The 2013 Spotlight Gala shines a spotlight on those who work to improve the lives of children and families through the presentation of the Spotlight Awards.
And the 2013 Spotlight Youth Award goes to… Steven Juarez!
Voices for Children is honored to recognize Steven Juarez, 17, with the 2013 Youth Award. Steven was chosen for this award because of his exceptional leadership in the Special Olympics Unified Sports program, his years of dedication to helping those around him, and the barriers he has broken. The Unified Sports Program pairs traditional athletes with students with special abilities. The Scotts Bluff County Coyotes are a one-of-a-kind team that not only plays sports together, but fosters friendships and improves this Nebraska community.
Steven Juarez (right) with a friend in the Scotts Bluff County Unified Sports Program.
“I just do what’s right, which is working with these kids and making sure they’re happy in their life.”
-Steven Juarez
We can all learn a little bit from Steven. Since joining the Unified Sports Program at the age of 12, Steven has been a key volunteer contributing significantly to its growth from 15 to 160+ members and volunteers. He has promoted awareness of the Unified Sports program by choosing it as his platform for speech competitions as he traveled throughout the Scottsbluff area and neighboring communities.
If you ask Steven, he will tell you that working and playing with the teammates helps him to understand his abilities and gifts, and that after watching them overcome any issues that come their way he is fully aware that there is nothing in his life that he can’t also tackle and accomplish.
Steven is a senior at Minatare High School. He is involved in many activities including several sports teams, one-act plays, works two part-time jobs, and still volunteers his time and talent to the Unified Sports program. This is only the beginning for Steven and we can’t wait to see what he does next!
Join us at the 2013 Spotlight Gala on Saturday, September 21! Interested in sponsoring our event? Visit our sponsorship page to see our amazing supporters and learn more about how you can become a sponsor. If you can’t come in person, you have the opportunity to make a donation in honor of our award winners or honorary family.
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