Adam Cohn, Congregation Shaare Emeth

Baseball is Adam’s favorite sport and it was important to him to share something he loves with other kids. Son of Julie and Scott Cohn of Chesterfield, Adam volunteered as a “buddy” with Challenger Baseball, a special league for youth and adults with mental and physical disabilities.

Adam’s role was to give encouragement and provide assistance as needed during the games. He quickly learned how rewarding it is to help other kids experience the thrill he gets when he is playing baseball. 

Adam was always excited when it was a Challenger Baseball day and shared the excitement as each of his buddies succeeded that day at the game. 

One of Adam’s favorite moments was when a young girl came up to bat, looked at him and said, “Are you ready to see this hit?” Adam’s mother said, “The excitement that they shared when she slugged the ball was fantastic.” 

Adam was very attentive to his buddies and was often seen giving advice about what to do next on the field. He always finished a game by giving a high five to show how proud he was. 

Adam knew he was making a positive difference when one of his buddies, a 17 year-old boy, said after a game, “Now we can celebrate!”

After realizing the kind of impact he can have through this organization, Adam, a student at Parkway Central Middle School, has decided that he will continue volunteering with Challenger Baseball next season.