Making a difference is more than just rhetoric or talk... it's action. The Arlington Police Department's Coach 5-0 program is doing just that. Officer Cody Adams has been working as a mentor with Sam Houston High School football team and he was honored for his efforts. Adams was named the 2018 AISD Volunteer of the Year at the Tom Vandergriff Night of Champions dinner.

Adams is a regular at Sam Houston High School, helping the kid's during workouts, when they are lifting and many other team activities. Adams impact as a mentor on the players of Sam Houston has been significant on and off the field.

"He's been able to make a big impact with our football team and with our kids," said Sam Houston head coach Anthony Criss. "He's worked out with them and been able to show them there's a human being behind the uniform. Officer Adams has shown them show much more to life and how to act in our community. He's been a such a big part of our program and meant so much to our kids."

Always humble, Adams says that connecting with the players at Sam Houston has been a small way to pay back the community.

"Everyone has had some type of help to make it along the way. I feel blessed for the opportunity to pay it forward in the community," he said.

The award was presented by the Arlington Athletics Hall of Honor Foundation.