Jordan Cave, a freshman at Discovery Middle School, has been selected as a writing winner for the “My Hero Project.” He chose to write about a literal icon in the National Basketball Association.

“I chose Jerry West as my hero, because I saw that he was the guy that’s on the NBA logo,” Cave said. “So, I figured he had to be a good person to write about.” West won one NBA championship and multiple MVP honors and was a NBA All-Star 14 times.

“My Hero uses media and technology to celebrate the best of humanity and to empower people of all ages to realize their own potential for positive change in the world,” Discovery instructional coach Jacqueline Flowers said.

In his essay, Cave discusses West’s battle with depression and abuse from his father. Cave modestly explained why he entered the contest, saying, “I did it for the grade. I guess I did really well.”

Sherri Shamwell, Cave’s language arts teacher at Discovery, said a top essay for My Hero must be “exceptionally well written, inspiring, accurate, an original voice and exemplify the mission of My Hero.”

Shamwell chose this particular project for her students for several reasons. “One, they do check for plagiarism, and this is an important concept we try to teach our ninth-graders,” she said. “Two, it gives them an audience beyond the classroom. And three, it implements technology.”

Cave enjoys playing sports, including basketball, football, baseball and soccer. “I like to hunt and fish,” he said. He likes to listen to most music, except for “‘screamo’ (hardcore punk) and stuff like that.”

Cave plans to continue his education in college with a major in law and play sports.

My Hero is a free, not-for-profit project that visitors support by sharing stories, art and short films. Teachers use My Hero programs in schools, libraries and after-school workshops.

To view Cave’s essay, visit myheroproject.org. Click Content and click Search. Search for “Jerry West.” Cave’s essay is labeled “Jordan from Madison.”