D.J.'s Hero Award Winner Spotlight - Jeffry Atilano-Duenas
Over the next month we will be honoring each of this year’s 15 D.J.’s Hero Award winners. The D.J.’s Hero Scholarships are underwritten by David and Peggy Sokol in loving memory of their son, D.J., who lost his battle with cancer in 1999 at age 18. The awards recognize Nebraska high school seniors who exemplify perseverance and selflessness and who are servant-leaders in their communities. A total of 157 D.J.’s Hero Scholarships have been awarded to Nebraska students over the past 22 years.
Jeffry Atilano-Duenas – Omaha South High Magnet School
“I know I can do big things.”
Jeffry Atilano-Duenas, of Omaha, grew up in small town in Jalisco, Mexico, where, at the age of 13, he taught himself to ride a motorcycle so he could make deliveries in order to earn money for his family. Jeffry returned to the United States with relatives when he was a teenager so that he could get an education, but by the time he was 17, he was homeless and living at the Open Door Mission. Later, Jeffry was able to move to transitional housing for young adults.
In spite of his tenuous housing situation, Jeffry excelled in his studies and was a leader at school. His passion for the performing arts fueled his success as a member of Omaha South’s Ambassadors Show Choir and the pre-professional dance company, Le Fuerza. He also choreographed two original works and performed them at a competition at the Holland Center, placing third in the dance division, played bass drum for the marching band and was a member of the school’s largest concert choir. “I found a safe space at school,” says Jeffry. “School was my home.”
Throughout every challenge he’s faced, Jeffry has maintained a positive attitude and a spirit of perseverance. “I have never heard one word of self-pity from him,” says Rebecca Noble, who oversees the arts programs at South. “In fact, when any of us expresses concern for Jeffry, he responds with, ‘Don’t worry, miss. I’m going to be just fine.’ His resilience is beyond compare.”
Jeffry plans to attend the University of Nebraska at Omaha. His dream is to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. “I want to have the opportunity to experience dance, choir and musicals,” he wrote in his application essay. “But even if I don’t get the scholarship, please share my story with someone who needs words of hope.”