For most families, their first born child’s birth is one of the happiest days of their lives and also one of the most nerve racking. One family in particular got more news than they had hoped for. The Varvil’s first-born son, Trent, was born with an irregular heartbeat and since the age of five has grown up with a pacemaker to keep his heartbeat at a normal pace. He has undergone seven surgeries, some of which have been successful and others not as the doctors had hoped.

Some say it was ironic for Trent to have a “broken heart” since he was born on Valentines Day in 1999. Trent Varvil is a 15-year-old sophomore who has had anything but an easy time growing up. Doctors said he would never be able to play contact sports or most of the sports that he loves. That never seemed to stop him, though. He doesn’t have most of his heart but has been known to have more heart than most people and a little bit of a wild side.

“Trent has always been a tough kid,” Trent’s father, Mark Varvil said. “I know nothing would ever stop him from getting back up, and I’m proud of him for that.”

Growing up, Trent was a select soccer MVP and an avid outdoorsman, along with being a young choir star. Along with his many talents, his highest accomplishments are being a national ranked archer, a young boating enthusiast, skate competitor and prized hunter.

“Don’t be pushed by your problems,” Trent said. “Be led by your dreams.”

Inside of the school, Trent is a high achieving student with remarkable grades, and is already taking early medical courses at Career Center East. With a medical history in his background, he is already a step ahead of other students who are learning things he has already personally went through. Other than academics, Trent is also in the marching band playing trumpet. Most teenagers quit band going into high school because of how much work and effort it takes, but not Trent. He welcomes the challenge as something else to add to his list of accomplishments.

“Pain is certain, but suffering is optional,” Trent says.

Trent will push himself to the limits if necessary to prove he isn’t any different or limited because of his heart condition. He can still play video games, sports with friends and drives like most people but looks to famous people like Carroll Shelby for motivation. Just like him, the world renowned race car driver and manufacturer Shelby went through life with heart problems and learned to overcome obstacles to break world records still held in his name.

Trent isn’t the only one with heart problems, especially at Hebron, and will continue to have to face all of life’s obstacles, but will not be alone.

“I know Trent has the makings to be a great man,” Trent’s mother Janel Varvil said. “But wherever life takes him, we will be proud!”