During the team’s practice it’s not unusual to see “Miss Lynn” dancing along side her pom-poms.  Even after a long day of teaching fourth graders, she sets an example, giving all of her attention and energy to the kids.  “We have a motto here… when you walk past the purple lines… that you have to give 100 percent.”

“Some people give a little.  They give what they want to give, but Ms. Lynn takes it to the next level, she gives all that she can give,” said Alicia Boyd, a friend and parent of one of the drill team members.

Boyd says Lynn’s passion for the kids doesn’t stop at the end of practice. “If a child needs a pair of shoes, she’s out there buying a pair of shoes for that child.  If a child needs a ride to practice, she out there trying to pick that child up trying to get them to practice.  She goes over and beyond what it takes as a leader, as a coach, as a mentor.”

Lynn says she’s just doing what needs to be done.  “If a child is hungry then you can’t get them to come in and practice you’ve got to feed them first.  You’ve got to meet their needs.  That’s my goal.”

She is certain that making an investment in at-risk kids pays off.  “Give 100 percent and you’ll see the returns and it will be like a bank statement.”  She continued, “We’re building character to make productive citizens.

Outside of her work with the Starlights, Lynn also volunteers at her church and has served as a foster parent.  In addition to her four biological children, Lynn has cared for a countless number of foster children.  “Just to see them come back through the years and to see how they’ve grown is just a wonderful experience to see all of the lives she’s touched,” said one of her adopted children, Crystal Benjamin.

Until recently, Lynn was somehow finding enough energy to also go to school too.  She says the kids have kept her going.  “I’m exhausted with happiness. When I go to sleep at night I’m well pleased at the day and the things (the children) have done.”

She should be.  Her drill team has been invited to perform at events across the country, including at Disneyland and Disney World, as well as local events like the Martin Luther King Marade.  The group clad in purple and black lead the procession from Denver’s City Park to Civic Center.

Please join us in congratulating Lynn King-Hopkins on a job well done as coach and the February 2006 Winner of the 9Who Care Award.