Anthony Sava
Plaid stretched over his broad shoulders that bulged almost perfectly enough to form square corners, his chest stretched the cotton shirt under that, and then he turned to my direction with short yet spiky brown hair. But it was his eyes that suck people in; they betray the first impression of a jock-loud and bodacious type with the wideness and softness of their gaze. This was confirmed once he started to speak gently with his hand crossed and elbows bent on the table. Still, it was surprising to hear, talk to a man whose world was so different inside than outside. But that is what you come to expect and pleasantly enjoy when you know Anthony Sava.
Anthony's name first came to my ear with his music. In Mrs. Kington's and other classrooms, with guitar strings and smooth vocals harmonizing, he made an audience from the students and a stage with his desk. He'd like to continue performing and, hopefully, make money; he said, "I'd love to make a living out of this.” Influenced by a wide range of guitar music, from the rockabilly of Elivs to grunge 90s like Pearl Jam, none of them hold as high of a place for him as Paul Simon. With the influence of legends, a smooth voice, and eight and a half years of guitar play, he has a strong foundation for his dream.
But don't let that description fool you, for this man is a singing bird and a lion. When he's not flexing his voice, he's ripping muscles and flesh with iron, pushing and pulling against strenuous weight to push the boundaries of his body's potential hours after school. The classic film “Rocky” encouraged him to begin (Because who doesn't want to be Rocky?) A physical body is vital for his other love, basketball, something he spends his free time (how he has any, not even he knows) on.
Before some final thoughts, let me casually mention that he is writing a biography on Napoleon, as he did before I left. Yes, because being a great singer and having peak body performance wasn't enough; he is also a man of history. Specifically, wartime, a time of great upheaval and change like the revolutionary wars and world wars. When the whole world was in disarray, and great men and women had to rise above the carnage to forge better paths and better lives, that is what he focuses on: men like him who push through the pain to become something more splendid.
He says to his past and future self, "Keep the focus on what you want." I can't think of a better way to describe this unique man, somebody who, no matter the difficulties and endurance required, seeks what he wants with unwavering enthusiasm and commitment: may we all be more like that.
By Caleb Garetson