Ryan’s Story
The one who inspires us…
On February 7, 1987, Michael and Carrie Wells gave birth to Ryan Michael Wells in Memphis, Tennessee. Six years later, the Wells family moved to Palm Harbor, Florida where they continue to reside. Ryan was born a natural leader and lover of life. He possessed great dedication in all his endeavors, including the Boy Scouts, Scuba Scouts and sports of all kinds. Shortly before his passing, Ryan earned the highest rank of Eagle Scout. During his scouting years, he often was the cook on camping trips. Ryan was one of the 3 scouts to form Scuba Scouts, now known as Scubanaughts. The Scubanaughts conduct scientific research in conjunction with the Florida Wildlife and Reach Institute and the University of South Florida Marine Graduate School. Baseball, roller hockey, soccer, and football were all sports he attempted as a young, energetic boy but he naturally became a golfer following in his father’s footsteps.
It’s turns out Ryan had another love besides golf. During his junior year at Tarpon Springs High School, Ryan became devoted to culinary arts and immediately began aspiring towards a career as a chef. His culinary instructors remember him as the first one in the classroom, heating up the ovens, eager for more time to cook and learn. His passion allowed him the opportunity to attend a Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association seminar at Johnson and Wales University in Miami in the summer of 2005. While returning home on June 11th, he was involved in a car accident that took his life.
There are countless other students just like Ryan, with the same passion to cook and give back to the community. With the help of many supporters, his dreams are now fulfilled through other students benefiting from The Ryan Wells Foundation.
We hope that all who read this will have the urge to fulfill their own dreams and share with others Ryan’s story.
Thank you,
The Ryan Wells Foundation, Inc.
The following is an essay Ryan wrote just a few short months before passing:.
“My career plans are to attend a Culinary college and receive a four year degree in Culinary and Hospitality Management. I got interested in Culinary Arts when I signed up for a class at Tarpon Springs High School. I’ve been through Culinary Arts 1, 2 and plan to take 3 and 4 my senior year. I enjoy cooking meals at home and using my skills I’ve learned from school. I’ve been selected as a possible team member in the in the gourmet entree in competition for Tarpon Springs High School in my senior year. Some day I would like to become a chef at my own four star restaurant.
I believe this program will enhance my skills and carry me further in pursuing my career goals. It would help me prepare for competitions my senior year. I could share with my classmates what I’ve obtained from this program. I am dedicated to the programs I am in and have also received the award of Eagle in the Boy Scouts of America.
My sister is going to enroll in a Graduate program to receive her Hospitality and Tourism Management Degree. She plans to do something in the culinary, so there is a possibility that someday I will work for her”
– Ryan