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Madison senior saluted at autism event

Jennifer Sturgis, middle, a Madison Jr/Sr High School senior and veterinary science student at Butler Technology and Career Development Schools, was recently recognized by the Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati with the "Autism All-Stars ... And Then Some" award. The award recognizes "All-Star" youth with autism who participate in extracurricular activities and are active in their community. Contributed photo

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By Andy Sedlak, Staff Writer 3:15 AM Friday, April 22, 2011

MADISON TWP. — It’s a little tough for her to admit, but Jennifer Sturgis, a senior at Madison High School, was a little nervous Wednesday evening. If 14,000 people were all looking in your direction, you might be, too.

Sturgis was one of 20 recognized during the pre-game festivities at the Cincinnati Reds Autism Awareness Game at Great American Ball Park. She was recently honored with the “Autism All-Stars ... And Then Some” award from the Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati, which recognizes youths with autism who participate in extracurricular activities and are active in the community.

Sturgis not only splits her time between Madison High School and Butler Tech — she jokes that she “lives a double life” — but she also participates in the concert, jazz, steel and pep bands; color guard, 4-H and FFA. She’s also near the top of her class.

“I enjoy everything I do,” she said. “And my friends are involved.”

Before the Reds took the field against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Sturgis and her mother, Barb, lined up with the other honorees in front of the Reds dugout. “When they called my name I just kind of waved,” Jen Sturgis said with a laugh. “It was a feeling of happiness, of accomplishment.”

The Sturgis ladies both were impressed by the sharpness of the infield grass and the pristine dirt in the batter’s box. They also noted about 20 family members waving wildly from the upper deck. “I think I could see my family all the way on the other side of the stadium,” the teen said, chuckling.

From an early age, Sturgis has had to overcome language barriers along with directional and social challenges. Next fall, she plans to enroll at University of Cincinnati’s Raymond Walters College. She plans to pursue a career as a veterinary technician.

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