by Linda Charlton
iChange Nations mission is to make the world a better place by promoting a “Culture of Honor” that recognizes individuals throughout the world who have exemplified extraordinary humanitarian efforts to effectively change nations. The organization honors people and organizations that believe every life is valuable and is created to bring a contribution to the world. Within that organization, there is a separate structure, Challenged Champions and Heroes (CCH), that seeks to recognize the achievements of persons and organizations within the special needs community.
In Groveland, at Hope International Church, there is a special needs ministry called Hope Torchlighters. Challenged Champions was formed in 2015, Hope Torchlighters was formed in 2018, and on Saturday, July 24, the two groups came together to honor members of the area’s special needs community.
The event, which organizers hope to make an annual tradition, is officially called the Challenged Champions and Heroes Awards Ceremony. Honorees included special needs individuals, as well as siblings and caregivers. The sanctuary at Hope International was transformed into a banquet hall for the occasion, complete with visiting dignitaries, red carpet, a catered meal, and celebratory photo ops.
National Challenged Champions and Heroes Awareness Day (July 29)
The date holds personal significance for Challenged Champions founder Dr. Robin Lococo, for that is the birthday of the older sister she never met: Debra Marie Mosier, who died of cerebral palsy at age three. Reflecting on the individuals Challenged Champions has honored, Lococo said “I’m seeing them doing and better things than the able-bodied.”
The City proclamation reads in part that “Many times, the physically and mentally challenged individuals are overlooked in society and perceived as a burden. CCH (Challenged Champions and Heroes) believe that this is not so. These individuals’ abilities are as vast as their disabilities may be.”
Lococo and CCH vice president Dr. Penny Heflebower were both on hand to present the awards.
The connection between the awards banquet and the City of Groveland is Pastor Joscelyn Ramos Campbell, who serves as a member of the City’s Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee. Campbell is also the mother of a special needs child and served as master of ceremonies for the event. She founded the Hope Torchlighters ministry with the full support of her senior pastor, Tony McCoy.
“Challenged Champions and Heros” Award
There were four youth who received Recognition Awards
Isabella “Izzy” Kry was recognized for bringing joy to people around her and for the joy she finds in life and in praise and worship.
Nathan Velazquez was recognized for being an outstanding young citizen. He encourages other children to obey the rules and discourages them from mistreating others.
Troy Winters’ generosity to fellow humans has included emptying his piggy bank to help feed the hungry which is only one reason why he received the recognition.
Fifteen-year-old Derek Alexander has a special story. Alexander has since 2015 been involved with Crisis Intervention Team programs supporting School Resource Officers, the Clermont Police Department and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, “so they can be better equipped to interact with the special needs communities, especially in times of crisis.”
Derek’s mom Kandi expressed appreciation stating, “It was a real honor for Derek. We love that the City truly embraced the event to support the families and we as a family are grateful for the National award and that the youth in our community are given the opportunities to share awareness and experience of their journey with others. Our family had a wonderful time and we are honored with the work Derek was and is able to do in his community”.
Youth in Action Awards were given to Aubrianna Fladger, Jeremy and Jonathan Campbell (twin sons of Pastor Campbell) and Chloe Acker in recognition of the support they show to their brother or sister.
Eight-year-year-old Chloe Acker’s story is a little different from the others. Her younger brother, five-year-old Raylane died of cancer last year, and Chloe was there for his entire journey, best friends right up until he took his last breath.
The Caregiver Awards went to Michelle Hinojosa and Jael Arroyo.
The Leadership Award went to Pastor Joscelyn Ramos Campbell.
Army veteran Octavia Mitchell received the Challenged Champions and Heroes Award, wowing the crowd with her competitive spirit and smack talk about beating out other veterans in various competitive sports. Bocce ball, which she is quick to point out that she does with her right hand only, seems to be her favorite.
At the end of the evening, there was one surprise. The Challenged Champions organization does, on occasion, give out a selfless service award for lifetime achievement.
The evening proved to be a magical event
