Senator Tedisco Announces $100,000 State Grant to Complete Construction of Christopher F. Stewart Media Box at Shenendehowa Football Stadium

Senator Jim Tedisco (R,C,I,REF-Glenville) tonight announced a new $100,000 state grant he has secured to help complete construction of the Christopher F. Stewart Media Box at the Shenendehowa Football Stadium as an everlasting tribute to the late Christopher F. Stewart, who was tragically killed in 2012 by a drunk and drugged driver.

Stewart was 17 years-old and co-captain of the Shenendehowa Football Team. Shen student Deanna Rivers also lost her life in the incident and students Matthew Hardy and Bailey Wind were seriously injured. Senator Tedisco is working on a remembrance for Deanna Rivers and will be announcing that project in the future.

The Christopher F. Stewart Media Box will begin construction in Spring 2018 for a Fall 2018 unveiling.

“I’m proud to announce tonight that I secured a $100,000 state grant to help build the Christopher F. Stewart Media Box at the Shenendehowa Athletic Field. This will serve as an everlasting tribute to Chris Stewart’s memory and passion for athletics and to help save lives by reminding people of the impact of dangerous and drunk driving,” said Tedisco.  “There is no excuse for drunk, drugged, distracted or dangerous driving. Make the right choice before getting behind the wheel and putting lives at risk. Use Uber, call a taxi or ask a friend for a ride because life is too precious.”

“My heart aches for Regina and Mike Stewart for their unimaginable loss. In the past five years, they have taken their family’s personal tragedy and channeled their energy into positive efforts to benefit the community to ensure what happened to them doesn’t happen to other families. Chris Stewart’s motto was ‘I believe that we can win!’ Through Chris Stewart’s inspiration and memory symbolized by this media box, I believe we will see many future wins at Shenendehowa by young people making good decisions on and off the field,” said Tedisco.

“As we approach the 5-year mark of the loss of our son Christopher, we have come to recognize the many people in the community who have supported and cared for us as we continue to struggle with the reality of what has happened to our family.  Included is Senator Jim Tedisco.  Over the last 4 years, the Senator has not only supported us as an ongoing advocate for tougher laws and safer roads, but has also assisted us in our fundraising efforts to construct a new media box at the Shenendehowa sports facility in an effort to honor our son. Hundreds of donors have contributed in the past few years from family, friends, the community and a multitude of organizations.  We are so appreciative to everyone, including the generous funding that Senator Tedisco was able to assist with,” said Michael Stewart, Christopher Stewart's father.  

“We are continuously surprised by the positive impact that Chris has on our community and beyond.  The calls and mail we still receive is heartwarming.  It has been a long road in our personal endeavor to secure the funding for the Media Box and it appears we are close to seeing it happen.  Our #69 will forever be a proud Plainsmen knowing he will be remembered on the field he so loved and it will be our pleasure to see the facility enjoyed and utilized for years to come by the students and community.  A sincere thank you to Senator Tedisco for his efforts in assisting us in making this a reality for our family,” said Regina Stewart, Christopher Stewart's mother.