Eighth 2011-12 Winning Attitude Announced
BOULDER - CenturyLink, ROOT SPORTS and the University of Colorado have named All Souls School (Englewood, Colo.) eighth grader Stephanie Llorente the eighth Winning Attitude award recipient of 2011-12. Winners are selected from a pool of written essays submitted by Colorado middle school students explaining how their winning attitude has made a difference in their communities.
Llorente demonstrates her winning attitude by raising awareness about learning disabilities and inspiring those with learning challenges to find the tools to help them excel in school. LLorente became a member of Learning Ally, an organization that provides audiobooks and other materials to the visually and learning impaired, after discovering she was an auditory learner. Llorente speaks to groups throughout Colorado and has written to state legislators to help raise awareness and encourage them to participate in Learning Ally events. Llorente states, "I am not embarrassed that I learn differently. I am grateful to have found out my differences and want to make sure that other kids can learn to celebrate this as well."
Llorente and her classmates will be honored at halftime of the Colorado vs. Washington men's basketball game Thursday, January 5, with a 7 p.m. tip-off.
The Winning Attitude essay contest is back for the sixth consecutive year. The program has been developed and sponsored by CenturyLink and ROOT SPORTS in partnership with the University of Colorado to recognize Colorado middle school students that make a difference in their communities by providing outstanding efforts in sportsmanship, community involvement and teamwork. Middle school students should visit www.CUBuffs.com/winningattitude to submit a story about their winning attitude.
Ten winning entrants and their classmates will earn:
- Tickets to a CU home football game at Folsom Field or a CU home men's or women's basketball game at the Coors Events Center.
- Recognition at the CU game and a $1,000 contribution for their school from CenturyLink.
- A chance to be selected as the GRAND PRIZE winner, with the opportunity to host a pep rally featuring an emcee from ROOT SPORTS, appearances by CU coaches, student-athletes, cheerleaders and pep band. The GRAND PRIZE winner will also will receive an additional $2,500 contribution for their school from CenturyLink.
