“I have been involved in the arts for as long as I can remember and they have always served as an escape,” said Charlie. He is also a member of the National Honor Society and National Spanish Honor Society, in addition to making the school Honor Roll all four years and volunteering at Glen Ellyn Children’s Resource Center. He has acted in four musicals in his high school career and directed two shows, in addition to performing in a variety of other choir and theater events. “Whether it is a trip to Disney with airline flights or singing in an honor choir and representing his school, Charlie meets obstacles to access with fierce determination and grace.”Ĭharlie is the co-President of Glenbard West’s Choir Club and Treasurer of the Theater Club. “Where many would see a disability that hinders participation, Charlie sees opportunity,” said Glenbard West Choir Director Andy Jeffrey.

His disability has not set him back one iota in in terms of being an exemplary student or participating in the activities he loves. The IHSA prides itself on offering participation opportunities for all students, and it is students like Charlie that exemplify that mission.”Ĭharlie is afflicted with arthrogryposis amyoplasia, a very rare disorder that confined him to a motorized wheelchair with very limited use of his arms and virtually no use of his legs. “His passion for the arts has helped him overcome and thrive despite facing substantial obstacles in his life. “Charlie epitomizes the Heart of the Arts Award,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. Section 4 includes the nominees from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin. The NFHS selected Lettenberger as its Section 4 winner of the award, making him the eighth individual from Illinois to be named a section winner. The Heart of the Arts Award was developed to recognize teams or individuals associated with high school activity programs who have overcome incredible adversity or gone above and beyond their peers in actions or service.

Glenbard West High School senior Charlie Lettenberger has been nominated for the Heart of the Arts Award.

The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) is proud to announce its nominees for the 2022-23 National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Heart of the Arts Award.

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