JASON PONTE AWARD: A NEW RECOGNITION TO A DEAR FORMER STUDENT

We renamed the US Ambassador's Award in honor of a beloved former student who passed away in 2019 and left an indelible mark on our community. 

We are all agents of change when it comes to relationships. We leave our mark on every person we meet, especially in school. Jason Ponte still has an enduring impact on all of us as an esteemed member of the school and a distinguished graduate of the Class of 2002. His untimely passing in a car accident in February 2019 deeply affected our community. 

As a heartfelt tribute, we renamed the United States Ambassador's Award to the Jason Ponte United States Ambassador's Award. A group of Lincoln graduates requested the renaming in 2023, supported by over 150 petition signatures. This decision follows the guidelines of our Namings & Renamings Board Policy.

As a recipient of the US Ambassador's Award in 2002, Jason epitomized the spirit of this honor. The description now states:

The US Ambassador presents this award to a student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to fostering international understanding, thereby strengthening the bonds between the people of the United States and those of other nations. Named in honor of Jason Ponte, recipient of the Lincoln Ambassador's Award in 2002, this accolade recognizes individuals who, like Jason, have made significant contributions to our community and exemplify the spirit of this award.

The renaming of this award commemorates Ponte's legacy and ensures that his spirit and contributions continue to inspire future generations of Lincoln learners.