SCIF President Elect Craig Kauffman, Annette Oelefse, Lindsey Steury (back L-R), Marcus Steury, Alex Oelefse (front L-R).
Marcus Steury, from Hicksville, Ohio, was chosen as this year’s Pathfinder Award recipient for the work he does to help other disabled individuals while continuing his passion for the outdoors and love of hunting. He won an all-expense paid 10-day, 10 species Safari donated by Jan Oelefse Hunting Safaris valued at $20,000. Marcus won the award and hunting trip at the 6th Annual Beretta and SCI Foundation Conservation Leadership Award Gala located at the Peppermill Hotel Casino on Tuesday, February 4, 2020.
Marcus Steury was born and raised in Hicksville, Ohio, a small town of about 3000 people in Northwest Ohio. Born with spina bifida myelomeningocele, Marcus underwent 14 surgeries before the age of 2. Marcus has never been able to walk, but that didn’t slow him down. He got his first wheelchair at age 5.
Marcus graduated fifth in his high school class and obtained an associate degree in Computer Aided Drafting and Manufacturing. Marcus currently works full time as an Engineering Technician for a company that manufactures orthopedic instruments and implants. One of the best parts of his job is knowing that the products he helps to make end up directly helping other people in their time of need.
Marcus has always enjoyed spending time outdoors, and enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, and exploring God’s beautiful creation. Having grown up in a family that enjoyed hunting, Marcus was encouraged to try hunting as well, despite the extra challenges that disabled people face outdoors. He has been blessed to harvest several deer in his lifetime, including whitetail deer from three different states (Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin).
Marcus is also active in the church he attends and has served on the leadership team for three years. His faith in God has been most important in maintaining a positive attitude despite the daily struggles of life confined to a wheelchair and encouraging others as they face obstacles in their lives.
Each year, a Pathfinder Award winner is selected from among nominations submitted by SCI Chapters and individuals. The award winners are honored during a SCI Convention evening event for their life achievements demonstrating their ability to overcome disabling obstacles while remaining engaged in outdoor activities, helping their community and inspiring others. The winners of this prestigious award receive an all-expense paid safari to Africa for themselves and a caretaker.
SCI Foundation thanks its long-time, dedicated donors who support the Pathfinder Award making this once-in-a-lifetime South African hunt possible:
Jan Oelofse Hunting Safaris
Life-Form Taxidermy
Fauna & Flora Customhouse Brokerage Co., Inc.
Safari Cargo Systems
The Yellow Shark Holdings (Pty) Ltd., and
Prophet Muskwa for their auction donation earmarked for humanitarian service programs
Click below or contact Kathy Butler, Humanitarian Services, by email at kbutler@safariclub.org to learn more about the Pathfinder Program
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