“At what point do you give up – decide enough is enough? There is only one answer really. Never.” – Tabitha Suzuma
This past Tuesday I was paid a visit by Rev. William Murphy, the President of St. Ignatius High School. I had been contacted a week earlier and asked if I would be available for a visit this week. Naturally, it was an easy decision to make, and I was thrilled to have the chance to personally meet with Father Murphy and thank him for all of the support that he and the entire St. Ignatius community have continued to show me. However, I will admit that I suspected there was more to the meeting than just a visit to say hello.
My suspicions were confirmed when Father Murphy arrived and was accompanied by the principal, Dan Bradesca, and, Tim Grady, a former student who graduated the year after me. I can safely assure you that I am not in trouble and still in good standing within the Iggy community! To the contrary, Father Murphy informed me that he serves on the Board of Directors for the Ohio chapter of Boys Hope Girls Hope, a national organization which provides at risk children with stable homes, education, and financial and emotional support. The organization annually recognizes leaders in the community who embody BHGH’s mission and values. As it turns out, I had been nominated and ultimately selected to receive the “Rising Pillar of Hope” Award. It is given annually to an individual who steadfastly sees possibility and hope despite the obstacles, and is meaningfully dedicated to service “for others” in Northeast Ohio and/or their workplace.
Needless to say, I am extremely humbled and grateful to have been chosen to receive such an honor and look forward to accepting the award in October. In the meantime, I am especially excited to join Tim, the Executive Director, in the near future and spend an afternoon out at the facility with several of the young individuals involved in the program. It’s a great honor to have the opportunity to be associated with an organization like Boys Hope Girls Hope!
Last Saturday evening was spent at a LEAP fund raising event in Beachwood. I’ve had the privilege of serving on LEAP’s Board of Directors for the past two years and am very invested in the work they do to serve the disability community in Northeast Ohio. This Saturday evening I’m headed to the Breen Center for the Performing Arts to see the St. Ignatius student spring musical, The Wizard of Oz.
Finally, I will be speaking at Cuyahoga Community College in Parma tonight at 7 PM. I’ll also be speaking at St. Joseph’s school in Sylvania (suburb of Toledo) on Tuesday, May 7th.
As always, I am very grateful for everyone’s continued prayers and support!
Stand Strong!
Scott
Thanks for your faith. Congratulations. May god continue to bless u and others
Congratulations, Scott !
You are so deserving of the award.
You inspire so many.
Congratulations
Great Choice on their choosing
God Bless
Stay Strong
Scott,
Congratulations on this honor. Thank you for continuing to be an inspiration to me and others. You are the perfect person to receive this award. May God continue to bless you and your family.
Jim
Congratulations, Scott. It is a wonderful tribute to you.
it’s very kool to see how people recognise a great person as yourself.. the long hours you spend in therapy, teaching, speaking sharing your life and the goals you set and achieve.. scott, you help me stay focused.. thank you for sharing!! mark
Congrats!
It’s well-deserved.
The ripple effect of the hope you inspire in others is immeasurable!
Scott, that is wonderful news!! You are truly a “Pillar of Hope”, and a role model for not just those children, but to anyone who has been fortunate enough to meet you.
Congratulations and God Bless, Pauline
Fabulous!!! You so richly deserve this award. Congratulations!!
What an awesome award! So proud of u! 🙂
Congratulations!!!! Perfect award for you!!! You are an amazing Pillar of Hope! Blessings and sincere congratulations!!!!!! Continue our prayers that you are able to Stand Strong! Pat and Mike
Congratulations my dear friend. You are such a wonderful role model and a true inspiration to all. God bless and keep you.
I am looking forward to seeing you at St, Joe’s. Maybe I will finally get to meet you.
Kim
Wow, what’s next? Nobel Peace Prize? Congrats!
Amazing as always ;). Love to read about all the wonderful things happening in your life.
Love
Ricky & Patty
Wonderful, Scott! Congratulations. I can’t think of a better role model for the kids.
Blessings,
Jody
Congrats Scotty- what a great reward, I take my hat off to you!
Hi Scott,
The “Rising Pillar of Hope” Award has attained a higher stature by adding you to the list of recipients.
Congrats, Mike
CONGRATULATIONS, Scott – so richly deserved!!! You are an AMAZING individual who we are all privileged to know.
God Bless You for always inspiring!
God Bless You – Mary