Congratulations, Champion Graduates

This spring, young adults across North America will cross the stage to accept diplomas, on their way to starting the next phase of their lives. Several Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Champions will be attending their own commencement ceremonies. What sets these individuals apart from their fellow graduates is the journey they have undergone as a result of a medical condition. Meet some of our graduating Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Champions below.

Kyle Stepp, 2011 New Mexico Champion

For the last five years we’ve watched Kyle grow from an ambitious teenager to a seasoned advocate for children’s hospitals. This spring, Kyle is graduating from the University of New Mexico with a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication and Integrative Studies for Innovation. As the 2015 UNM Homecoming King, 2016 UNM Greek Man of the Year and 2016 Clauve Outstanding Senior Awardee, we think it’s safe to say Kyle has had an incredible year. Kyle will also be addressing his fellow students as the Class of 2016 University of New Mexico Spring Commencement Keynote Speaker. Following graduation, he’ll begin his post with the national staff for the Alpha Tau Omega National Fraternity. He hopes his time with ATO is followed by a career at a children’s hospital where he can continue his advocacy for kids. We can’t wait to see what the next five years has in store for Kyle.

UPDATE: Kyle's commencement speech

Keegan Passos, 2014 Hawaii Champion

Keegan will be graduating on May 19 from Waipahu High School in Waipahu, Hawaii. He is interested in attending massage therapy school where he can develop therapeutic skills to help hospitalized children cope with stress. Keegan also plans to continuing his advocacy on behalf of CMN Hospitals and being a mentor for Kardiac Kids, a support group in Keegan’s community for families with children born with heart disease. Keegan’s medical journey is not quite over: he has another cardiac catheterization coming up in June. The confidence he gained while being a Champion has made him strong – he’ll continue to stay positive in the face of medical adversity.

Chiann Wheeler, 2015-16 California Champion

If graduating a year early doesn’t demonstrate Chiann’s ambitious attitude, we don’t know what does. The aspiring child psychologist didn’t let a setback with toxic shock syndrome stop her from completing her secondary school curriculum early. Not only that, Chiann’s future plans hardly involve taking time off from her studies and goals. “My goal is to educate young women on what toxic shock is,” she stated. Crediting her role as a CMN Hospitals Champion for affording her the opportunity to build her confidence, Chiann has already begun her advocacy for the condition by approaching local school administrators to plan lecture presentations.

Justyn Jenkins, 2015-16 West Virginia Champion

Nothing can stop Justyn from becoming a computer programmer and (video) game designer. The senior, set to cross the Robert C Byrd High School commencement stage on June 19 in Clarksburg, West Virginia, got a jump start on his career by successfully completing the school's special track of computer courses. Justyn seized the opportunity to gain as much knowledge as he could in the field he hopes to one day work in. We know with his perseverance and dedication to his education, that day will come for Justyn much sooner than later.

Join us in congratulating all our graduating Champions. Hip, hip, hooray!