This year, the Hall of Fame has introduced a new award to be presented annually to a young person who has demonstrated extraordinary effort, achievement and commitment as an athlete with a disability -- and the organization is proud to present the first Rising Star Award to 19-year-old Sean Staniec.

Dating back to a young age, Sean has been a sparkling athlete of unwavering determination. He began playing club hockey at the age of eight and continued to play the sport until he was 13. He has also been an avid golfer, and Sean has enjoyed success as a downhill skier, competing twice in the Winter Special Olympics, winning a silver medal each time.

But his greatest achievements have come in the sport of karate. Dating back to 1997, the Sterling Heights native has been a finalist in a number of local, national and international competitions. In his young career, he has finished among the top three at the North American Association of Martial Arts Championship, the American Karate Association Grand Nationals, and the Sport Karate International World Amateur Championship, among others. And while he competes at a very high level, he is also an inspirational and supportive ally to other participants.

He has been coached by Richard Plowden, a seven-time World Karate Champion. Sean, himself, shares his skills with others by teaching karate to normal-functioning and impaired children. And as a student, he has received a "cum laude" award (a grade-point-average of at least 3.00 in combined special and mainstream coursework) for academic achievement.

The Hall of Fame is proud to present its very first Rising Star Award to an outstanding young man -- Sean Staniec.