LOCAL STUDENTS GRANTED $10,000 FOR EXCEPTIONAL STAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS AT JOHN LYNCH FOUNDATION LUNCHEON

Denver-The Anna and John J. Sie Foundation and The John Lynch Foundation announced the winners of the Exceptional Star of the Year Awards at the John Lynch Salute the Stars awards luncheon on May 7, 2009 at Invesco Field at Mile High. Brenna Sala from Denver and Charlie Barenberg from Parker have been selected to each receive an award of $5,000.

The Exceptional Star of the Year Awards are specific to public school students who have overcome challenges associated with physical and/or developmental disabilities to participate in sports, academics and their community.

"We are so honored to be a small part of what John and Linda Lynch do for so many young, deserving athletes every year," said Michelle Sie Whitten, Executive Director of the Anna and John J. Sie Foundation. "Given our foundation's focus on Down syndrome and developmental disabilities it is a perfect matching of interests."

Brenna Sala attends Denver's South High School where she is a 3.8 student, is consistently on the honor role, and has lettered in swimming for the past four years despite both cognitive and physical challenges. Brenna also won a gold medal through Special Olympics in competitive snowboarding and volunteers her time at the Denver Dumb Friends League. She plans to use the money towards tuition at the Eastern New Mexico University where she hopes to become a veterinary technician.

"I don't know if I would have accomplished so much without my challenges," Brenna said during the luncheon, "My challenges actually have made me more determined to succeed!"

Exceptional Star recipient Charlie Barenberg agrees. When he was six years old, people noticed that things did not come easy for him. He couldn't read, write, draw or even run like other kids. Today, Charlie attends Chaparral High School where he now runs year round in cross country, track, community races, Special Olympics and USA Track and Field. He loves school and dreams of someday working with kids with disabilities. He also hopes to run in the World Special Olympics in Athens in 2011 and plans to use his $5000 award to further his education.

"It was extremely difficult to choose the final award winners as all of the applications were compelling, poignant and inspirational," said Linda Lynch. "We're so pleased that Brenna and Charlie are here today to share their stories and to inspire so many others."

Exceptional student-athletes with developmental and/or physical disabilities from local public schools were encouraged to apply for this award. Two winners were chosen and each received $5000 from the John Lynch Foundation in partnership with the Anna and John J. Sie Foundation. Winners were chosen based on the individual applicant's ability. The students proved success in academics, interest and extraordinary effort in athletics, and a desire to be involved in their community. The winners may use their $5000 award towards a college education, post secondary education program, vocational program, therapeutic training, or any other program that will assist the winner in achieving their dreams.

To apply for the 2010 Exceptional Star of the Year Award visit www.johnlynchfoundation.org or for more information, call Maggie Robinson at 1-866-553-4747

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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.