The Four Corners Child Advocacy Center has honored a schoolteacher and a business couple as its 2015 Champions for Children.

“The award is given to someone that has an impact on kids in the community,” said Rose Jergens, director of the Four Corners Child Advocacy Center.

Cortez Middle School teacher Matt Keefauver and Town & Country Furniture business owners Shirley and Johnny Mosher received the community recognition at an awards ceremony on Friday, July 17, at Cliffrose Garden Center and Gifts.

“Matt is such an inspiration,” said Jergens. “His commitment and passion shows through in everything that he does. He’s the best example of a teacher that there could be.”

Keefauver, a math educator for two decades, was drawn to the profession after becoming a substitute teacher. His key to success is building strong relationships, which serves as a foundation to ensuring that students achieve academically.

“The reward for me is making personal connections with the kids,” said Keefauver.

Upon receiving his award, Keefauver issued a challenge to some 100 people in attendance.

“I want to remind you that there are things that we can do every single day to improve the lives of kids,” said Keefauver. “I encourage each and everyone of you to reach out to kids in whatever fashion that looks like.”

Acknowledged alongside the Moshers, Keefauver said their “boots on the ground” approach proved that actions were louder than words.

“I’m thrilled to be honored beside them,” said Keefauver.

Jergens emphasized that the Moshers were generous with their time, talent and money.

“What makes them champions for the community?” Jergens asked. “They make a difference in the lives of children every single day.”

After receiving the distinction, Johnny Mosher first praised the work of the Four Corners Child Advocacy Center, saying that the Cortez area was fortunate to have such an organization. The Moshers agreed with Keefauver’s call to action.

“We can all make a difference in the community, whether it’s little or big,” said Johnny Mosher.

The Champions for Children awards were selected from Four Corners Child Advocacy board member nominations. To be considered, nominees must embody characteristics of leadership, innovation, caring and commitment with visions of a better tomorrow.

In addition to honoring Keefauver and the Moshers, the event also included check presentations from the 12 Hours of Mesa Verde fundraiser held earlier this year.

More than $50,000 was divvied up among The Piñon Project, Four Corners Child Advocacy Center, Southwest Open School, School Community Youth Collaborative, Cortez Leopard Shark Swim Team and Crow Canyon Archaeological Center.

tbaker@cortezjournal.com