Six years ago, the E3 Scholarship Fund’s mission experienced a pivotal moment when Claire Tietgen, just 14 years old, received two standing ovations at the WIN for KC awards after being named the Children’s Mercy Youth Athlete of the Year.
Sitting in the auditorium for the 2023 WIN for KC event, it was impossible for Charles Tietgen, proud father and co-founder of E3 Discovery, not to remember the moment his daughter stepped up on that stage.
It was tearjerking moment. At the time, Claire was being honored for her 14 gold medals in jiu jitsu and her three state powerlifting championships, plus her non-profit group that was helping other kids develop resilience through sports. Realizing what a difference Claire’s story could make–a journey from bullied and struggling to strength and confidence–they began to dream about ways that they could expand their nonprofit outreach.
Flash forward a few years and here we are. E3 Discovery has now helped hundreds of students rediscover their joy for learning and find success in school by maximizing their special skills and talents. It is amazing to look back and see how many great things have come from that moment on stage years ago.
We would like to send our big congratulations to this year’s WIN for KC honorees:
Lockton Courage Award: Katie Zornes
Kissick Construction Game Changer Award: Anna Sarol
Hallmark Cards Leadership Award: Krishna Lee
UMBFC Charitable Foundation Lifetime Sportswoman Award: Patty Dick
Children’s Mercy Kansas City Rising Star Award: Reese Bates
Forvis WOW Award: Kansas City Current Players
You can read more about WIN for KC on their website, at www.sportkc.org/win-for-kc/awards-celebration.
