Last updated on April 4, 2025
The Rockwall Times is proud to feature this community submission by Angela Guerrero, highlighting the inspiring story of William Hetrick, a young man making a difference in Rockwall.
In a world where many teenagers are glued to their screens, one young man stands out for his character, work ethic, and willingness to serve. At just 15 years old, William Hetrick exemplifies responsibility, problem-solving, and kindness—qualities that make a difference in the lives of those around him.
I first met William as a toddler in 2012 when his mother, Lisa Hetrick, and I volunteered together at the Rockwall Oratorical Club (ROC), a homeschool speech and debate club. As the youngest of seven children, William was only three years old at the time. Over the years, our families have remained close, and Lisa and I continue to encourage one another in our homeschooling and faith journeys. The Hetricks have successfully homeschooled and graduated six children, and William, now a freshman, continues to be an outstanding student in his classical homeschooling education. He is a formidable competitor in the National Christian Forensics and Communications Association (NCFCA) speech and debate tournaments, ranking high in local and regional competitions. However, his skills extend far beyond academics.
A Moment of Quick Thinking and Leadership
Recently, I experienced firsthand just how capable and resourceful William truly is. As I was driving home from a meeting, I noticed my car making unsettling noises. Since I had recently undergone a transmission replacement, oil change, and inspection, I wasn’t sure what could be wrong. As I prayed for a safe place to stop, I was relieved to make it to the Hetrick home, knowing I would find both safety and assistance.
Upon arrival, my car began hissing, moaning, and leaking fluids, with smoke coming from both the front and back—I genuinely thought it might explode. With remarkable calmness, William assessed the situation and took action. He suggested opening the hood to let the engine cool down and then carefully disconnected the battery. When he examined the engine, he quickly identified that the serpentine belt was completely severed, a crucial issue that needed immediate attention.
Calling on the training and experience his father, Brian Hetrick, had instilled in him, William confidently stepped up. With his father’s full trust in his capabilities, William assured me he could replace the belt himself if we could get a new one. A kind friend, Jill Jones, picked up a replacement belt from AutoZone, and William went straight to work. Using his own tools, he methodically replaced the belt, consulting a quick instructional video only when needed. His patience, perseverance, and problem-solving skills were on full display. Even as challenges arose, he refused to give up or call his dad for help. Through teamwork, determination, and prayer, the belt was successfully replaced within an hour.
An Unexpected Blessing
Though my car ultimately had to be towed for additional repairs unrelated to the belt, William’s expertise and willingness to help saved me valuable time and resources. However, what happened next was an unexpected blessing. The repair shop quoted an astronomical price to replace the engine, making the repairs unfeasible. Knowing William’s mechanical abilities, I offered his family the opportunity to purchase the car and allow William to fix it up himself. Just seven days after he kindly worked on my car, William became its proud new owner. Little did he know that his desire to work hard and earn money to buy his first car would result in God blessing him with the very vehicle he had repaired. This will be a great 16th birthday present!
A Young Entrepreneur with a Heart for Service
Beyond his natural talents and servant’s heart, William runs a local lawn mowing service, demonstrating his entrepreneurial drive. His parents, Lisa and Brian Hetrick, also own a trusted local business—B&L Bookkeeping Tax Service—where they provide financial services to the community. Clearly, William is following in their footsteps, carrying on a legacy of diligence and integrity.
This experience also underscores the invaluable benefits of homeschooling. In a vibrant homeschool environment, education extends beyond textbooks to real-world applications, equipping students with life skills that will serve them well into adulthood. William’s mechanical skills, problem-solving abilities, and leadership reflect the intentional investment his parents have made in his education and character development.
The Power of Mentorship
William’s story also highlights the importance of father-son mentorship. His father, Brian Hetrick, has passed down practical skills and instilled confidence in his son’s abilities. This kind of guidance is invaluable—not just for William but for the broader community. A well-equipped young man grows into a responsible adult who contributes meaningfully to society.
William Hetrick is a young man worth recognizing, not only for his remarkable skills but for his heart to serve. His story is a testament to the impact of strong family values, quality homeschooling, and the kind of community spirit that makes Rockwall such a special place to live.
If you’re looking for a dependable lawn care service, William is your guy—a young entrepreneur with a bright future ahead.
To support William’s lawn care business, contact: texastrimmingslawncare@gmail.com
About the Author
Angela Guerrero is a homeschool consultant and community advocate. For homeschooling guidance, visit God’s Purpose in Action.
Let’s go little bro!!! Keep up the good work! I’m proud of you. Keep doing right and serving your community!