2026 – Daniel Kotter – Orem High School HS

Losing my dad after a brutal 10 year battle with stage 4 cancer

My mom needs help at home. My dad passed away two years ago, and I have two older brothers, but one is newly married and attending college and the other is serving a proselyting mission in Spain. My mom, younger sister, and I are the only ones living at home, each of us trying to do our part to take care of the house and keep the family together. My dad taught me to take care of my family, to work hard, and do it just because of who I am, not because I live with them. I have noticed my mom having difficulty handling all of the tasks and activities, so I do my best to step in and help, especially with my younger sister. I have been able to help her with homework each day, give her rides to school and to sports many times a week, attend her plays and concerts, and spend time with her. She has a rigorous school schedule, so I try to make sure she gets the homework help she needs and the support from home for all her many activities and interests. Another big change I’ve had to make is increasing my own self-discipline and proactivity. Without a dad or older siblings at home to keep me in check, and with my mom scrambling to keep the household running, there has been almost nobody to monitor my grades, my diet, what I read and watch, etc. Fortunately, my values motivate me to get good grades, eat healthily, and find good media. This has, to a great extent, allowed my mom to focus her attention elsewhere. I serve my family because I know the importance of families in God’s plan of joy, and losing my dad has taught me valuable lessons and made be a better person today.