“Samuel Guthrie has always possessed a rare combination of humility and leadership, traits that have carried him through his remarkable journey as a mutant and an X-Man. When I first encountered him, he was a young man working in the Kentucky coal mines, unaware of the true extent of his abilities. His mutant power – propelling himself at great speeds while encased in an impenetrable energy field – manifested during a moment of crisis, saving lives but also drawing the attention of those who sought to exploit him.

It was under the employment of Donald Pierce that Sam first stepped into the world of mutant conflict, unknowingly serving a man who harboured deep hatred for our kind. Fortunately, fate intervened, and he was rescued by my students, the New Mutants. Rather than succumb to bitterness over his manipulation, Sam embraced the opportunity for growth, joining the team and quickly proving himself to be one of its most dependable members. His upbringing in a large family – one of many siblings – instilled in him a strong sense of responsibility, a trait that would serve him well as he rose to become the leader of the New Mutants.

As time passed and the world around him grew more dangerous, Sam transitioned into X-Force, serving as deputy to Cable. Under Cable’s guidance, he honed his tactical mind and combat skills, learning to balance idealism with pragmatism. Though X-Force operated under a more militant philosophy than the X-Men, Sam never lost sight of his core values. He remained a steady presence, a voice of reason even in the most turbulent times.

His graduation to the X-Men was inevitable. He had earned his place among the ranks, proving himself time and again as a capable fighter and a compassionate leader. No longer the uncertain young man from Kentucky, Sam Guthrie stood alongside legends, holding his own against threats that would have once seemed insurmountable. His journey did not end there, however. He found love, married, and became a father – a testament to the life he built beyond the battlefield.

Now, as an on-call Avenger, Sam continues to serve when needed, balancing his duties as a hero with his responsibilities as a husband and parent. He has come so far from the boy who once struggled to control his flight, and I have no doubt that his story is far from over. He is, and always will be, one of the finest students to ever pass through the halls of Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters.”