A Champion’s Next Chapter
Our 2012 New Mexico Champion Kyle Stepp shares his thoughts on graduating high school and what life has taught him thus far. Congratulations to this amazing young man! Kyle was treated at our Network’s The University of New Mexico Children’s Hospital.
The Champions trip was an experience that was not to be forgotten. I was able to spend time with people who understand how precious life is, and appreciate every aspect of it.
The week I spent in DC and Orlando created a special atmosphere that I never wanted to leave. As I entered my senior year of high school, the months following the Champions trip have been life-changing!
Serving as the New Mexico Champion has helped to give me the skills and resources necessary to succeed in life. Because of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals I want to live a life in service, whether it is in politics or as a CEO of a foundation. I plan on doing whatever that can help better this world.
I would never take my cancer back; because I wouldn’t want to see anyone else face this horrible disease. If it wasn’t for cancer, I wouldn’t be able to give the hope needed to kids during their battle and raise money towards a cure.
I ended my high school experience with one busy schedule, as I was a member of seven clubs and president of four of them. I had the honor of serving as a class officer every year of high school and as the First Vice-President of the State of New Mexico. I started my term on the Mayor of Albuquerque’s Youth Advisory council, where I advise him on what’s pertinent to the youth of Albuquerque. On May 17th, I graduated from Del Norte High School in the top of my class with a 3.979 GPA. I was thrilled and honored to deliver the commencement speech that day!
Though times got challenging, I didn’t let continuous chemotherapies, surgeries and checks prevent me from accomplishing my goals and going places with my life. At graduation I was recognized as…
Class of 2012 Albuquerque Public Schools Selfless Senior • James Ledwith Memorial Scholar • Erin Trejeque Memorial Scholar • American Cancer Society Great West Division Scholar • University of New Mexico Scholars Scholar • Class of 2012 “Who’s Who” • West Leadership Awardee • Senior Superlative • Social Studies Department Outstanding Senior • Choral Department Outstanding Senior • Student Government Outstanding Senior • New Mexico Department of Education Outstanding Senior for my academic performance • Senior Class Vice President • New Mexico Association of Student Councils 1st Vice President • Honor Cords: National Honor Society, Student Senate, Blood Drive Coordinator
In fall 2012, I will be attending the University of New Mexico — the same institution that I received treatment — where I will be studying strategic communications and political science. I have been blessed to receive over $22,000 in scholarships a year, and look forward to putting every dollar to good use for my education.
I know for certain that I’ll be a member of the Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) Fraternity Eta Kappa Chapter and be as involved in school as I was in high school.
I was excited to find out that the ATO Eta Kappa Chapter had selected Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals as one of their philanthropies. I’m proud to say I will be a founding member and co-executive director of Lobo Dance Marathon benefiting UNM Children’s Hospitals, New Mexico’s only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. While in college I am going to continue my philanthropy work with numerous foundations.
If being a Miracle Child and Champion has taught me anything, it’s that I have learned to not let adversity hold me back from what I set my mind on. Because of CMN Hospitals, I am alive today so I can help make this world a better place to live.
To the graduating class of 2012 and all Miracle Children and Champions moving on to new chapters, I say, “Go out and make a difference for others. Because the biggest change you might find is within you.”
Shaving my head in early 2012 for cancer awareness.