Meet the 2011 Triumph Award Recipients!

Camilla Robertson: - She has a drive that is unparalleled and understands that she must be her own best advocate. She would have easily made a choice when she was younger to continue her negative behaviors but instead made the choice that she wanted to be on the other side of the desk, working with the criminal justice field. She has overcome rejection from both of her parents and their abusive ways to make her dream and goals come true by going to a university and pursuing her college education.

Rachel Tracey: "Not a single person obtains a perfect life. We each individually have our own struggles that we have to fight through. Of course, some people may have more rough spots than others, but that fact that we persevere, is the true meaning of triumph. Being able to be courageous and assertive, to stand up for what we truly believe in our hearts to accomplish our life long goals, that’s triumph. I know that I still have quite a bit of growing to do and I have my seatbelt on tight because I know that this roller coaster of a ride may have slowed down, but is not over yet and I plan to continue to persevere throughout my entire life."

Myke Taylor: Myke shares in a wonderful poem he wrote:  "There once was a boy, a boy who took an unlucky number of years to come to realize, that “what you have, you gotta make do with.” The longer you don’t, the longer and harder you fall. There once was a boy. Who is doing great now, love, support hard work, really, truly goes a long way."

Tamra Halley: "Being able to say that I have prevailed over an adverse situation and shine through the darkness has been one of my most successful accomplishments because I know that I have gotten through it. I have matured through my experiences and have learned how to take care of myself. I hope to use my knowledge to help take care of others who were, or are, in the same situation. Humans are social creatures and they need to know that they aren’t alone. Being alone was the scariest thing and I don’t want others to go through that. Using the Triumph award will help with that, because I want to major in psychology and help those with serious psychological problems."

Corey Tishmack: "The word, triumph, means a lot to me personally, for I have triumphed over at lot in my lifetime so far. Such things include my early childhood and the adversity of triumphing in the face of violence as a toddler to the challenges I now face in high school.  I treasure my ability to overcome adversities of everyday life knowing that God is by my side helping me all the way."

Audrey Lysaker: “I believe in my heart that if you can be triumphant over your issues that make you feel bad inside, then it proves to a lot of people and to yourself that you have a lot of strength, courage, endurance, perseverance, and the boldness to go on and do anything you need to do to help yourself. When I think of Triumph, I think of the world coming together to work hand in hand to help one another. Triumph is giving it your best shot to conquer the fear that is inside of you."

Tony Stewart: “The word triumph means that I can do whatever I set my mind to. I am going to go to college when the system said I couldn’t do it. I'm going to graduate and go on and be victorious over my past! I have become victorious and triumphed over the person I would have become if I didn’t turn my life around. My definition of triumph is simply to be the best person you can and remember to believe in yourself and you will make it no matter what anyone says!"

Kayla Klinker: “To triumph means to overcome all odds; to never back down when things are hard, and to do everything you can to come out on top. I believe there are going to be a lot of struggles you have to face in your journey through life. But when you face those difficult times and work through them you become a stronger person. When you triumph you don’t just stop when you meet your goal; you push forward. You continue to work to become a better person.  I have overcome obstacles that I never thought I could face, and it makes me want to push forward and continue to make myself a better person. I really want to go to college to learn how to help kids like myself become great people."

Cassandra Williams: “I think that Triumph is really about learning you are strong and about learning how important it is to be determined to do something. I have learned to stand and face myself and my mistakes, and work through my problems. These are things I never though I would do, and now I'm doing them – that is what triumph means to me.”

Gordon Dudash: Gordon is now building a new company called "1000 Cranes of Good Fortune" to sell his beautiful jewelry to customers who desire wearable art.  He also wants to share his talent with other at-risk teens by teaching them origami skills.  His goal is to be able to attend an art school.

Terra Engebretson: “I have gone through so much and had statistics and my own family going against me. I saw the little bit of light in the dark and made it shine into something bigger and brighter than what it was. This is what TRIUMPH means to me.”

Jordan Bailiff: “Triumph is setting up a goal for your self and accomplishing it.  I have lived on my own for the last year and have been able to accomplish anything that has been put in my path, I have the goal of becoming an Obstetrician and there is nothing that is going to stand in my way. For me I have triumphed over the harsh conditions in my childhood to be successful in the goals I set for myself.” 

2011 Selection Committee

Larry Abrahamson
Larimer County District Attorney

Nancy Richardson
OtterBox, Founder
Realities For Children Gold Member

Scott Doyle
Larimer County Clerk and Recorder

Hiedi Madden
First Presbyterian Church
Mission and Outreach Local Connector

Jep Enck
Enck Resources, Founder
 
Ted Ray
Great Western Bank
Realities For Children Business Ambassador

Aki Palmer
Palmer Properties
Community Member Representative

Bob Moore
The Coloradoan, Editor

Justin Smith
Larimer County Sheriff

Marcia Donnan
Triumph Awards Cornerstone Donor

Katie Buttermore
Budweiser Events Center
Director of Corporate Partnerships