BOULDER - Qwest, FSN Rocky Mountain and the University of Colorado have named Windsor Middle School (Windsor, Colo.) eighth grader Lizzy Demaske the fourth 2009-10 Winning Attitude award winner. Winners are selected from a pool of written stories submitted by middle school students explaining how their "Winning Attitude" made a difference in their communities.
Lizzy showed her Winning Attitude by raising money for people with Sturge-Weber syndrome. Sturge-Weber syndrome is a rare congenital neurological and skin disorder. It is often associated with port-wine stains of the face, glaucoma, seizures, and mental retardation. Lizzy volunteered for the Hunter's Dream for a Cure Craig Morgan Concert. Lizzy got involved with the foundation and found out that volunteer work can be fun too. Lizzy went around the event making sure that all guests and volunteers where having the best time possible. "I loved knowing it was possible to be young and have your opinions count," Lizzy said. Lizzy hopes that she changed the perspective of adults towards teen volunteers. She displayed a winning attitude by providing leadership in helping run the event smoothly and giving her time and energy to the children she was helping. "It was inspirational to talk to children with the syndrome. Even with their disabilities, they are still happy and trying to make every day the best possible," Lizzy wrote. She showed her positive attitude by putting smiles on people's faces even if it was just for that day, but her work also put a smile on her face and she hopes to continue to assist with future events.
Lizzy and her classmates will be honored between the third and fourth quarters of the Colorado vs. Texas A&M football game Saturday, November 7th. The game kicks off at 11:30 a.m.
This is the fourth year Qwest, FSN and CU have come together to honor middle school students around Colorado for the differences they can make in their communities by providing outstanding efforts in sportsmanship, community involvement and teamwork. Ten winning entrants and their classmates will win a trip to an upcoming CU home football game at Folsom Field or a men's basketball home game and a $1,000 contribution for their school from Qwest.
One grand prize winner will be selected among the 10 winning entrants and will receive the opportunity to host a school-wide pep rally emceed by an on-air talent from FSN Rocky Mountain. CU coaches and student-athletes will speak at the pep rally and the CU cheerleaders and pep band will also be there to perform. The grand prize winner receives a $2,500 contribution from Qwest for their school.
To submit a story of a middle-school student having a "Winning Attitude," go to www.CUBuffs.com/winningattitude to download the entry form. All entries must be received by January 15, 2010.
