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Curtis Blanden, Sr.Youth Advocate Award
Honoring individuals who have dedicated themselves to the well-being and empowerment of youth in our community, following in Mrs. Rhodes' footsteps as a passionate advocate for young people.
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Curtis Blanden, Sr. is a dedicated coach and mentor who has significantly impacted the youth in Champaign-Urbana since he graduated from college in 2003. Husband to Kellie Blanden and father to Savannah and Curtis, Jr., Coach Blanden began his journey by volunteering as an assistant track coach at UMS and UHS. In 2006, he permanently relocated to Champaign-Urbana with his young family and immediately immersed himself in supporting, mentoring, and coaching kids.
Coach Blanden has been an influential figure in various sports programs, including First String Inc. (basketball and baseball), UMS track & field, CIYFL youth football, and UHS Track & Field, where he currently coaches football. Additionally, he has served as an Illinois I-Promise mentor and a Leadership Coach for students at the University of Illinois.
In the Fall of 2022, Coach Blanden stepped in at the last minute to lead a disassembled high school football program, ensuring that the kids could continue playing at the high school level. He understands the importance of connecting kids to a strong support system that provides structure and guidance. Coach Blanden always emphasizes, "This is bigger than football. I am trying to help you grow to be good young citizens." He ensures that his players give back to the community through volunteering and supporting others. He also works directly with both athletes and non-athletes to provide academic tutoring and post-secondary planning to ensure their success after graduation.
Despite the challenges and exhaustion that come with his responsibilities, Coach Blanden consistently shows up for the kids in the community. He has served as a father or uncle figure for many, often using his own resources to buy clothes, shoes, food, and other necessities to meet the needs of kids and their families. Parents frequently reach out to Coach Blanden for help and support in keeping their kids on a positive track. His kindness, care, and firmness are exactly what young kids need.
Coaching, for Coach Blanden, goes beyond calling plays at games. His former athletes, now adults, continue to support his current athletes, demonstrating the lasting impact Coach Blanden has had on their lives.
In recognition of his dedication to the well-being and empowerment of youth in our community, Curtis Blanden, Sr. is being honored with the Youth Advocate Award. This award honors individuals who, like Mrs. Jettie Rhodes, have dedicated themselves to being passionate advocates for young people, creating a lasting impact on the community.
Coach Blanden has been an influential figure in various sports programs, including First String Inc. (basketball and baseball), UMS track & field, CIYFL youth football, and UHS Track & Field, where he currently coaches football. Additionally, he has served as an Illinois I-Promise mentor and a Leadership Coach for students at the University of Illinois.
In the Fall of 2022, Coach Blanden stepped in at the last minute to lead a disassembled high school football program, ensuring that the kids could continue playing at the high school level. He understands the importance of connecting kids to a strong support system that provides structure and guidance. Coach Blanden always emphasizes, "This is bigger than football. I am trying to help you grow to be good young citizens." He ensures that his players give back to the community through volunteering and supporting others. He also works directly with both athletes and non-athletes to provide academic tutoring and post-secondary planning to ensure their success after graduation.
Despite the challenges and exhaustion that come with his responsibilities, Coach Blanden consistently shows up for the kids in the community. He has served as a father or uncle figure for many, often using his own resources to buy clothes, shoes, food, and other necessities to meet the needs of kids and their families. Parents frequently reach out to Coach Blanden for help and support in keeping their kids on a positive track. His kindness, care, and firmness are exactly what young kids need.
Coaching, for Coach Blanden, goes beyond calling plays at games. His former athletes, now adults, continue to support his current athletes, demonstrating the lasting impact Coach Blanden has had on their lives.
In recognition of his dedication to the well-being and empowerment of youth in our community, Curtis Blanden, Sr. is being honored with the Youth Advocate Award. This award honors individuals who, like Mrs. Jettie Rhodes, have dedicated themselves to being passionate advocates for young people, creating a lasting impact on the community.