To the editor:

On April 10, It Gets Better Fort Dodge and Beyond held its third annual Kids Choice Awards. These awards are meant for the kids of Webster County to select mentors who have made their lives better. The kids did not disappoint with 156 total nominations this year.

The IGBFD & Beyond ambassadors then have the task to limit the list down to the top 20. The ones that make this list are truly special individuals. These mentors feel that they have done nothing extraordinary. When they feel this way with humility then the kids have chosen well. We have a great appreciation for these educators, coaches, foster grandparents, custodians and one very special Sunday school teacher.

Thanks again for all that you have done and continue to do so.

The ambassadors of IGBFD & Beyond also select two very meaningful community awards. The first being the Community Caring Award. This award is for an individual or group who has given back to the community in an enormous way. We are honored to work with and to support Brushy Creek Honor Flight. They care so deeply for the ones that protect our freedoms.

We thank them for their tireless effort to support our veterans.

The second award is the “Ohana Award” which means family. This award is given to a team who represents unbelievable character and caring toward one another. This year’s recipient showed companionship for new students to be welcomed unconditionally. They showed support for injured teammates, literally carrying them off the field.

They displayed sportsmanship toward other teams. They worked together with a heart of a champion to reach their goal to be state qualifiers. They displayed compassion for one of their own to raise $5,327.50 so that a teammate can see Paris before she goes blind.

Need we say more? What an amazing team.

This event would not have been possible without the help of Fort Frenzy and the amazing staff. Alli Berger runs a tight ship, while Nathan Griswald presents a spectacular atmosphere to our guests.

Thank you to The Messenger for the promotion and article, keynote speaker former Sen. Daryl Beall who has always been a friend to us all. Thank you to BBQ Thief and photographer Jason Liska.

These kids are always watching to see who are making things better. Be aware, because the nominations for 2017 are now open.

Breck Johnson

Fort Dodge