John Lynch Foundation and the Anna and John J. Sie Foundation Double the Number of Scholarships to Students

alute the Stars Luncheon attracts keynotes Tim Tebow and Von Miller, Raises a record $275,000

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Denver—John Lynch Foundation and the Anna and John J. Sie Foundation teamed up to underwrite four Exceptional Star of the Year Awards presented at the John Lynch Salute the Stars Luncheon held on May 3, 2011 at Invesco Field. In the past, the two foundations have selected two exceptional student athletes who have overcome obstacles through sports.  This year the foundations doubled the numbers of awards to include two exemplary student athletes with physical disabilities, and two who happen to have Down syndrome.

The Exceptional Star of the Year Award winner receives a $5,000 scholarship towards post-secondary education or other training that will assist the recipients in fulfilling their goals.  The audience of more than 1,000, including Colorado Avalanche legend Joe Sakic, enjoyed the award presentations and contributed to the $275,000 raised at the luncheon.  Keynotes this year were Bronco quarterback Tim Tebow and recent first round draft pick Von Miller.

Tebow emphasized the importance the John Lynch Foundation work and of being a leader and serving as a good role model. “I get really upset when football players tell me they are not a role model.  Yes, yes you are, you just aren’t a very good one.”

Anna Sie, Trustee of the Anna and John J. Sie Foundation agreed about the importance of the Lynch’s work, “We are so honored to be a small part of what John and Linda Lynch do for so many young, deserving athletes every year. Given our foundation’s focus on Down syndrome and developmental disabilities it is a perfect matching of interests.”

“It is wonderful to be able to give back to these exceptional students and too see the faces of the winners and their families.  Of course it was extremely difficult to choose the final winners as all of the applications were compelling and inspirational,” said Linda Lynch at the luncheon.

This year’s Exceptional Star of the Year Award recipients are Connor Long from Boulder, Kathleen Englishfrom Evergreen, Tyler Warner from Superior, and Brickelle Bro from Castle Rock.

Connor Long is a junior at Fairview High school. He carries a typical high school academic load, including Geometry, Algebra2, Spanish 2, Earth Physical Science, to name a few. Connor swims competitively with the Fairview boys swim team as well as Special Olympics and community summer teams. Connor’s personal best swimming times place him at an international competitive level and he hopes to compete in next year’s Down Syndrome International Swimming Organization world competition in Italy. Connor is an active member of his church and volunteers for service activities and mission trips both locally and nationally.

Kathleen English is a senior at Conifer High School (CHS). She received the Special Education Academic Achievement Award and is on the honor roll at CHS. She has competed in Special Olympics and has excelled in basketball, bowling, alpine skiing, track & field and golf. Kathleen is a Global Messenger and Youth Activation Committee member for Special Olympics and has helped lead a variety of awareness for individuals with Down syndrome.

Tyler Warner is an exceptional student at Eldorado Middle School, who has completed his entire middle school academic career earning a cumulative top GPA of 4.0. Despite his physical challenges (Tyler has right side hemiplegia, which only allows him to use one hand), Tyler has successfully competed on numerous competitions including soccer, baseball, track & field and tennis. He plays on the National Sports Center for the Disabled soccer team and has been selected to be evaluated by the National coach as a developmental player. Tyler is currently the president of the Student Body and has successfully initiated numerous philanthropic events including fundraisers for pediatric cancer patients at The Children’s Hospital and more recently for the victims of the Haitian earthquake.

Brickelle Bro is an Honor Roll student at Rocky Heights Middle School. Despite her physical disability, as a double amputee, Brickelle has an incredible track record. She is on the  Castle Rock Swimming team with a Paralympic qualifying time, and participated in the Can-Am National Paralympic Championship in Minneapolis, where she competed in six events. Brickelle is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, involved in leadership of peer youth group. Brickelle’s biggest accomplishment is that she sees herself as “another smart, friendly, energetic, teenage girl, who happens to be an amputee.”

For more information about the Star of the Year Awards or to apply for the 2012 Exceptional Star of the Year Award visit www.johnlynchfoundation.org or call Maggie Robinson at 1-866-553-4747.

The Anna and John J. Sie Foundation The Anna and John J. Sie Foundation supports the sharing of knowledge amongst peoples and cultures throughout the global community, with an emphasis on Down syndrome, international security and diplomacy, education, media, business and technology.  The foundation is a supporter of the The Children’s Hospital, the University of Colorado’s “The Sie Family Down Syndrome Break-Through Research Initiative,” the University of Denver’s Korbel School of International Studies, the Denver Art Museum, the Starz Film Center, and numerous other civic, social and educational institutions.

The John Lynch Foundation is committed to developing leaders by encouraging dreams, by providing programs that assist and motivate and by recognizing achievement and excellence.

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