L to R: School Counselor, Eileen Satterlee, Principal, Annette Trapini and Emma Marcucci.

June 22, 2010 - On Tuesday, June 22, sixth grader, Emma Marcucci, was honored with the first ever Ben Stowell Award at the Blue Creek Academic Awards Ceremony.

This award, named in honor of former Blue Creek student Ben Stowell, who passed away after a four year battle with cancer, will accompany a $500 donation, given by a Blue Creek family who wished to remain anonymous, to the Make-A-Wish foundation made Emma’s name.

Nominations for the award came from Blue Creek staff members. Emma best exemplified the character traits of Ben Stowell, who felt, no matter what the circumstance, you must focus on the positive.

The check for Make-A-Wish will be presented by Emma to a representative of Make-A-Wish at the 6th grade graduation on Wednesday, June 23 at 8:30 a.m.

The award reads as follows:

Before, during and after his time as part of the Blue Creek community, Ben Stowell taught us valuable life lessons about inspiration, altruism, vision, joy, empathy, courage and perseverance.

Emma Marcucci and her parents.

Because of Ben . . .
We learned to focus on the positive.

Because of Ben . . .
We learned to give a smile to get one in return.

Because of Ben . . .
We learned that the school bully may just need a friend.
 

Because of Ben . . .
We learned that giving is better than receiving.
 

Because of Ben . . .
We learned that the power of vision, such as the creation of Green Drakkoman, can be very empowering.
 

Because of Ben . . .
We learned how to find joy in the simple things in life.
 

Because of Ben . . .
We learned that humor can be the best medicine.

Because of Ben . . .
We learned that courage and perseverance are immeasurable.
 

Because of Ben . . .
Other families can benefit from the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
 

Because of Ben . . .
We are reminded everyday that the smallest of pebbles can affect the largest of communities.

Because Emma Marcucci exemplifies the character traits of our friend Ben Stowell, we award her this certificate.