Page 16 - 2024 Impact Awards Program

Lee Lonzo Champions Together Lee Lonzo Champions Together
Post-Secondary Scholarship
Lee Lonzo served as a Teacher, Coach, Athletic Director, and Assistant
Principal during his career. While serving on the IHSAA’s Board of
Directors, Lee was a key figure in the formation of the Student Advisory
Committee. As a constant supporter of positive and meaningful change, Lee
became the initial Director of Champions Together, a collaboration between
the IHSAA and Special Olympics Indiana. Under his leadership this unique
partnership quickly established itself as one of the nation’s best Unified
Champion Schools programs. During his tenure, more than 125 Indiana
High Schools earned the Champions Together Banner and more than 600
schools at all academic levels are now engaged in the inclusion revolution.
Always a proponent of servant leadership, Lonzo continuously promoted
the importance of inclusion within Indiana schools. Lee played a significant
role in Unified Track & Field and Unified Flag Football becoming sanctioned
IHSAA sports, while also assisting Special Olympics Indiana in the
formulation of state tournaments in Unified Bocce and Unified Bowling.
In partnership with the Lonzo Family and Friends, the IHSAA and IHSAA
Foundation are proud to present the Lee Lonzo Champions Together
Post-Secondary Scholarship each year to a pair of Unified Sport student-
athletes from an IHSAA member school. Recipients of this scholarship are
judged by their commitment to comradery, inclusiveness, team spirit, and
character while participating in Champions Together related activities.
Keira Robinson and Brian Tran
Bloomington South
16 IHSAA Foundation Impact Awards
Post-Secondary Scholarship
Keira Robinson’s personal connection to a relative with a disability
sparked her desire to become more actively involved in the special
needs community. This led her to eagerly join the Unified Track &
Field team during her freshman year at Bloomington South.
Without hesitation, Keira immersed herself in the team, offering
unwavering support to her teammates and even encouraging more
peers to join the team. Despite her competitive nature, Keira
recognizes that Unified Track & Field offers more than just a chance
to win; it provides an opportunity to champion a larger cause —
inclusion. Through Unified Track & Field, Keira finds a unique
balance between competitiveness and advocacy, using her passion
for athletics to promote a more inclusive and supportive community
for all.
Brian Tran is a member of the Unified Track & Field team at
Bloomington High School South. Every time Brian proudly wears
his letter jacket, he becomes a testament to the significance of
inclusion. Seeing him exchange high fives or fist bumps in the
hallways serves as a powerful reminder of the camaraderie and
support shared among his teammates. During the season, Brian is
a consistent presence at every track practice and meet. He makes
his presence known by offering support to every teammate and
vocally expressing his belief in the team’s potential for success. His
commitment to the team has earned him the ‘B-Man’ award
during his sophomore and junior years. This award, voted by his
peers, recognizes individuals who embody loyalty, training,
citizenship, and skill.
Brian and Keira were classmates in many of their elementary school
years, often engaging in small talk and enjoying games of four-
square during recess. However, as they progressed to middle and
high school, their paths diverged, and they saw less of each other. It
wasn’t until Keira joined Unified Track that she had the opportunity
to reconnect with Brian and reignite their friendship. Unified Track
provided them with a platform to continue their fun games and
conversations, allowing them to pick up right where they left off and
strengthen their bond once again. The relationship between Brian
and Keira serves as an example of the lasting connections formed
through shared experiences. Their friendship is built on a
foundation of mutual trust and understanding. Their bond
transcends the realm of competition, evolving into a genuine and
enduring friendship.
IHSAA Foundation Impact Awards 17