An authoritative high school physical education teacher who commands respect. An avid woodsman who organizes a yearly, end of the year two day hike through a remote forest miles from the city for senior students.