On June 6th, 2010, there was an overcast, gray in the sky in Northeastern Jersey. However, in the minds of the Ortiz Family, the sun was shining brightly.

High school graduate, Raphael Ortiz, quarterback of St. Peters Preparatory High School in Jersey City, had a day to remember on June sixth. The Marauder was not only graduating, he was playing in the 13th Annual New Jersey Northeastern All Star Game as well.

"We both awoke early because Raphael's good friend was flying in from Chicago, worrying if we would make it on time for graduation," said Ortiz's parents. "Then Raphael came in the room in his white tux (Prep's attire for graduation) and we realized then and there a very good thing is coming to an end."

Leading to a fresh start with great memories and a lifetime of friendship, Raphael and his family remember graduation day and the last time playing in Jersey.

"I feel like ending my prep career earlier that morning made the game more meaningful," Raphael said. "My last time ever playing in New Jersey and I got to represent the entire state as the starting quarterback. The game also represented my first college game and that is so exciting."

Rekindling the moment, capturing the emotion, and strength behind an inspirational young man and his courage to express his outlook on his achievements is an admirable aspiration.

What could go through a student's mind considering his graduation was moments away and right after he walked onto the stage to receive his diploma he is changing his clothes heading to the next big commitment and achievement of the day?

"He seemed to be more nervous about his "attire" for the football game than his "attire" for graduation, too busy to feel, at this point of the morning, other than the hug before he left the house," Ortiz's parents said. "Last time he has to be in Jersey City."

Distracted is an understatement when a student who focuses on his academics as much as his athletics does not realize where he is. It was almost like he became numb with excitement and nervousness.

"The whole week leading up to the game graduation took a seat on the back burner because I was so focused on getting ready physically and mentally for the game," Raphael said. "Midway through the ceremony I started to tune everything around me out and by the time I left Saint Peter's College I was in full game mode. As soon as Corey (teammate and scholastic friend) and I received our diplomas we were changed and in Coach Hansen's (St. Peter's Prep Varsity Coach) truck on the way to the game.

Is graduating from high school more exciting than playing starting quarterback in an all star game? Without a doubt the two compare. What is even more exciting for this student athlete is someone honoring him and noticing the true inspirational figure and leader he has become.

"We did not know he was going to be the starter," Ortiz's parents emotionally said. "That was a very nice surprise. A nicer surprise was at graduation when his name was called for a "Memorial Student-Athlete Award" in honor of Jeff Kachel class of 1989.

"The award was presented to Raphael for 'his Perseverance, Commitment and Leadership embodied a true Prep Student-Athlete.' That was the one time we cried all day. "That was the one time we cried all day," Mrs. Ortiz continued. as those words run over and over again.

A parent so proud, so astonished and so filled with joy, words could not express, but the tears welling up in her eyes with the slightest thought of her son's big day shows what that big day meant in her heart and her families hearts.

A captain is nothing without his team, and a quarterback does not always proceed down the field without his receivers. Raphael remembers graduation day and the all-star game, but not without remembering his teammate and his fried Corey Davis. Of course, a leading man would not. A leading man on and off the field, Raphael shows his commitment, his leadership, and his gratitude for his right hand man being by his side through his journey.

"Corey has been my best friend and go-to receiver for four years and we have been there for each other so much on and off the field," Raphael said. "Without him I don't know if I would've been able to have the career I had at Prep.

"After halftime Corey and I were the last ones to go out of the locker room and right before we ran out for the last time, we hugged, and it was such an emotional moment. Having all my friends and old Prep teammates there to cheer me on was a true blessing. All of them have been there with me since I stepped onto the field against Delbarton my freshman year till I walked out Giants Stadium my senior year."

Raphael's family thinks the same way. "We love Corey as if he was our own, brothers on and off the field and a true commitment as friendship," they said. "The next time they meet it will be on opposite sides of the field. I promise that it will be difficult not to root for James Madison in November. Corey already promised me he would never hit Ralph on the field. That is love (I hope he never changes his mind)."

Let's not forget the highlights of the all-star game. On the first play of the game, Raphael threw a 65 yard strike to set up the games only offensive touchdown. Late in the fourth quarter Raphael dropped back for a pass and avoided four would be tacklers and threw for a touchdown; showing fantastic movement and a major moment of the game, although the play was called back because of an infraction.

Raphael's overall statistics for the game were 7 for 10 for 148 yards, giving a 13-7 victory for Team New Jersey. What a way to end the day of graduation with friends, family and winning the all-star game, his last game played as a New Jersey football star.

On her son's 65 yard strike, Mrs. Ortiz announced expressively, "I couldn't tell you because I had my eyes closed. Mr. Ortiz just prayed the receiver would catch it. Watching the replay on the big screen I thought to myself this kid has confidence. He will be okay when he leaves for college."

Thoughts raced through the minds of Ortiz's parents as he threw for the touchdown that was called back.

"At first we thought 'oh crap, he will be sacked," they said. "Then seeing him throw the touchdown and hearing the crowd it was 'his day in the sun.' It didn't matter they called it back because he showed himself to us on that play. He keeps fighting and trying to make 'the play.'"

The smiles on Raphael's family's faces were priceless… words could not describe the joy his parents showed.

After that play, I remember my freshman year when it was pretty much the same exact play in the Delbarton game, but that one was a touchdown," Raphael said. "I was pretty mad it got called back, but it did not really matter because we still won and it was an amazing play. I would not go back and change a thing."

Raphael is one extraordinary gentleman with a commitment to his team, a dedication to his goals, and his grateful attitude toward his coach, his team and St. Peter's Prep.

"What a great way to walk away from high school and high football all in ONE day," his family said. "Just to make it clear we thank St. Peter's Prep. PREP FOR LIFE!"

As we think about the journey this young man has taken, we consider what he envisions for himself for the future. Although Raphael humorously states, "It is June 24th and it has been almost three weeks and I still do not think me graduating has hit yet."

People will see Raphael in the future and will see him on the field. When seeing him, imagine a star, a star remembering graduation day and a leader going strong.