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| CORBIN BURNETT SCHOLARSHIP FUND The Corbin Burnett Scholarship Softball Tournament was held for five years at Memorial Field here in Orange, the same place Corbin loved to play ball. After five years, we were able to give away $24,000! To all those who participated or contributed in some way, on behalf of my family, we say "THANK YOU" from the bottom of our hearts... YOU... have made a difference! Corbin's journey with cancer and the faith, determination, and acceptance he displayed for what was happening changed the way many of us look at life. He never lost his sense of humor or his desire to be just an ordinary boy. Just days before he died, all he wanted to do was to go to school and be with his friends. During his illness and after his death, God used the entire LC-M school district and many of you here to make the difference in my little boy’s last days here on earth and also whether we would survive the unthinkable that had happened. That is when the idea of playing ball in his memory came about. We wanted to give back to this community that had been so good to us. We wanted to remember Corbin’s spirit and acknowledge what his life meant to us. We decided we would have a softball tournament every year in his name to help put someone in his graduating class through college, to give a student the opportunity that Corbin would not have. That’s when Team Corbin began. This did not happen because we are this great family who has been able to do great things. We are just an ordinary family, just as Corbin was just an ordinary boy. Our faith in God and Heaven has sustained us through every parent’s worst nightmare. We are still surviving this horrible tragedy because of a man named Jesus Christ that came to earth and suffered and died on a cross in order to give us eternal life. Our God gave us hope when we were hopeless. And he showed us a future when all we felt was despair. Because of Him, I will be able to see my son again. This scholarship is a reflection of what a wonderful community we all live in. Thank you for allowing God to use you to love us. And just as God put on my heart Romans 8:28 the day we buried Corbin, He has placed this same scripture on my heart today . "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him." And this is a good thing... So, in memory of our son, brother, grandson, nephew, and friend, Corbin Burnett, who we lost way too soon, and because of God and such an awesome community we call home, the following Corbin Burnett Scholarship awards were given: $5,000 – Tim Barry This is a young man who has shown unwavering conviction for his faith, who I am told by many is an exceptional individual, has a very impressive ranking, but more importantly, he showed me in his application what a truly compassionate and remarkable person he is. I have no doubt that he will go far in this life and make the difference along the way. $5,000 – Brandy Anderson This is a young woman that impressed me long before I actually got the privilege of meeting her in the last month. She has, against all odds, risen above the cards she has been dealt in life. She, just like Tim, did not know Corbin. But what she has been able to accomplish on her own reminds me of the determination that Corbin possessed. She impressed me with her class ranking, her work ethic, her goals she has set for herself and just by the fact that she is not going to let unfortunate circumstances stop her from achieving success in life; and I have no doubt that she will use this scholarship to achieve those goals. Five $1,000 scholarships: Katie Bloxom Katie, we love you and will always remember the dedication you have shown to your BFF. Thank you for keeping him close to your heart. Jordan Brooks Jordan, you not only know the walk of cancer, you have survived it and have excelled! We are so proud of you. Colbi Romero Colbi, you stand by your beliefs no matter what and always put others above yourself, even when it came to this scholarship. I am so proud of the young lady you are. Ty Sonnier Ty, your determination and drive have always reminded me of Corbin when I watch you play ball. I have no doubt that you will go far in this life. Landon Woodard Landon, you have stepped up and filled those big brother shoes for Colby and have been the best friend he needed all at the same time...you have been a wonderful example to him. $2,000 Baseball Scholarship - Tyler Derouen Many of you that know us know that Tyler was Corbin’s best friend. I want you to know that Tyler was chosen despite that fact. Every time I went to Coach Griff about his players, he would tell me what a great kid Tyler was. He earned this award because of the type of kid he is and because of the man that I have confidence that he will grow up to be. Unlike Corbin would have been, I think, Tyler was just happy to be a part of the team. I do love him like my own son and because of that, getting this award was an uphill battle for him; but it was one that he earned all on his own. When he filled out his scholarship application, I love how he pegged Corbin perfectly...and I quote, “No one else in the world made me happier or ticked me off more than Corbin did, because he was more like a brother to me than a friend.” $1,000 Band Scholarship - Brett Heil (Our middle son, Colby, wrote and gave out this band award) When we were choosing the recipient, we were looking for someone who has been convicted by their faith and stands out. Being in LCM band, I get the opportunity to interact with these people every day and truly get to know them. When his name came to mind, it made things very easy. I knew he was exactly the right fit. He is someone who is always doing the right thing, even when no one is looking, someone with integrity and self-respect. He has lived above the influence and doesn't follow the crowd, which is so hard to do. From reading his application, we believe Corbin’s journey had a positive impact on who Brett is today. Twelve $100 Scholarships - North Orange Baptist Church Seniors Adam Alford, Kathryn Blackwell, Shelly Conn, Emilee Fregia, Kellen Gandy, Katie Harrell, Matt Johnson, Hannah McIntosh, Mark Pitts, Jake Tsuchyia, Maci Wilcox, and Jacob Wilson. We have also given out the following over the last five years... Cody Courmier, Mission Trip to Japan - $500 Mazy Walthall, Mission Trip to Honduras - $100 Katie Bloxom, Mission Trip to Ecuador - $100 Inspire 12 program - $500 Legacy Park - $680 And in remaining true to our Father in heaven who has sustained us, I wanted to account for all the money and let you know we are giving roughly 10 percent, or $3,000, to the youth department of our church in Corbin’s memory. Again, on behalf of Deon, Colby, Bailee and myself, and in memory of our precious Corbin, thank you for loving us all these years, for giving of your time and money every time we asked; and I pray God’s grace and blessings on each and every one of you. Proverbs 3:5-6...Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. God Bless, Deon, Cristy, Colby & Bailee |
