The Ryan Bartel Foundation.
The Ryan Bartel Foundation.
James Bowles from Rock Ridge High School and Riley Edoria from Woodgrove High School were chosen by a panel of judges to be awarded the Ryan Bartel Foundation Heart of Humanity Award scholarships in the amount of $2,500.
The students were nominated without their knowledge by a peer who is either a recipient or witness to acts of compassion, courage and support of a fellow peer by the winner.
“We developed this unique award in memory of the values our son Ryan stood for,” Suzie Bartel, founder and chair of the foundation. “We know that young people turn to their peers first when they’re struggling, so we want to encourage and reward those who help them because one kind act can save someone’s life.”
Each year nominations are short listed by the Foundation and then shared with a group of community members who vote on the final two winners. This year, 24 judges participated.
“Both of these two special young adults are an inspiration to others in nurturing a culture of peer-to-peer support, kindness and compassion towards others, especially in a time of need,” Bartel said. “We congratulate them and are so proud of their demonstration of humanity, helping to make the world a better place.”
Asked how he felt about winning this award James Bowles said, “There was only one feeling I had—joy, out of the kindness of someone else’s heart.”
The next nomination window for the award opens Jan. 15, 2025.
For more information, go to ryanbartelfoundation.org/heartofhumanity.
The Ryan Bartel Foundation is a Loudoun-based nonprofit with a mission is to prevent youth suicide by building connected and resilient youth.
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