Mary Alice Reporting – Community and family members attended a Tuesday pancake breakfast where awards were presented in four categories.
The Tuscarawas County Board of Developmental Disabilities annual ceremony highlights individuals and a business, with the final winner selected by the Tuscarawas County Board of Commissioners.
Tusc BDD Superintendent Nate Kamban opened the presentation with the Better Together Award, which went to Lori Kutcher from New Philadelphia City School District.
“And this recognizes a stand up person who provides direct support to children or adults with disabilities. Somebody who shows dedication to the lives of the people that they support.”
The New Philadelphia Fire Department received the Ripple Effect Award for opening the station to currently allow two young men to work in a cleaning capacity, but also for the firefighters embracing them and allowing them to further work development.
The Standing Ovation recognizes a family member and getting the final nod was Jacob and Joshua Bennett, with the nomination letter being read.
“Jacob and Joshua deserve this award because not matter how scary the situation was, they have always been there to support their little brother and his friends. They continue to be great examples of how everybody should just be kind and inclusive of all with or without a disability.”
For the final distinction, Alex Adkins was the recipient of the Diamond Award, which recognizes an individual with a disability, who advocate for themselves to achieve their dreams.
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