MSD Wayne Honors Students with Disabilities and Their Champions

The Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township has honored 140 students and adults with its 2017 Dare to Dream Awards. The awards ceremony was held Wednesday, March 8 at Ben Davis High School.

The fourth annual awards ceremony was hosted by MSD Wayne Director of Special Services Tara Rinehart and Fox 59 News Reporter Gabby Gonzalez.

In introducing the ceremony, Gonzalez told the staff and community members in the audience, “Your zest for students’ success is contagious, as you model empathy, passion, courage, and grit.”

Some students received the Daredevil Award, recognizing their ability to take risks and show courage while taking on new challenges. Other students received the Dreamchaser Award, recognizing their ability to set long-term goals and work toward achieving them.

The Advocate Award was given to recognize the building of relationships with and advocating for the needs of students with disabilities. The Educator Award was given to recognize creation of instructional opportunities for students that stretch their learning. The Community Member Award recognized support of inclusive practices in the school and community.

Awards were also given to para-educators and peer mentors.

Terry Brahm, special education teacher at the Ben Davis Ninth Grade Center and a former Olympic athlete, gave the keynote address. Dom Day, assistant principal at Lynhurst 7th & 8th Grade Center, received the Administrator Award for ensuring an inclusive environment for all students.

The group BD Dads provided a contribution to help fund the ceremony.