Alumni Spotlight
Dr. Jack Zorn’s Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes Shines a Light in a Dark World by Rebecca Burylo
Dr. Jack Zorn
In 1968, during an era defined by social turmoil and unrest, eight boys sought clarity in the midst of confusion, under the tutelage of Dr. Jack Zorn. They began studying the Bible and speaking at area churches. This small group became a light to shine through the darkness, growing into what is known today as Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes (L2L).
Zorn was a dreamer. He knew, even in those early years, his mission was to grow L2L into what it is today. His vision has become a household name among many Christian families who are raising their children to be responsible, Christ-like citizens, and encouraging them to be a difference in their churches and communities.
“He is truly a visionary,” said Faulkner University Alumni Director Joey Wiginton. “When you talk to him, you know he’s looking five, ten years down the road. It’s just the kind of man he is. It’s that mindset that enabled L2L to grow into what it is today. All five of my children have gone through L2L and every one of them was blessed by Jack and L2L.” Little did Zorn know just how many lives L2L would influence. When he was a young boy sharing a bed with his three siblings, he looked up at the sky through the rusted hole in his family’s tin roof, dreaming of a different life. Born with a speech impediment, Zorn was ridiculed for doing poorly in school and dropped out of the 10th grade to work in the fields. His father was an alcoholic, and his mother kept the family together while doing her best to instill strong Christian values into her children. At the age of 17, Zorn left home and hitchhiked to Mt. Dora, Florida where he worked 80 hours a week in the
More than five decades later, over a quarter million children have been helped by L2L. In recent years, over 20,000 youths have showcased their work at the annual convention, held simultaneously in many states. Zorn is the 2021 recipient of the Faulkner University Alumnus of the Year Award because of his lifetime of service dedicated to the Lord’s work, his ingenuity and his love for young people. “Right on the plaque, it says ‘In recognition of a lifetime of Christian service,’” said Faulkner University Alumni Officer Robin Bradford. “We look at what they were like as students at Alabama Christian College (ACC) or Faulkner University, how they stood out as well as what they have done since leaving school. We look at what kind of leaders they have been and what they have done to have an influence on people.”
Dr. Jack Zorn participates in an event at the Moore Avenue Church of Christ to promote Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes
Spring 2021
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