2012 NATIONAL WINNER |
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Calista Pierce (Guys Mills, Pennsylvania)
Her brother Austin qualifies for Make a Wish, so she has now added this organization to her list of donations. She is now 12 years old and has donated $12,000.00 to Crawford County Special Olympics (her new goal is $15,000.00). Plus she had donated enough monies to Make a wish to grant two wishes to deserving children locally. Each wish needs $3000.00 to be granted. She is now working on her third wish. Calista is also a unified partner for Special Olympics and has championed special education students in her middle school against bullying. "Calista is our inspiration and our most hard working volunteer!" writes one of her 3 nominators who continues "Crawford County is so blessed to have this amazing girl and her family." Another Special Olympics staff member wrote "Calista truly has a giving heart and a love to serve. She is visible in her community through these tasks. In addition to helping Special Olympics she helps Make A Wish Foundation, Operation Christmas Child, Salvation Army Bell Ringing, food drives for local food pantries, donating teddy bears to the pediatric wards, Macy's Believe!, Pennies for Patients, The Arc Bike/Hike fundraiser, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, Pizza Hut fundraiser for the American Red Cross, "Stuff the Jeep" for care packages to send the soldiers and she has donated 15 inches of her hair to Locks of Love." Her mother told us that she has now raised over $12,600 and volunteered over 3,200 hours. At Lovin' Scoopful we feel that Calista's involvement from such a young age, her participation in so many different programs, her determination to raise money for those programs, and her cheerful and loving spirit make her the perfect National Winner for the 2012 Lovin' Compassion Award. Calista's involvement has not gone unnoticed by her peers, and some of them haven't been so supportive. Calista wrote to us and told us about the bullying that she has had to endure and overlook regarding her www.CalistaCares.com. We want Calista to continue the work she's doing and as part of her winnings for the National Lovin' Compassion Award we are going to donate $500 in her name to a charity of her choice. We look forward to giving Calista a platform to speak out on our blog and we will offer her love and support as she continues to make a difference in so many ways. Congratulations Calista. You are truly one outstanding young lady.
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2012 NEW ENGLAND WINNER |
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Gavin Hebert (Dixfield, Maine)
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2012 MID ATLANTIC WINNER |
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Scott Gerson (Kensington Maryland)
We've been told that Scott Gerson's enthusiasm is contagious, and we believe it. We're thrilled about the work he's doing and encourage him to keep setting a positive example for others. Best wishes Scott! |
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2012 SOUTHERN REGIONAL WINNER |
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Katie Pullano (Bedford, Texas)
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2012 WEST COAST REGIONAL WINNER |
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Casey Cousineau (Altadena California)
After having her own experience with bullying Casey says "...Whenever I can, I try to educate people on how harmful their words can be...In my time working with Special Olympics, I believe the lessons I have learned and the values I have attained far exceed the effects I may have had on the athletes. I have learned to appreciate life's daily blessings, taking nothing for granted. I have repeatedly been humbled, have increased my patience and sincerity, and have formed lasting bonds with so many of the individuals I have had the pleasure of working with. I believe too that these individuals have emerged on the other side of our time together with an increased sense of confidence and self-worth." |
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2012 HONORABLE MENTIONS |
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WINNER - HONORABLE MENTION Chadd Richardson (Bristol, Connecticut) Chadd is an athlete partner on Northeast Middle School's Unified Sports Team in basketball and track. He most recently was selected by his coach to receive the Connecticut Association of Schools Unified Sports Award as an exemplary partner. He also earned 2nd place in the Unified Sports Partner Essay Contest. Chadd says that Unified sports has strengthened his leadership skills, has shown him what it really means to have a friend and how important it is to be dedicated to a program such as Unified Sports. |
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WINNER - HONORABLE MENTION Olivia Alessandro (Danbury, Connecticut) Olivia is a partner for Unified Sports for soccer, basketball, and track and is also a member of the Unified Theater group. She jumped in freezing cold Lake Candlewood with our Penguin Plunge team to raise money for Special Olympics. She is a leader in the coordination and planning of our Spread the Word to End the Word campaign. While still in elementary school, Olivia organized a dance called the "Don't Dis my Ability" dance to promote awareness of the ABILITY of people with disabilities. |
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WINNER - HONORABLE MENTION Camille Howe (Attleboro, Massachusetts) Camille is an athlete on my Special Olympics team. She enjoys participating in unified sports very much. She competes in 3 seasons of sports with Special Olympics: unified soccer in the fall, traditional 10-pin bowling in the winter and traditional athletics in the spring. She is very encouraging to new athletes as they attend their first tournaments. Camille is also a member of Brennan Middle School's Best Buddies program, which won number one chapter in the world this year. Camille is the buddy director this year for the Best Buddies and was interviewed by our local cable company to speak for our school about winning the award. She participates in all club events and ensures everyone feels like they belong. Camille spoke at this year's Spread the Word to End the Word assembly, spreading her personal message to "Be a buddy, not a bully". She acted in the play "It's Our School, Too" last year for the r-word campaign with diligent practice and commitment to the cause. Camille will be attending the Audi Challenge flag football game at Harvard Stadium as a Best Buddy cheerleader for Tom Brady and other celebrity and Best Buddy team members in June. |
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WINNER- HONORABLE MENTION Daniel Robinson (Seymour, Connecticut) Honor student, Daniel Robinson, has set a positive example for his peers by having normal friendships with those with intellectual differences. Daniel is President of Best Buddies at Seymour Middle School and Team Captain for the Penguin Plunge at Lake Quassapaug in Middlebury, Connecticut. His Penguin Plunge team, Kyle's Cougars, collected over $2500 this year from neighbors, family, friends, teachers, and patrons of Stop & Shop and Dunkin Donuts. He does what we should all do. He treats everyone with the same compassion and respect. He is involved in Special Olympics, Best Buddies, and has participated in two Penguin Plunges on behalf of Oxford Special Olympics. His leadership and charisma inspires his peers, his family, his community, and has certainly inspired us at Lovin' Scoopful. |
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WINNER- HONORABLE MENTION Jillian Lopez-Moore (Danbury, Connecticut) Jillian is a truly amazing young lady who has volunteered for all three years with Unified Sports (Soccer, Basketball and Track), volunteered for Fun Club (an after school program for students of all abilities where she partnered with a boy who uses a wheel chair for activities), worked as part of a group of students who created the now institutionalized school wide recycling program, did the Penguin Plunge to raise money for Special Olympics, volunteered for Clean City Danbury Day working on the grounds of Broadview, volunteered for "Adopt a Street", volunteered at the Danbury Railway Museum, volunteered monthly at Danbury Health Care Center bringing cheer to the seniors, assisted with our Peace Garden, and has given her time to help any student who needed a friend. Jillian is someone who reaches out and accepts all people- she has an amazing ability to connect and make everyone around her feel her energy and brings smiles to all who know her. |
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WINNER- HONORABLE MENTION Vida Weisblum (New York, New York) Vida is a compassionate, thoughtful student, friend, and advocate for equality, inclusion, and respect for other. She is a devoted and talented figure skater who lends her talents to programs and events that support community development. An active member of the fundraising committee of the Special Olympics New York/Fieldston invitational, she raised over $3,500 by bridging her love of figure skating and her desire to help support people with special needs. She co-sponsored "Skate for the Goal" which featured elite skaters in an exhibition show, a "puck toss", an exciting raffle and a hockey game between rival teams at Chelsea Piers in February. Vida demonstrated tenacity and focus, leading her committee to accomplish their fundraising goal while never losing site of the the true mission-- to raise awareness about people with intellectual disabilities and stand up for inclusion and respect.
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WINNER- HONORABLE MENTION Tess Bloch-Horowitz (Larchmont, New York) Tess is an extraordinary young woman who has found her voice as a disability rights advocate primarily as an outgrowth of her relationship with her younger sister, Emily, who has special needs. She has lead the marketing committee of the Special Olympics-NY/Fieldston Invitational serving over 180 athletes in a completely student-sponsored event, coordinating an upper school assembly which included a produced video featuring Special Olympics athletes. Through her diligence and perseverance, she has elevated the awareness of our entire school community about intellectual disabilities. Furthermore, this year she founded the Disability Rights Club whose mission is focused on making an Ethical Culture Fieldston School education accessible, despite being a campus that is over 100 years old and was constructed at a time when accessibility was not a shared community value. (Pictures is Tess with her sister Emily) |
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WINNER- HONORABLE MENTION Hannah Carlino (East Setauket, New York) Hannah Carlino is a high school student at Ward Melville High School in East Setauket who wanted to "give back" by volunteering but wasn't sure what to do. She decided to call the Long Island Special Olympics office to see what some options were. After speaking with Special Olympics staff member, Tim Flynn, they agreed that hosting an aquatics tournament at her school would be amazing. Hannah is a swimmer and part of the National Honor Society and has succeeded in getting her peers to volunteer as well. Staff members from her school also came down to lend a hand. What an outstanding example she has set for all of us. |
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WINNER- HONORABLE MENTION Katie Jenkins (Pasadena, Texas) Katie's teacher Mrs. Dorrington says, "With her best effort, in life she has faced adversity living with her mentally-challenged (twin)brother. She demonstrates a commitment to all aspects of their school program. She is hard working, empathetic, friendly and has a sense of humor. Katie's peer says, "She is always very protective of her brother. She is a great friend. She participates in everything." Katie speaks up to identify where things could be changed to make it better for students in wheelchairs, includes special students in all activities, and gladly accepts responsibilities in Meet in the Middle activities. |
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WINNER- HONORABLE MENTION Angelica Castillo (Deer Park, Texas) Angelica is in Meet in the Middle, Youth for Christ, GA's (Girls in Action) and Special Olympics Challenge Day. She told us "I joined Meet in the Middle because I wanted to stop bullying. I knew about Meet in the Middle because my grandma has been doing it for years. I was in first grade when I came to Special Olympics Challenge Day. I had to wait until I was in the third grade before I could help out. I have been helping out every since. Meet in the Middle inspires me to stand up to people and tell them to stop bullying. I don't like people to feel left out or pushed away so I try to include them in everything. I was bullied in the second grade and I don't want that to happen to other people. Since I have been in Meet in the Middle I see that kids are happy and laughing. I don't see a lot of people calling people names or hitting each other." Angelica is kind, compassionate, and makes every effort to create a loving and joyful environment for all. |
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WINNER- HONORABLE MENTION Kaylen Stalker (Brazoria, Texas) Kaylen Stalker is a junior at Columbia-Brazoria High School and one of her dear friends, Calla Scott, has Downs Syndrome. Calla's mother told us that Kaylen is one of the sweetest and most compassionate girls she knows. Kaylen doesn't tolerate any kind of bullying, for any child. She has been known to stand up to some much bigger boys than she, as they were picking on a child with autism. She handled the situation appropriately and they backed down and proceeded to eat lunch with the student. Calla is a senior this year and wants to go to prom. Kaylen and her friends wanted Calla to ride and go to prom with them, which she did. Kaylen also petitioned Calla for nominee for Prom Queen. |
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WINNER- HONORABLE MENTION Faith Austin (Amarillo, Texas) Faith participates in the Meet in the Middle project with an ACC-Adapted Curriculum Class. She has touched many with her compassion, love and respect that she exhibits on a daily basis. Her consistent behavior of kindness has had a huge impact on the ACC class, and she has inspired teachers and students to think how their own actions affect other people. She has made a difference in her school by being an outstanding role model for Meet in the Middle. When Faith works with the students she has a knack for making them and the other 4th graders feel comfortable and confident with each other as we work on the game or activity we are doing. She treats the students with disabilities the same way she treats everyone at our school, and that's with acceptance and respect. |
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WINNER- HONORABLE MENTION Burges High School Student Body (El Paso, Texas) Martha Dorow of Special Olympics nominated the Burges High School (El Paso) student body, because these students embody the values of Project UNIFY. Each day, Burges students advocate for inclusion, human rights, dignity, and equality. Throughout the school year, the Student Council and Girls Varsity Basketball team, along with student leaders of varying ability levels, have collaborated to make Burges a welcoming environment for all. The basketball team leads by example, wearing MiM shoelaces in their high tops and proudly displaying the school's MiM banner in their team photo. MiM students hosted school events at Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Valentine's Day. In December they hosted the Area SOTX family holiday party and volunteered at the SOTX Area Bowling Tournament. Burges MiM students raised money for Special Olympics in January by participating in the Area Polar Plunge. MiM students served as SOTX coaches in basketball and track, hosted a school-wide R-Word rally in April, and will host the Area Spring Games in May. They are expanding their Unified Sports involvement, practicing Unified track relays and basketball, with plans to compete against their cross-town rivals. Finally, they regularly support students with ID in developing reading and social skills, and run a recycling program at the school. |
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WINNER- HONORABLE MENTION Jenna Ramirez (Los Angeles, California) Jenna is a Special Olympic athlete who competes in soccer and aquatics. She was in a public service announcement in 2011 with Joe Jonas to promote stopping the use of the "R" word. Jenna was enrolled in a class at her high in which the students travel to local elementary schools to aid teachers in the classroom where she was assigned to her former elementary school's special needs class. Being special needs herself was an inspiration to the class, showing them that they too can be included and equal to the general education students. Jenna is a leader for inclusion and equality by joining her high school water polo and swim teams. Her water polo team went on to win the CIF City Championship and at the rally to celebrate the girls accomplishments Jenna proudly wore, not only her CIF medal, but also one of her Special Olympic gold medals to show everyone that they can accomplish things by believing in their equality. After seeing her example several of her special needs classmates gained the confidence to join the track team and now have general education friends and have found acceptance throughout campus. Jenna has also volunteered to help Lovin' Scoopful at events where they talk to celebrities about the importance of supporting a great cause like Special Olympics. We appreciate all that you do, Jenna! |
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WINNER- HONORABLE MENTION Sydney Boudreau (Cheyenne, Wyoming) Sydney was born 11 years ago and her parents express how blessed they are to have her in their life. She was born with a rare chromosome disorder 13Q Deletion Syndrome, but that has NEVER stopped Sydney from doing whatever she sets out to do. This year Sydney entered the 6th grade and this is the first year that she was put into a main streamed classroom full time. She has become one of the most accepting and loving 6th graders! Her mother told us "As many of you know 6th grade is the hard year. Sydney has been singled out by fellow students. She has been called retard and there have been a few circumstances of other bullying. As her mother I wanted to keep her home and keep her safe, but not Syd. She got up the next morning and went right back to school. At lunch she sat right back at the table with the kids that tormented her, and she got up at the end of lunch and hugged one of the students!! I say to myself daily that I just hope at 37 years old that I can be half the great person that Sydney has and is still becoming!". Way to go Sydney! You inspire us, too. |
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WINNER- HONORABLE MENTION Ramon Camacho (Stayton, OR) Ramon is someone with a strong sense of leadership who has actively participated in many charitable roles. He has planned and organized many community service programs for Stayton High School, has been integral in the preparation of the fall and spring blood drives, the winter canned food drive, and is currently a youth leader for the Youth Activation Summit (which supports the integration of student with disabilities). He has been invited by the Special Olympics to participate and speak at the Polar Plunge, and a leadership summit of many other schools. He also started a Project Unify club at his high school this year to help sustain the focus on the Special Olympics. To help educate his peers on his culture, Ramon has used his leadership role to implement two cultural awareness programs at the school and has planned, organized, and implemented all the R Word Campaigns challenging students to "Spread the Word to End the Word". These opportunities has awarded him the admiration of both his peers and staff. |
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WINNER- HONORABLE MENTION Hayden Leahey (Portland, Oregon) Hayden became involved with Special Olympics 2 years ago when she was just 9 years old. Several of her classmates have Downs syndrome and other disabilities and she had enjoyed helping them and learning with them since kindergarten. A family friend, Cindy Miguel, worked with Special Olympics and was looking for some extra help so Hayden and her mother volunteered and I really love it. Hayden said "What inspires me the most is seeing the smiles on the athletes faces, even when they struggle and seeing how they support each other. They don't care as much about winning…, they just want to have fun and if they do win it is an extra bonus." Hayden has found support from some of the Special Olympics athletes who have reciprocated by helping Hayden improve physically in her sports as well! Hayden continued "When I am with my special friends I am very happy and my heart smiles. Their struggles are my struggles and their win is my win. I think everyone can learn a lot from these amazing people and they can learn a lot about themselves too. I am so happy to be able to give something back to them because they give me so much." |
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WINNER- HONORABLE MENTION Lauren Biggerstaff (Lexington, South Carolina) The result of Lauren's 8 year involvement with Special Olympics has been enormous! She has helped change lives and has had a positive effect on children with intellectual disabilities. She has been challenged to be a role model for the students at her high school. After experiencing first hand the cruelty being shown to special needs students, she became a catalyst for change. She started the Special Olympics BE A FAN Club at Lexington High School. Their club's mission is to change the way high school students see the special needs students and to learn to accept them and show respect. They created two large Ban the "R" word banners and had over a thousand students sign the pledge to ban the "R" word. |
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WINNER- HONORABLE MENTION Hannah Golladay Hintz (Forest Grove, Oregon) Hannah is an inspiration to everyone around her. She goes above and beyond everyday to help create a more unified school community through Partners Club and Unified Sports. As president of partners club she takes an important role in organizing activities throughout the school year. Recently they hosted a Unified Basketball Tournament where Hannah worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure everything went well. During R-Word week she helped organize a 'Unity' campaign to create greater awareness and unity at our high school. Because of her efforts over 300 students gained a greater awareness of students of all abilities and moved one step closer to an acceptance of everyone! She not only leads Partners Club, she takes an active role in Unified Sports. Hannah steps up each week as a coach to make sure players learn sports skills and feel important. Hannah takes time out each practice to talk to students and make each one of them feel valued! |
Calista wanted to be a volunteer for Special Olympics when her brother Austin began training and competing with Crawford County Special Olympics. Austin was 8 and Calista was 5 at that time. She soon realized she was too young to be an "official" volunteer. About the same time she learned that Special Olympics programs had to raise all the monies needed to provide athletes with equipment, uniforms, and travel for the sports trainings and competitions her brother enjoyed. She thought about it and came up with the idea to make and sell crafts and donate the money to Crawford County Special Olympics. with the help of her mother she set up her first craft table at practices and then branched out to community events and locations. Her first goal was to raise $5000.00 which she completed when she was 8 years old. Her next goal was $10,000.00 which she reached at 10 years old. Since then she has created a website 
Gavin is an asset to Special Olympics team, Emma's Happy Rebels, with his compassionate attitude and commitment to the athletes. Gavin has played his school sports and in turn teaches his Olympians the knowledge and skills he has learned. The Team enjoys his energy and spirit, even though he is 20 years younger than the other Olympians. Gavin advocates for the athletes by speaking up when others bully or call out names. Gavin has stood strong when he explains to bullies that they need to move on. Gavin stands with athletes to show others that they have abilities that may supersede the bullies. Gavin has been participating in Special Olympics since he was 8yrs of age. He has stated that he will always continue supporting Special Olympics. "I love being with them, they make my heart feel good." The athletes want to nominate him along with this Area Director for the commitment and compassion he has for others who need help. His smiles warm everyone's heart, he's contagious with his upbeat attitude and positive energy. Gavin will work individually with an athlete who is struggling and shows how to have fun and be safe. He is one of the sparks in the engine for Emma's Happy Rebels success! Gavin has also competed in and taken home Medals with Unified Sports.
Athletics are a close second in Scott's world. His first passion is to always strive to be an awesome human being and role model for people of all ages and abilities. Scott Gerson is finishing up his Sophomore year of high school, but has been involved with Special Olympics Maryland in various roles since 2006. He began volunteering locally in Southern MD with the tennis program, working his way up to being not only a volunteer but a full-on advocate off the court and an active participant on the court. He now serves as a leader on the Youth Unity Committee (among other committees and focus groups), competes as a Unified Partner in Unified Sports at his high school, coordinates the "Spread the Word to End the Word Campaign" with his school staff and peers, and volunteers (when not completing Internship hours) for Special Olympics Project UNIFY as a social media specialist. He has also participated in the Polar Bear Plunge and has utilized his Facebook page to promote Special Olympics as well as Camp Pals. Not only does this young man speak up about bullying, he shows by effortless example that inclusion works! Scott makes it easy and fun for me to do my job as an SOMD staff member, Unified Sports trainer, and huge fan of inclusion. He honestly embodies and portrays what all human beings should strive for. 
Katie uses her voice as a tool to raise awareness and promote equality for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Katie is involved in many extra-curricular activities, but is always ready and available to serve as a Unified Partner or volunteer at a local or state competition. Katie was selected as the 2011 Unified Athlete of the Year for the Special Olympics Texas-Greater Fort Worth Area. On March 7, Katie organized a "Ban the 'R' Word" campaign for her school and continues this campaign daily. Through her involvement in school activities Katie is able to spread her mission to many people, both students and staff. Katie politely asked a teacher to quit using the "R" word and provided her with a button and informational pamphlet so she can spread the word to others. Katie has lofty goals, one of which is to speak to Congress. I look forward to the day that I can sit and watch Katie address this group about the importance of acceptance, inclusion, and awareness. She truly is a shining star and will continue to do amazing things for individuals with disabilities.
Casey is not your typical teenager. While most teens are out shopping, hanging out with friends, on the phone or playing video games Casey is volunteering what little free time she has with Special Olympics. She is a coach for the Pasadena Area. She goes to all practices and she coaches the athletes at all tournaments. She does this while playing on her high school team as well. She brings knowledge of the game to the athletes as well as her beautiful smile and her kindness. She is all about inclusion and acceptance of all people. She also encourages her school and is on our committee to utilize her high school as a site to hold Special Olympic area games. There she helps in the organization of our events and works with the volunteers to assist. She encourages others at her school. Casey is an example of how to treat others with respect. She is an inspiration. I hope that every person with special needs finds someone like her in their lives. The athletes love her and she is a respected part of the coaching staff. We know they are in good loving hands with coach Casey.