2022 Light a Candle Award

Angela Wittrock 
2022 Graduate of SE Polk Highschool

“I enjoy showing the world that if you want something, you can in fact achieve it no matter what obstacles stand in your way.”

The determination and positive mindset of Angela Wittrock has shown others that living with a visual impairment has brought life challenges each and every day, but she has never let that get in the way of trying to accomplish her hopes and dreams.  

Angela’s diagnosis of cataracts began with removal surgeries early in life, first, as a 6-month-old and then again at the age of 4.  She has lived her life with blurred vision as well as nystagmus.  Her vision loss has brought many challenges at school.  She states that easy tasks such as copying notes from the white board or reading from a textbook were never easy.  For a young child, advocating for yourself is a skill that has to be learned.  In the beginning, Angela struggled with telling her teachers at school what accommodations she might need in order to make her most successful.  She feared standing out due to the fact that she might need to have different materials or do things differently than the others.  However, she feels over the years advocating for herself became easier as she realized it was in fact to okay to do things differently than her peers at times. 

Angela’s “go getter” personality did not allow her visual impairment to keep her from her hobbies and goals.  She was active in track and cross country.  She also obtained her CNA which had its challenges as well, but was very rewarding in the end.

A school counselor of Angela’s states she is simply amazing.  “Angela spent the majority of her school career in Des Moines, but as a senior, she transferred to Southeast Polk High School.  Transferring at that time can be difficult, but she navigated the transition beautifully.  She has been successful in her classes, connected with the Best Buddies program, and ran track.  She also completed a program at Broadlawns to earn her CNA.  She has never let her vision concerns be a crutch. “ 

“Angela is not only an inspiration to other young people but to me as well”, states a former teacher.  “She does not let anything stand in her way and is determined to succeed.  Even with her full schedule she still found time to give back to the community by volunteering at her church, school and community center.”

Angela hopes the greatest impact she can have is demonstrating to the world that an impairment or disability should never stop a person from facing challenges head on.  Angela plans to attend the University of Northern Iowa this fall.  She has a love for working with children.  She plans to major in Elementary Education with a possible minor in Special Education.

Jarrett Vitiritto
2022 Grandview University Freshman

Watching a loved one battle cancer can knock the wind out of you.  Watching four loved ones diagnosed over several years can knock it out so hard you’re not sure the breath will ever return.  So begins the story of Jarrett Vitiritto who lost his grandfather to lung cancer when he was too young to understand it.  His education on cancer continued as he watched a grandmother defeat thyroid cancer and a cousin beat bone cancer.  Seeing the struggle and knowing, painfully, that the outcome is not always what you hope for is the sort of education one would rather never receive first hand, especially at a young age.  

When Jarrett’s mother was diagnosed during his senior year of high school, it probably would have been easier if he didn’t know how hard the journey could be; easier if he didn’t know how it could end.  But he did know those things.  His cancer education had been too complete to allow him to pretend it wasn’t a big deal or assume it would all work out. 

This is not the story of Jarrett’s mother’s cancer journey, however.  This is the story of a seventeen year old high school senior, and only child, whose world was rocked by a darkness he tragically knew all too well.  Whether he ever acknowledged it or not, he faced a choice.  Let that darkness overtake him, or stare it down in defiance and in support of his mother and be a light in the midst of that darkness.

Jarrett logged over 160 hours of volunteer service time in completion of his school’s Silver Cord program.  He was the only male in his class to complete the program.  The list of organizations to which he contributed his time, effort, and talents in service of others was at least twenty deep.  He also knew and remembered the date of every landmark surgery or treatment along the path of his mother’s recovery, engaging with her at every turn.  Jarret probably never even knew he had the option to do none of that.  No one would have blamed him for letting the gravity it all stop his volunteer efforts.  No one would have thought less of him for letting his mother’s recovery proceed without the attention he gave it.

Family friend Julie Jennings noted: “Jarrett thinks of others way before he thinks of himself and he is always the first to raise his hand if asked and even before being asked to help.” 

It is because of Jarrett’s decision to be a light in the darkness that we are pleased to award the Light A Candle Scholarship to him as he furthers his education at Grandview University where he is pursuing a degree in Finance.  It is no doubt he will continue to be a light in his school and wherever his career takes him.

Jarrett’s mother is in remission and is clearly incredibly proud of the son that stood by her.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5

Living in Sync is excited to announce our 2022 recipients of the Light a Candle Award, each earning a $500 academic scholarship given in recognition of those who have overcome adversity and exemplifies a giving spirit towards others.

Rather than being shut down in the challenges of life, these people embrace hope and a determination to make the world a better place. They embody the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, "It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness."

2021 Light a Candle Award

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5

Living in Sync is excited to announce our 2021 recipients of the Light a Candle Award, each earning a $500 academic scholarship given in recognition of those who have overcome adversity and exemplifies a giving spirit towards others.

Rather than being shut down in the challenges of life, these people embrace hope and a determination to make the world a better place. They embody the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, "It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness."

Meet our 2021 Recipients: 

Heidi M

Heidi Mayorga
2021 Graduate of Roosevelt 

Sometimes our greatest strength is not being the strong one and reaching out to receive help from others. Heidi grew up knowing what it meant to be the strong one. Since age 5, her dad has battled a drug addiction and has been in and out of jail. Being the oldest child in the family, Heidi began to look out for her parents and do what she could to help through the hard times. Heidi and her mom and brother were fighting an addiction that wasn’t their own as they struggled through the stress of taking care of her dad and providing for the family.

At age 11, she started working at the family restaurant and in her teenage years, switched to online school so she could be more available to work. She eventually dropped out of school for a time as they fought for survival as a family. However, Heidi began to realize that everything her mom was fighting for - was for her - and here she was throwing it away. 

Heidi courageously reached out to the school for help with resuming her education. She found it in a couple of faithful teachers ready to guide her and Heidi began attending the Flex Academy. One of her teachers, commended her efforts, sharing, “I have been so impressed with Heidi's work ethic and her determination to complete work so she can graduate from high school.  She has not missed a day and she also works on her studies during lunch and attends "night" school in the afternoons.”

Coming alongside her family in crisis, revealed the natural servant-leader Heidi is. She continues to help them and is determined to keep a positive mindset. She also has served as a squad captain for her competitive dance team.

Upon receiving her hard-won high school diploma, Heidi has enrolled in DMACC this fall. She is exploring her career options right now and hasn’t declared a major. While she knows she’ll always be there for family and helping in the restaurant occasionally, she is very excited to pursue a path and future of her own. 

Idriss Abdullahi

Idriss Abdullahi
2021 Graduate of Roosevelt

Idriss Abdullahi had every reason to curse the darkness.  Born into a refugee camp after his family fled war-torn Somalia, Idriss entered the United States along with his 16 siblings as a small child.  Here, he balanced his new culture with stories of a land and way of life that were familiar, through his parents, yet foreign at the same time.  While he never saw firsthand the violence in Somalia, he experienced a different flavor of violence in his neighborhood in the form of gang warfare.  Many childhood friends were lost to a field of battle painfully similar in ways to the land his parents escaped many years before.  Idriss had every reason to accept the violence would follow him wherever he tread.  Yet he persisted.

Rejecting the influences that sought to lure him along those paths, Idriss instead fixed his eyes on that which inspires.  With the encouragement of his mother to take advantage of opportunities afforded in America and motivated by the example of some college-bound older siblings, Idriss dove headlong into academics, specifically science.  

Idriss became deeply involved in Science Bound (http://www.sciencebound.iastate.edu/), Iowa State University's program designed to empower Iowa students of color to pursue degrees and careers in ASTEM (Agriculture, Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields.  He not only grew in both knowledge and love of science, but also developed leadership skills that enabled him to create programs in his neighborhood to work with low-income kids who might not have otherwise fathomed that a successful future was possible.  One wonders how many of those kids might someday name him as the inspiration for their pursuit of higher education and the positive example that kept them from joining a gang.

In addition to his investment in his neighborhood, Idriss has also logged volunteer hours at Oakridge Daycare Center, Central Library, and his local mosque.  Teacher Nicole Crawford added “Idriss has a great attitude and is such a dedicated student, family and community member.”

This fall, Idriss will attend University of Iowa and pursue his interest in science and research with hopes for a future in Agricultural Engineering. Idriss had every reason to succumb to the darkness around him, yet chose instead to be a light in that darkness.  For that, we salute his efforts and are pleased to name him among the recipients of this year's Light-A-Candle Scholarship. 

Alex Moats

Alex Moats
2021 Graduate of SE Polk

When someone close to our heart is taken from us we learn how precious life really is.  Last September, Alex Moats lost her father unexpectedly leaving behind herself, her mother and sister.  For Alex every challenge before her father’s death quickly seemed irrelevant.  “It has definitely been the hardest thing I have ever gone through, but even with this traumatic event I have still managed to learn from all of this”, says Alex.  Alex knew her dad would want her to keep going and put her best efforts in everything she did.

Through the support of those close to her and her faith in God, she has worked hard to continue on a path of positivity and light.  She maintained a 4.1 GPA and continued to work 2 jobs, one of which she is a manager at.

A close friend shares, “Even in her season of immense grief and challenge, Alex has remained focused on loving others and spreading joy and friendship to people around her. She truly is a light amidst a large darkness in her life.”  Alex has participated in many mission trips over the past several years.  She loves to help those in need and is especially grateful for the irreplaceable experiences she has had through these opportunities.  “I have such a big love for others and hope to start a non- profit in my future.  I hope to make an impact on the world and be an inspiration to those around me, just like the people before had done for me.”

Alex will be studying journalism and mass communications this fall at Iowa State University.  She hopes to use journalism as a way to reach those in need.  She wants her writing to reflect who she is and what she cares about.  Alex enjoys working with children and could see this as a part of her dream in starting a non-profit to give back to her community.  

2020 Light a Candle

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5

Living in Sync is excited to announce three recipients of the Light a Candle Award, each earning a $500 academic scholarship given in recognition of those who have overcome adversity and exemplifies a giving spirit towards others.

Rather than being shut down in the challenges of life, these people embrace hope and a determination to make the world a better place. They embody the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, "It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness."

Meet our 2020 Recipients: 

Courtney LePera

Courtney Le Pera

Helping others is a source of happiness for Courtney LePera and she's used every challenge as a doorway of continuing to give to others. 

From a very early age to the present, Courtney has endured a bumpy road with many health challenges. When she was two years old she was diagnosed with combined scoliosis, two missing vertebrates, and a butterfly knot. When chronic back pain returned during her sophomore year of high school, Courtney went to see an orthopedist. After many tests, it revealed there was a large mass in her abdomen that was attached to her spinal cord. After meeting with a team of doctors, they diagnosed the mass as ganglioneuroma and scheduled surgery to remove the mass. 

On the day of surgery, a routine pre-surgery EKG revealed a third degree atrioventricular block. This meant getting a pacemaker for her heart first. And when the first one failed, a second surgery which thankfully was successful. Now Courtney was finally ready for the surgery to remove 75% of the abdomen mass. The road to recovery and healing was very painful. Despite the twists and turns of her journey, she continued to persevere with a positive attitude and determination.

Courtney has never let her health issues stop her from having a positive impact on others. Being able to help others is what makes her most happy. One friend describes her as always maintaining a character of putting others before herself and being a bright light of joy. 

Volunteering has been a big part of her life since she was very young. Helping others has been a way that Courtney felt she could contribute and give back to those around her. She has been involved with Meals from the Heartland, helping in her church day care, and very active in the lives of residents at an assisted living center. A family friend says she is great with the senior residents and they all love her! 

Courtney has many great plans for her future as she continues to embrace life. She is attending DMACC to get her AAS degree. She then would like to pursue her education further by attending the University of Iowa for possibly a degree in the medical field. She has a strong interest in pediatrics and cardiology. Courtney says that she plans to continue her volunteering and giving back to others while pursuing her education.

Emma Kelly 

"No matter what I face, I always try very hard and I don't give up." 

Emma Kelly's life reveals the power in those words as her story unfolds. Many of us take our hearing and communication for granted; she shows us one who has been resilient, moving from survivor to one who gives generously to others. Here is Emma's story, as she tells it best... 

Emma Kelly

I was born in China and I lived in an orphanage until I was 8 years old. Life in the orphanage was very hard. I couldn't communicate with anyone there and I couldn't tell them what I needed. The staff who worked there were abusive. Sometimes they would not give me food or they would beat me with a stick. I couldn't understand what I did wrong or why they were angry with me. I spent most of my time alone because no one could understand me and they didn't like me. I didn't learn any language or go to school when I lived at the orphanage in China. 

When I was eight years old, I was adopted by an American family and I moved to the United States of America. My new family already knew some sign language because my father's grandma was deaf. My new family helped me learn sign language. My brother taught me my first sign, "tree", and then I started to learn many more signs after that. I also started speech therapy and aural habilitation. I had two surgeries and now have cochlear implants. I can hear some with the cochlear implants, but it's still hard to understand. I had hours of therapy to help me understand sounds better. 

I also started school. School was very hard for me because I was behind. I needed to learn both American Sign Language and English, plus I needed to learn all the other things, like science and math. There were so many new things. It was hard for me to understand questions and what is being said by teachers and everyone else. 

Even though everything is very hard. I am determined and I work hard. I am dependable and responsible. I still want to understand and communicated better with people so I keep trying. No matter what I face I always try very hard and I don't give up. 

When I was in high school, I transferred from Iowa School for the Deaf to an urban school in Des Moines. In my new school there was a classroom for kids who are deaf, but I also went into other classes with an interpreter. My deaf education teachers helped me a lot and were very supportive of me. They taught me new words, so I could expand my vocabulary and communicate better. 

My new school is very diverse and there are a lot of immigrants. In my deaf classroom, there were six high school students who had just come to the United States from Mexico, Afghanistan, Laos, and Africa. They had not learned sign language or gone to school before either. I wanted to help support them like my teachers helped me. I helped them learn sign language and new English words. I got pictures to show them and help them understand new words. I also helped them with their grammar. 

Sometimes it was easier for my friends to say things in sign language, but other people didn't understand them. It was easy for me to understand them. So, I explained what they meant to the teachers. I also helped them learn how to write words in English and helped them communicated with hearing people better. 

Another thing I did in class was help my teachers. Sometimes the kids didn't pay attention or would fall asleep. My teacher asked me to assist. When the kids were bored or not trying, I would tease them and encourage them. It's hard to focus when you don't understand, so I try to help make class more fun for them. 

Emma is pursuing her college education at The National Technical Institute for the Deaf at Rochester Institute of Technology in New York. She is beginning the Career Exploration track in fall of 2020. She is most interested in business, art, and science programs.

Avery Davis

Tenacious joy is how I would describe the story of 2020 Light A Candle winner Avery Davis. A weekly volunteer in her church's kids' wing, Avery has been a fount of enthusiasm for so long that she's had the privilege of watching kids grow from babies to elementary age, always bringing a smile and a hope for a better tomorrow for those around her. 

Avery Davis

"I hope I am teaching them to be good humans and followers of God as well so they can make the world a better place." 

Clearly a gifted servant, Avery gravitates toward service that doesn't usually attract accolades. In addition to the children's ministry work, she spent three years in high school as the manager of the boys soccer team and helped with the Veteran's Home Project doing, as she put it, "anything they needed done."

If there is an ambition for Avery that isn't wholly focused on others, it's soccer. Nearly anyone who has encountered Avery over the years knows of her dream to play college soccer. That desire was accompanied by a work ethic that made that dream entirely possible. Family friend, Marcus Wright commented, "I have played soccer at the collegiate level and the drive/skill that Ms. Davis possesses is inspiring."

Heading into her junior year of high school, prime college recruiting season, Avery's dream of playing college soccer appeared to slip out of reach in an instant. She heard her knee pop during a game and learned that she had torn her ACL and meniscus.

Surgery and rehab replaced practices and games on Avery's calendar. The physical, mental, and emotional toll were tremendous as she watched her team have to go on without her Still the joy remained. 

Jen Gardner, a fellow worker at church, recounted "I remember her first Sunday back, on crutches and still in a ton of pain... all the kids running to see her and wanting her to love them - it was so sweet!"

Avery's recovery took eleven long months and her tenacity paid off. She made it back to the soccer field and is now even preparing to play collegiate soccer at Central Methodist University. We applaud that accomplishment, but more so we applaud her attitude. 

"I learned a lot about myself during this time of recovery. I learned that I was a fighter and stronger than I could have imagined. I learned to rely on God in times of trouble and that he would be there for me no matter what. Not only that, it taught me to be grateful for the simple things in life such as bending your knee and walking because not everyone is lucky enough to be able to do those things." 

Avery's next ambition is to pursue nursing and work in a NICU, still gravitating to selfless work. It is clear she will continue touching lives and sharing smiles. The world will continue to see a few more "good humans" because of her.

Survivor

Natalie Elaine Waugaman
2019 Honored hero for Light the Night
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Des Moines, Iowa

Strange symptoms.

Doctor visits. 

Scheduled MRI.

Met oncologist.

Biopsy.

Port placement.

Hospital admission.

Family called. 

It was a long July day. 

Five rounds chemo.

PT everyday.

Tests and scans.

Too many pokes.

Hair is gone. 

Nausea common. 

Prayers surround.

Watchful vigils. 

It was the new normal. 

A clear scan. 

Bell to be rung. 

Cancer-free.

Time to go home. 

She overcame.
Alive and walking.
2019 graduate. 
A healing journey.

She is a survivor. 

   

2019 Light A Candle

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5

Living in Sync is excited to announce two 2019 recipients of the Light a Candle Award, each earning a $500 academic scholarship given in recognition of those who have overcome adversity and exemplifies a giving spirit towards others.

Rather than being shut down in the challenges of life, these people embrace hope and a determination to make the world a better place. They embody the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, "It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness."

Meet our 2019 Graduates & Recipients: Megan Grow and Mawa Toure. 

Megan Grow, Southeast Polk High School

“Each and every day, I make it a mission to be there for people who need someone to lean on. I try to make bad days better ones, and good days remain that way.” says Megan Grow.

Megan learned at a very young age, resilience is the key to power through any obstacle and thrive. Born premature, Megan started life with a challenge. It would not be her last. Her parents' divorce, followed by her father “moving on”, was an unbalancing event that could have sent her into a tailspin. Megan has faced health struggles on and off over the years; and it caused her to miss a fair amount of school her junior year. 

Her senior year has been marked by supporting her mother through a serious illness, including a kidney transplant. Megan stayed by her mom’s side in the hospital providing comfort and care. Quick to act and calm under pressure, she was credited in helping to save her mother’s life once when her port had become dislodged.

In April, when it became apparent that her mother would not survive to see her daughter graduate, school administrators and counselors arranged a private graduation ceremony in the hospital so mother and daughter would not miss out on this right of passage together.  Her mother passed away a few days later.

Amidst the stress, Megan has found school and volunteering to be a place of routine and stability. She has been a key leader in Got Bounce at SE Polk High school. “Got Bounce is a group that provides community service but also promotes positive school culture.  Megan is the first student that comes to mind when you think of positive culture.  She is always encouraging to others, a smile on her face and always looking to the bright side of life.”  according to guidance counselor Michelle Feldmann.

Megan is wise beyond her years and is passionate about the medical field. Her plans are to pursue medical school and ultimately care for underdeveloped newborns as a Neonatologist. Megan has been accepted at Des Moines Area Community College and will begin her classes this fall.

Mawa Toure, Roosevelt High school 

Hard work and dedication are two gifts that Mawa has embraced since a young age.  She has been surrounded by a very supportive mother and close group of church members that have helped her to focus on her education so she can work towards her dreams of becoming the first person in her family to attend college.  

Originally from the Ivory Coast, a major accomplishment has included becoming a United States citizen. According to a close church friend, “Mawa has faced many challenges adapting to a new country and culture, yet has developed an outstanding character.”  

Mawa has a strong faith in God that has also molded her and the dreams for her future.  She says she will carry God with her wherever she goes as she spreads a light of hope and kindness through her smile.  She wants to make a positive impact through genuine interactions with others.  

Mrs. Haylett her school guidance counselor says, “Mawa is an outstanding young woman.  Mawa is one of the students I look up to.  She runs into challenges regularly but continues to progress and make gains.  She has the drive and internal motivation to succeed.”

Mawa has been accepted into Marshalltown Community College.  She plans to begin studying towards a degree in Liberal Arts.  From there she would like to pursue further education to become a lawyer.  

Live Ready

Last week I began piano lessons with a 4th grade girl whom I had met and known when she was a toddler. As she sat so tall, with perched eye glasses for her darling brown eyes, I was overcome by how much she had grown up since I last saw her. The energy and curiosity of youthfulness were still there, along with the growth of grace and maturity. 

And then my mind took me down memory lane. I was a good friend of Norah’s mom, Amy, years ago when she sensed a calling to adopt. A young single woman at the time, I struggled with her desire to adopt when I knew how challenging it was to be a single parent. That is, until Amy shared how God had been at work in her heart. 

She said two things that set the tone of this whole overseas adoption journey. First, a quote God had used to spur her on to such a task: 

“A true Crosswalk is obeying where we have revelation in spite of the apparent contradiction in what we cannot explain. To obey only when we see that there will be a favorable outcome is not obedience. Obedience is supposed to be expensive. To embrace what He has shown us and to obey what He has commanded us, often in the midst of unanswerable questions, is an honor beyond measure.” Bill Johnson

And secondly, she said when praying the same argument of being a single parent, the Lord told her one parent was better than no parents. Alrighty, I thought. How does one argue with that? I was clearly won over to walk alongside her journey. 

I watched Amy work very hard, fundraise and save to make this adoption possible. She made multiple trips to Russia in the process. It was a labor of love quite literally. 

And then the trip came that was going to bring her little girl home from the orphanage. The medical process was intense there as well as upon her return to the U.S. She took extra time off work to help Norah bond with her new momma and invested in her physical needs which included leg braces. If I had one word to sum up Amy in this, it would be devoted. 

Devoted to choose Norah and embrace all that choosing her meant. The rescue. The nurture. The compassion. The bonding. The growth. Of course, I’m sure there’s more that happened behind the scenes than I’ll ever know. Yet, I’ve seen enough to know a miracle when I see one. 

Right down the same line of Jesus choosing us. He said yes when God called him to such a task. Devoted. Yes, He does all this and more for each one of us to be called his own. 

It’s a miracle. And you’re a miracle. 

Living ready means open arms to his choosing. Open arms to his devoted love that rescues, nurtures, and grows us up. And, as Amy, open arms to be used to do the same for others.

What the Young Teach Us

Last week I helped lead a Project Timothy Leadership Bootcamp for young people. A gathering of 105 youth who are committed to their faith and growing in relationship with the Lord and each other so they might fulfill their purposes for this generation. It was a privilege to participate in worship, conversations, and prayer that touched deep places in our lives. It was holy and beautiful community.

A few things they taught me:

Show Up. There’s something special about the spontaneity of young people. They are unreserved, unabashed, and free-spirited. And they love to be in on the action. I, too, want to show up without reservations and whole-hearted.

Live in Unity. I saw youth from all over the country coming together as a family. You didn’t have to dress or act a certain way to be welcomed in. It was enough that you were there and you are accepted for who you. In fact, our differences are part of the joy of being together. I, too, want to live in unity and experience each person’s uniqueness as the gift it is.

Pray Always. Day and night, in vans and lawns, on couches and floors, during worship, small groups, and workshops, it’s always a good time to pray. Through sin and repentance, anger and forgiveness, fears and joy, it’s always a good time to pray. They listened and cried out, they encouraged and shared hope. I, too, want to lean on the Lord and bring all things to him in prayer.

“Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” Mark 10:15

May all these things prepare my heart to be a little more childlike that I may receive and walk in the kingdom of God in fullness.