Cleveland Elem. student nominated for youth athlete award

Nia Ceruti (Dennis) is in the running for a big prize thanks to her taekwondo talent. Nia, a 5th grader at Cleveland Elementary, is nominated for the 3BRAND Youth Athlete of the Year Award. 

The 3BRAND Youth Athlete of the Year Award is a national honor recognizing athletes who demonstrate not only talent and dedication but also integrity and sportsmanship. The winner will be featured in a 3BRAND advertisement in Sports Illustrated and receive a $25,000 award to support their future. 

What sets Nia apart is not just her athletic ability but her unwavering spirit. In a recent sparring match against a much larger opponent, she was visibly nervous but chose courage over fear. Though she didn’t win, she gave everything she had and immediately congratulated her competitor—exemplifying the true meaning of perseverance, humility, and sportsmanship. 

To vote, go to: bit.ly/4nfmwTK. Voting is open through Thursday, September 4 at 7 p.m.