SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, Pa. — It's a homecoming of its own, this homecoming week- at North Schuylkill High School. Jaden Leiby returned back to the halls he once walked as a student. Much of it, like his locker, is the same.
"It's right here, 524," said Leiby.
While it's not his first time back to the school in the last five years, it is his first time sharing his story with North Schuylkill students.
"To go back in those seats, I would really tell myself to pay attention- to experience and enjoy life more than what I was, instead of going through the motions," Lieby said.
Jaden was a standout athlete, paralyzed during a tackle during a football game back in October of 2019. It was his senior night and the Spartans were looking to take the top spot in their division.
"The worst thing I ever experienced with a student or a player. It was just heartbreaking," recalled his baseball coach, Nick Brayford.
To a dimly lit auditorium, he shared the story of his darkest days and how he fought for a brighter future.
"Regardless of physical-wise, this mental jump I've been making recently is even bigger- even more impactful, because of the impact I could have on others," said Leiby.
In the audience were the teachers and coaches who knew him best, as he shared a legacy that goes far beyond the football field.
"He just never backed down from being in the moment, and that's what his life is right now. Every day is the moment for him, and he never backs down," added Brayford about his former player.
While the building has stayed the same, five years later, a different Jaden now strolls the halls.
"The fact that so many people who did have my back during it all just followed my progress, my journey and told how much of an inspiration I was, just made me be like, 'ok- I'm going to tell these people my story and motivate them to be the best person that they can be,'" added the young man.
Giving back to the home that surrounded him with hope when he needed it most.