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| Wayzata High School brothers Jacob and Nathan Ritter were named recipients of the Rainbow of Hope award for their work in the community and school. |
Wayzata High School (WHS) juniors and twin brothers Jacob and Nathan Ritter were recently named the recipients of the Rainbow of Hope award.
Rainbow of Hope is an award given by Shriners Hospitals each year to three current or former patients who are recognized for contributions they have made to their respective communities and schools, and for overcoming life’s challenges. They are considered to be role models in their community.
The two are a “dynamic duo” sponsored by Zuhrah Temple. While Jacob and Nathan definitely stand alone in their particular areas of interest, they speak loudly as a pair when it comes to being the definition of role models.
The two brothers both consistently maintain a 4.0 GPA, and manage to pull it off while also pursuing outside interests, tutoring, and playing adaptive sports. Both Jacob and Nathan are accomplished pianists, playing at a college level. Recently they planned, coordinated and performed a piano concert at WHS to raise money for Feed My Starving Children. They raised enough money to provide over 1,000 meals, and as a result were recognized by Mark Crea, CEO of the foundation. When they were asked to play piano at the Minnesota Physical Education Conference luncheon held at WHS last year, they agreed as long as they could donate any money they received in tips to Feed My Starving Children.
Jacob and Nathan frequently give concerts at nursing homes, senior programs and assisted living facilities, adjusting their selection of music to meet the needs and musical familiarity of the particular group. In addition to being gifted musicians, the two have won numerous awards for their ability at the game of chess. Jacob was the first place winner in the 2011 Plymouth’s Got Talent competition. Nathan took 1st place honors at the same competition the next year. Enjoying the game doesn’t seem to be enough for these two, so they have taken it another step by mentoring elementary age students eager to learn to play chess.
According to a Shriners International press release, “Both Jacob and Nathan exhibit courage and a strong will to succeed at whatever they choose to do. They are kind, considerate of others, and always willing to go the extra mile for someone else.”
Rainbow of Hope Award recipients receive a monetary scholarship award in the amount of $1000 and their name is placed on the Rainbow of Hope perpetual plaque, which remains on display in the main lobby of the Twin Cities Shriners Hospital
