COURAGE: Some won their fight, one lost, but all waged a battle that earned them respect

By Sally Mesarosh

It was an evening Ridge Vanderbur would have enjoyed, filled with lively music from the Corona Steel Drum Band and energetic young people being honored by their community. On April 6, Vanderbur, a Tempe teen who lost his fight to acute myeloid leukemia just days before, received a YouthFest Courage Award in the “Courage to Overcome Health Condition” category at the 2015 YouthFest Courage Awards and Tempe Top Teens Recognition Banquet. Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell, who presented the award, described Vanderbur as someone everyone wanted to be around. He quoted Vanderbur’s mother, Brenda, who said on her Facebook page: “While he is no longer physically with us, the courageous spirit and inspiration that he has provided lives on within all of us.” Vanderbur’s sister, along with his volleyball coach, friends and teammates, accepted Vanderbur’s award posthumously. One of his teammates, Russell Johns, 18, said he would always remember Ridge’s sense of humor and how he lifted everyone’s spirits by dancing when they gathered in a circle during volleyball games. “I can’t think of a better way to honor him than with this award,” Johns said. Each year, the Courage Awards acknowledge the determination it can take for a young person to grow up in a challenging world. This year, 11 young people received awards for displaying the courage to overcome physical limitations, health conditions or family situations. In addition to the Courage Awards, 46 young people were recognized as Tempe Top Teens for their exemplary efforts in academics, athletics, arts, music, citizenship, community service and demonstration of social conscience. Mayor Mitchell, members of Tempe City Council and the Tempe Diablos hosted the recognition, with Matt Pace of 12 News as master of ceremonies. Randy Coffin of the Diablos spoke highly of all of the honorees, saying, “We are honored and humbled by their stories and perseverance.”

The student recipients who have overcome overwhelming obstacles had advice for other young people struggling through difficult situations. Award recipient Jessica Elkin, a young mother who attends Tempe High School, works 35 hours a week and has still managed to volunteer 76 hours this year. For her success, Elkin credits Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates, an organization that provides college and career-success programming for students who have a desire to better themselves. Elkin encouraged other students by telling them: “The past is in the past for a reason. You have to concentrate on the future.” Courage award recipient Trey Holley from Tempe High School, who experienced a violent attack on his family, agrees. “You just have to come out stronger on the other side,” Holley said. Another recipient, Juan Carlos Granados of the Tempe Academy of International Students, excels in math and English while helping out his grandparents and cousins with his calm, positive nature. Granados’ mother died when he was young, and his father is in prison. “Avoid bad situations,” Granados tells other young people. “Use the advice of the people around you to overcome challenges.” Denise Allen, a Fees College Preparatory Middle School nurse, said she is inspired daily by the challenges another award recipient, Marshall Sanderson, faces. Sanderson has had 15 surgeries to correct his Spina Bifida condition. Allen said she witnesses courage in action whenever she sees his wheelchair rolling across campus. “Marshall is special,” Allen said. “He’s like the Energizer Bunny—very determined.” Many of the recipients are dedicated to giving back or paying it forward because of their experiences. Katelyn Dinkel, 18, of Corona del Sol High School, a Top Teen recipient, spends many hours as a volunteer at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, assisting scoliosis patients. She had the surgery herself and now helps others with the same condition. “I had a really positive experience and want to share it,” Dinkel said. She said she was excited to received recognition for her efforts. “It’s great to be recognized and see that people are realizing that teens have a lot of potential,” Dinkel said.