Warsaw High School Student Mason Metzger was surprised during one of his classes with the announcement he had been chosen to be one of the 2017 Riley Champions.

WARSAW — A Warsaw High School Student was chosen to be one of the eight 2017 Riley Champions.

On Sept. 2, Teachers, facility and family visited Mason Metzger while he was in one of his classes to announce that he had become a Riley Champion.

Metzger was excited to hear the news and stated this opportunity is, “Just another way to shine my light into the world, which is part of my mission statement.”

Metzger says that at first glance, some people might underestimate him. But once the 17-year-old shares his story, he hopes others are inspired by his humor, positive attitude and accomplishments. Mason was born two months prematurely, began receiving therapy at three months of age and was diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy at one, thus beginning a long relationship with the Cerebral Palsy Program at Riley Hospital for Children. Mason continuously pushes himself to the boundary of his comfort zone. He’s dreamed of becoming a motivational speaker since eighth grade, and he’s recently made it happen. Since 2014 he has spoken to nearly 30 groups about perseverance, hope and purpose.

Riley Children’s Foundation welcomed its new class of Riley Champions Presented by Kroger during the weekend Oct. 29 – 30. Eight children from across the state served as Riley Coin Toss Kids at the Indianapolis Colts game which kicked off at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30 at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Riley Champions Presented by Kroger is a program that honors patients from Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health who have inspired communities with their bravery and commitment to help others despite overcoming medical challenges. These children will serve as advocates and ambassadors for Riley by sharing their stories and participating in special events throughout the year.

Riley Champions Presented by Kroger will also be honored at the Riley Children’s Foundation Annual Luncheon on Nov. 18; during a special presentation at their school; and within a Kroger store near their hometown community.

2017 Riley Champions

• Garrett Adams, Greenfield, Ind.
• Sydney Clifford, Franklin, Ind.
• Lexi Fuchs, Roachdale, Ind.
• Allyson Kimani, Fort Wayne
• Mason Metzger, Silver Lake, Ind.
• Jason Reeves, Evansville
• Grace Rinkel, LaPorte, Ind.
• Bella Simons, Carmel, Ind.

Family, teachers and faculty prepare to surprise Mason Metzger with the news that he was chosen to be a 2017 Riley Champion.