<\/p>\n
The Four Corners Child Advocacy Center has honored a schoolteacher and a business couple as its 2015 Champions for Children.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe award is given to someone that has an impact on kids in the community,\u201d said Rose Jergens, director of the Four Corners Child Advocacy Center.<\/p>\n
Cortez Middle School teacher Matt Keefauver and Town & Country Furniture business owners Shirley and Johnny Mosher received the community recognition at an awards ceremony on Friday, July 17, at Cliffrose Garden Center and Gifts.<\/p>\n
\u201cMatt is such an inspiration,\u201d said Jergens. \u201cHis commitment and passion shows through in everything that he does. He\u2019s the best example of a teacher that there could be.\u201d<\/p>\n
Keefauver, a math educator for two decades, was drawn to the profession after becoming a substitute teacher. His key to success is building strong relationships, which serves as a foundation to ensuring that students achieve academically.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe reward for me is making personal connections with the kids,\u201d said Keefauver.<\/p>\n
Upon receiving his award, Keefauver issued a challenge to some 100 people in attendance.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to remind you that there are things that we can do every single day to improve the lives of kids,\u201d said Keefauver. \u201cI encourage each and everyone of you to reach out to kids in whatever fashion that looks like.\u201d<\/p>\n
Acknowledged alongside the Moshers, Keefauver said their \u201cboots on the ground\u201d approach proved that actions were louder than words.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m thrilled to be honored beside them,\u201d said Keefauver.<\/p>\n
Jergens emphasized that the Moshers were generous with their time, talent and money.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat makes them champions for the community?\u201d Jergens asked. \u201cThey make a difference in the lives of children every single day.\u201d<\/p>\n
After receiving the distinction, Johnny Mosher first praised the work of the Four Corners Child Advocacy Center, saying that the Cortez area was fortunate to have such an organization. The Moshers agreed with Keefauver\u2019s call to action.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can all make a difference in the community, whether it\u2019s little or big,\u201d said Johnny Mosher.<\/p>\n
The Champions for Children awards were selected from Four Corners Child Advocacy board member nominations. To be considered, nominees must embody characteristics of leadership, innovation, caring and commitment with visions of a better tomorrow.<\/p>\n
In addition to honoring Keefauver and the Moshers, the event also included check presentations from the 12 Hours of Mesa Verde fundraiser held earlier this year.<\/p>\n
More than $50,000 was divvied up among The Pi\u00f1on Project, Four Corners Child Advocacy Center, Southwest Open School, School Community Youth Collaborative, Cortez Leopard Shark Swim Team and Crow Canyon Archaeological Center.<\/p>\n