Missy Franklin, Shaq Barrett and Jeff Heureman Join John and Linda at Salute the Stars
The 18th Annual Salute the Stars awards luncheon, presented by FourPoint Energy, was held on Friday, May 6th at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium from 11:00am - 1:00pm. Four-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Denver native, Missy Franklin shared many words of inspiration and motivation during her presentation and Q & A session with John and kid from the audience. This year's event raised more than $400,000 which will help fund the Foundation's leadership programs and scholarships.
The Salute the Stars luncheon honors student-athletes, including some with special needs, from the Denver and greater Colorado areas. It is the Lynch's intention to recognize what is 'right' with our youth today. The student-athletes who were honored excel in academics, athletics and community involvement. The following awards and scholarships totalling $145,000 were presented at the event.
STAR OF THE YEAR
Mia Wood, Grandview High School
Spencer Bradshaw, Smoky Hill High School
Mark Tasker, Cache La Poudre Middle School
Peyton Parsons, Laredo Middle School
COACH OF THE YEAR - $2,000
Mark Beasley, Abraham Lincoln High School
EXCEPTIONAL STAR OF THE YEAR - $5,000 each
Claire Aden, Dakota Ridge High School
Thomas Malone, Inclusive Higher Education Certificate Program
Chaz Moss, Grandview High School
Elyssa Schmitz, Adams 12 Transition Program
LYNCH FAMILY LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP - $24,000 each
Nicole Steiner, Legend High School
DiAnna Rowe, Greeley West High School
Journey Simmons, St. Mary’s Academy
Steven Goldy, Arapahoe High School
Booker Schelhaas, Valor Christian High School
This year the John Lynch Foundation also hosted more than 500 youth from Denver Public Schools and other school districts at attend the event in hopes that they would be motivated by the many inspiring stories of leadership that are displayed at the event.
To date the John Lynch Foundation has awarded $975,000 in scholarships to 157 student-athletes, including those with special needs. We count on support from local corporate and individual sponsors to assist us in making this day special for many deserving youth.