Deacon was the overall A.C.E. student recipient from the 2019-2020 school year. Expo administrations presented him with a plaque and one hundred dollar check at his job.

“Deacon Smith was presented with the 2019-2020 finalist A.C.E. award from the Waterloo Sunrise Exchange Club,” shares Adam Hoogestraat, President of the Sunrise Exchange Club of Waterloo. “He is one of 7 students nominated by their teachers throughout the year. The A.C.E. award stands for Accepting the Challenge of Excellence.

Deacon has faced challenges every day of his life, continues to battle incredible amounts of adversity, and still makes the choice to do the right thing every day. Thanks to Mrs. V at Expo High School for saving his life by showing him that he has value and provides value to our society.

Deacon Smith has made the choice to Accept the Challenge of Excellence and is a true example of what the A.C E. award stands for and will go on to do great things.”
From the National Exchange website, A.C.E. stands for Accepting the Challenge of Excellence. This program recognizes high school students who have made a dramatic change in their attitude and performance during their high school years. These changes have enabled the students to overcome adversities and prepare for graduation.