( ENSPIRE Community Spotlight ) Non-profit Reminds Student-Athletes of Their Worth
ENSPIRE Contributor: Logan Floyd
Student ACES is making sure that high school seniors heading to college know their value. Based in Palm Beach County, Florida, the non-profit organization is dedicated to inspiring and developing student-athletes to become men and women of character. To that end, the organization recently organized a caravan through Palm Beach County to celebrate the 13 graduating seniors who have been recognized as Champions of Character.
The student-athletes chosen as Champions of Character have shown that they are role models both on and off the field, and have distinguished themselves as leaders in their school and communities. Student ACES honors these students as shining examples of leadership, as individuals who have successfully developed a strong and virtuous character.
Student ACES was originally founded in 2013 by father-daughter team Buck Martinez and Krissy Webb, who wished to create a pathway for students to achieve the highest standards of leadership. Inspired by his time as a teacher and coach to his daughter and her peers, Martinez worked with his daughter to create an organization dedicated to giving every student access to character education and preparing the next generation of leaders and role models.
The Champions of Character celebration has become an annual tradition for Student ACES, though the coronavirus pandemic, unfortunately, prevented the organization from hosting their usual gathering this year. Undeterred, the nonprofit coordinated a caravan of more than 40 vehicles to drive past the house of each honoree as well as the Student ACES Center in Belle Glade. Although COVID-19 has made large celebrations a challenge, the nonprofit nonetheless found a way to share their pride and excitement with the entire community.
Student ACES is doing the needed job of inspiring young people during a time of turmoil and uncertainty. While the students they are honoring no doubt face a challenging road ahead, they can take solace in knowing that there are people out there who are cheering them on and praying for their success. Although the pandemic may present its problems, student ACES has done an admirable job of continuing in its mission to inspire the next generation.
