Ashley Danielle Thon
Ashley Danielle Thon, a 10th grade student at SouthHavenHigh School, was nominated for a Yes I Can! Award by her teacher, Margaret Weber for her self advocacy skills.
Ashley struggles with a language based learning disability which makes reading and writing very challenging. Despite these obstacles she has found success in high school, maintaining a 3.9 GPA while fully included in general education classes. She has accomplished this through persistence, determination and her ability to advocate for herself. For example, as she entered 9th grade, she wrote a personal letter to all her teachers describing her disability and the accommodations required for success. Lana Williams, her English teacher notes “Ashley has never allowed her dyslexia to control her; she is aware of the obstacles that this disability presents and works diligently to minimize its effects. She is so effective at this that many of her classmates look to her for assistance. In this way, she is a role model and leader in the classroom.” It is commendable that she is able to succeed academically along with balancing participation in extra curricular activities including a member of the school bowling team, National Young Leaders State Conference, 4-H club and volunteering at church and a local business.
Ashley’s parents, Michael and Carolyn, have raised a self sufficient young woman who has been able to maintain a high level of academic performance with integrity and responsibility. She does not compromise her values in the interest of saving time or a grade. She is genuine and has found a way to express and challenge herself in all she does.
Paul Dunklee
Paul Dunklee, a student at HuronLearningCenter’s Transition House, was nominated by his teacher, Karen Hass for his employment skills.
Paul’s goal is to be a builder like his Dad. In addition to his three days a week at the TransitionCenter where he works on functional academic and daily living skills, he attends the Building Trades program. The rest of his school time is spent at work. When Paul’s work skills indicated he was ready for paid employment MRS placed him as a dishwasher at a local restaurant called the Peppermill. This was not his first choice but he embraced the opportunity with a positive attitude which has made all the difference. Paul’s supervisor writes that he has been an asset to the Peppermill Restaurant. He always comes in on time, does what needs to be done and is always very polite to all the staff.
Paul approaches school and his job with a positive attitude and strong work ethic. Without prompting, he will take initiative and go above and beyond to get a task done. He is able to take constructive criticism and make changes to improve his job performance. He takes great pride in doing a good job and possesses the type of attitude any employer would hope for in an employee. He does not let his disability define him and has proven to be a great role model for his fellow students. He positively represents persons with disabilities as responsible and competent employees.
With the support of his parents, Ed and Sue, Paul has grown into a compassionate young man with a strong work ethic.
Megan Moriarty
Megan Moriarty, a fourth grade student at Highview Elementary was nominated for her community service by her teacher Kathleen Gillis.
Megan has struggled with Epilepsy most of her life. Frequent seizures and the required medication has affected her short term memory, ability to stay focused and retrieve information requiring special education support for reading, writing, and math. She missed most of her first grade year due to health issues and has worked hard to fill in the gaps.
Despite her personal challenges, Megan is sensitive to the needs of others and helps without expecting anything in return.
First, she assists her grandfather, Walter Sobania, in volunteering for Meals on Wheels in Dearborn Heights. She enjoys helping with the packaging of meals at the BerwynSeniorCenter site and delivering the meals to the elderly homebound whose days are brightened by her sense of humor and infectious smile.
Recently Megan won a Target gift card for selling the most items in a school fundraiser. She used her winnings to purchase canned goods for the Good Fellow’s can drive. After winning a wagon full of toys at a church festival she asked to donate them to less fortunate children.
Megan is supported by her parents, John and Mary Ann, and her church and school community. Her teacher, Lauren Sutton, notes “Megan is an incredibly giving person, a shining star in a sometimes less than caring world. Her willingness to take care of those in need and ability to work with others will take her far in life.”