The 11th annual Danny Wood “Heart In Art” award was presented to Than Tway of Klein Forest HS. Than was presented a certificate and a check for $1,000 during the annual Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, December 8, 2010. What follows is the presentation speech by Lyn Fitzpatrick…
After 11 years, we are still amazed by the caliber of young people recommended for this award. These are students with tremendous depth of character, a strong sense of integrity. They are service-oriented, serious students, have a great respect for authority, and are respected by their peers.
Through adversity, they have proven to have an ability to rise above some of the most challenging storms of life. And not only do they survive the storms, but they somehow manage to step out of the wreckage without a trace of bitterness or the slightest sense of victimization. They are truly “special” young people; though they don’t see themselves as such, which makes them even more special.
These amazing young people give us hope that there is still a sacred thread woven into the very fabric of America, and wherever we may have temporarily lost our way, we can be sure they will set us back on course again.
To every young person in this room tonight, we applaud who you are and who you will prove yourselves to be.
This year’s Danny Wood Heart In Art winner comes to us via recommendation of his art teacher, Cindy Griffin, at Klein Forest H.S. His name is Than Tway. Than lived the first eight years of his life in Burma, a country in S.E. Asia, dominated by tight military control. It is known as one of the world’s most repressive and abusive regimes. Forced labor, human trafficking, and child labor are common. There is no freedom of speech, assembly, or association.
When Than was eight years old, his father was killed in one of Burma’s many civil wars. One month later, his mother died of a disease, leaving Than and his older brother orphaned. Imagine being so young, so alone, so vulnerable, and at the mercy of a government that shows no mercy.
These two young boys would be God only knows where, had it not been for the compassion of a Buddhist monk who managed to have them transferred out of Burma and into a refugee camp in Thailand. They lived there for seven years.
Two years ago, Than and his brother were allowed to come to the United States. Than’s brother lives and works in Houston. Than lives in a foster home. Though separated for the first time, Than and his brother see each other often.
I asked Than to name the most influential person in his life. He quickly answered: “My brother.” He said his brother gives him good advice: “Don’t skip school, do your homework, play one hour, take a shower, then study more.” It is apparent to both his teacher and his foster mother that Than adheres to his brother’s advice. They say he is very self-disciplined, self-motivated, serious about school, and is one of the kindest individuals they know.
When I visited with him at his school recently, I was especially drawn to a picture of a little girl that was showcased in the hallway. Knowing Than was the artist, I asked him to tell me about her. She is the niece of Than’s foster mother. Her name is Sydney, she is four years old in this picture, and she comes to play regularly at the house where Than lives. Than is her favorite. When I asked Than what he thinks of when he envisions Sydney, he said, “Lovely.” And so she is.
I asked him how he feels about America. He answered quietly, “Miss, America the best.” Than is a man of few words, but he’s like E.F. Hutton. I found myself hanging onto his every word.
I learned that family is huge to Than. I asked him about his happiest time and his saddest time. Happiest is with family – his birth family, then the huge family in the refugee camp, and now his family in the foster home. He described his only sadness as not having even one picture of his mother or father. He wants to draw them, but can’t remember what they look like.
I asked him how he handles feelings of loneliness, fear, or hopelessness. His answer? “Miss, I don’t have that.”
Than and I spent less than an hour together that day, but it was one of the most impacting hours I can remember. Afterward, I walked slowly to my car and sat in it for some time, soaking in the experience. There had not been many words exchanged. I asked my questions, received very polite but short answers. He showed me his sketchbook, reflecting an amazing ability to capture the inner essence of his subjects. Yet, as beautiful as it was, it wasn’t his art that held me captive. It was the young man’s spirit.
Some things simply cannot be communicated with words. And often, we shouldn’t even try. The greater messages are those relayed from one heart to another. As Billy Joel sings, “Leave a tender moment alone.”
Than’s eyes were truly the windows to his soul. They spoke volumes devoid of vocabulary. He possesses a depth that I’ve never seen in a young man his age. There is a settled knowing, a humble wisdom, far beyond his young years, and a mysterious depth about him that is literally captivating.
One of the things I pondered while sitting in my car was his answer to my question, “Do you have anything you’d like to say to your peers?” He hesitated a moment, then said almost in a whisper, “No.” What teenager, having experienced a modicum of what Than has, doesn’t have a message for other young people?
I went into that interview expecting to hear details of horrific conditions in Burma. Instead, I heard no words of judgment nor complaint, but was shown a picture of Burmese life in the country.
I expected to hear how tough and tragic life is for an eight year old who loses both parents. Instead, I heard gratitude for the two families who have taken him in.
I expected a description of the squalid conditions of a refugee camp, where literally thousands barely scrape by every day and everyone is focused on simply surviving. But I didn’t get that, either. Not one single word of complaint, after seven long years.
The truth is, I got nothing I expected; but more than I could absorb, which is why I sat in the parking lot for 30 minutes, trying to figure out what had happened.
Then it hit me. I wanted a message. I wanted a story. But Than didn’t have to say a word. Than Tway IS the message. Than Tway LIVES the story. And you know that, the second you lock eyes with his.
I’ve written four drafts of this presentation. I spent hours trying to describe for you a young man who is indescribable. I finally gave up, with the hope that you can receive, through some non-verbal medium, the heart of this indescribable young man. I’ve decided to “leave a tender moment alone.”
Sometimes in this life, not getting what you think you want; but getting something you didn’t even know you wanted, is the best gift of all. Thank you, Than, for not giving me the story I thought I wanted; but for giving me something so much more valuable – a glimpse into your heart, where the story is already perfectly written.
Would you celebrate with me the message and the mystery of the life of Than Tway, this year’s Culture Shapers Heart In Art Award winner.
Previous Recipients of the Danny Wood “Heart in Art” Award…
Saul Garza, 2009
Sergio Rangel, 2008
Courtney Mayo, 2007
Bless Yee, 2006
Marla Hernandez, 2005
Alex Rojas, 2004
Rebecca “Tess” Elmore, 2003
Maria Shamseddin, 2002
Alexander Arzu, 2002 Runner-Up
Jeannie McKetta, 2001
Mike DeJessa, 2000
About the Danny Wood “Heart In Art” Award
With every contest, Culture Shapers honors one very special student with the Danny Wood “Heart in Art” Award. The award carries the name of a dear friend of the Culture Shapers organization, Danny Wood, who passed away on April 1, 1999.
Danny was an extremely generous man who touched the lives of anyone who came into contact with him. He was passionate about impacting our city in a positive way, and he was continually looking for ways to serve others. Whether donating materials and time to construct a coffee shop for his church, or demonstrating excellence through his business dealings, Danny was a model to us all… truly a Culture Shaper!
In like fashion, the recipients of this prestigious award, nominated by their teachers and peers, exhibit the following character traits…
Social Skills – Is a friend to everyone, regardless of race, social status, or popularity.
Service – Quick to offer help to teachers and peers. Considers others before self.
Character – Displays integrity, loyalty, trustworthiness and sincerity.
Overcomes Adversity – Sees the glass “half-full” and uses obstacles to his/her benefit.
Know someone who you think should be considered for the Danny Wood “Heart in Art” Award? Click here to email us their story and why you think they should receive this award!
