"Walk On" Will be Released April 16th

Stephen Panus: "On Sunday, August 9, 2020 my 16-year-old son, Jake, was killed. My life imploded. In order to survive this soul crushing tragedy I began writing and, over much time, emerged a book. "WalkOn" is an inspirational and emotionally powerful story - my story - of accepting a new and very different reality, letting go of suffering, and finding a way to turn my pain into purpose and honor Jake." Jake Panus Obituary (2004 - 2020) - Southport, CT - Connecticut Post (legacy.com)

Drawing upon wisdom, leadership, and a 30-year career as a sports marketing executive, Stephen Panus provides real-world application of indispensable values and traits that illuminate a pathway for turning pain into purpose and becoming the best version of ourselves. We all suffer in some manner and no matter what happens or how it happens, we all must ‘Walk On’ in our lives.

What They're Saying — Stephen Panus

“This is a brave and beautifully written book about unbearable loss and a father’s never-ending battle to honor a son, comfort a family and make the world a better place.”

— Joe Drape, New York Times bestselling author of “Soldiers First: Duty, Honor, Country and Football at West Point”

In the summer of 2019, Jake participated in his first church youth group mission trip to Red Shirt Table on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in Oglala County, South Dakota. Their focus was on providing aid and assisting the Lakota children of Red Shirt Table, among the poorest areas within the reservation.

The goal of establishing the Jake Panus WalkOn Scholarship was to honor Jake’s natural ability to lift up others and spread joy, while producing consequential and lasting benefits for the children of Red Shirt Table. 

• The Jake Panus WalkOn Scholarship 
  • A partnership with Southport Congregational Church (Southport, CT) and Red Cloud Indian School (Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota)
    • Annual post-secondary education financial assistance to children from Red Shirt Table who graduate from Red Cloud Indian School and desire to pursue a post-secondary education.
  • A partnership with the University of South Carolina Football program and athletic department
    • Provides an athletic scholarship to a walk-on football player who...
      • Contributes toward the success of the University, the Gamecock football team, and the community at large. 
      • Shares the leadership attributes of Jake
      • Demonstrates a motivated work ethic, fierce determination, team-first mentality, and grit on the football field.

Give to Jake Panus Memorial Scholarship Fund

 Stephen Panus on Facebook

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