D.J.'s Hero Award Winner Spotlight - Kobe Bustos
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.
Kobe Bustos – Omaha South High Magnet School, Recipient of the D.J.’s Hero Teresa Hunzeker Memorial Scholarship
“Once I start working toward a goal, it’s almost impossible to stop.”
In addition to achieving excellent grades, Kobe Bustos, of Omaha, is the primary breadwinner for his family. When he wasn’t running his own business – which entails buying, repairing, detailing and selling cars – he spent his time studying for his multiple AP classes, competing and traveling for Omaha South’s Ambassadors Show Choir and participating in the Honors Chamber Ensemble and Concert Choir. Kobe also participated in the ACE (Architecture, Construction, Engineering) Mentor program, meeting regularly with Omaha engineers and architects to assist with designing building projects. He recently collaborated on the design of a restaurant/sports complex in Omaha, and his mentors in the ACE program described his work as comparable to that of professionals in the field.
Kobe is equally dedicated to his family and has considered postponing his entry into college so that he can continue to build his business and in order to ensure a steady source of income for his mother and siblings. “Kobe is one of those rare individuals who, no matter what happens, is positive, kind and giving of his time and talents,” says his school counselor and ACE Mentor student supervisor Rachelle Vidal. “He is wise beyond his years. His greatest achievement is his resilience and his maturity, which is visible in his ability to balance his commitment to his classes, his activities and his family.”
Kobe plans to major in mechanical engineering. “This scholarship will enable me to take the first step toward achieving my long-term goals,” he says.