Sebring boy nominated for helping troops

BY ANGIE SCHMITT

VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER

SEBRING — A local fifth-grader has come under the national spotlight for his efforts to support U.S. military personnel serving their country overseas.

Ten-year-old Colton Lockner is among 15 nominees from across the United States being considered for Microsoft’s first Above and Beyond Awards.

The award recognizes individuals who have made contributions to the military community or brightened the lives of American troops stationed abroad.

It is being presented in partnership with the United Service Organizations, a nonprofit organization providing morale, welfare and recreational services to U.S. military personnel and their families.

Colton, a pupil at B.L. Miller Elementary School in the Sebring School District, has been recognized for organizing the first-ever “Freedom Walk to Support American Troops” in his hometown Sept. 11, 2006.

He and his mother invited local residents to take part in the event, posting signup sheets around town and visiting neighbors door to door.

About half the community turned out for the event, according to Microsoft.

This year, Colton took it upon himself to raise money to send care packages to troops stationed overseas.

His “Knit Hat and Blanket Drive” gathered items from Sebring students to keep injured soldiers warm who are hospitalized near Baghdad.

Now, Colton is wrapping up a “Scribing for Soldiers” letter-writing campaign, which concluded Saturday.

The campaign has generated more than 1,200 hand-written letters for troops stationed abroad, said his mother Robyn Lockner.

Colton said he was inspired to take action to benefit U.S. soldiers serving in Iraq when his uncle returned from duty there.

“Since he came home safe, I wanted all the other soldiers to” also return unharmed, he said.

The boy was only 4 when two commercial jets crashed into the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, said his mother.

Colton was chosen from a pool of 400 nominees for the award. The winner will be selected by an online public poll.

He or she will travel to New York for an awards gala and a special showing of the 75th celebration of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Nov. 12.

aschmitt@vindy.com