Sterling Scholar: Douglas Bates Community Service Award

Stephanie Goodwin

Riverton High School

Parents: Kelly and Elizabeth Goodwin

From an early age, I have really loved children. This translated into a lot of baby-sitting opportunities in my neighborhood. The family I spent the most time caring for has a daughter with special needs as she is hearing impaired. Through spending a lot of time with her I have developed a special love for children with special needs. I was able to serve as a peer tutor at the high school for a special needs student, which was very rewarding. My church's youth group has put on a Halloween party the past couple of years for patients at Primary Children's Hospital. This is one of my favorite activities of the year. We design activities that the patients will be able to participate in given their physical limitations. I will never forget these children whose parents are so thankful for the help, who never realize what an inspiration they are to me. Being able to help kids who are facing such difficulties smile and enjoy themselves for a couple of hours, escaping the hardships they face daily, is very rewarding.

AWARD: This award is named for the late Douglas F. Bates, Utah State Office of Education legal counsel and former associate superintendent, who exemplified outstanding community service. In addition to a trophy, a check for $400 was presented courtesy of the Deseret News and KSL 5 Television.