Meet our 2023 Annual Award Winners…

awards

  • Joseph O. Thomas Volunteer Award goes to Pam Taylor – For extraordinary volunteer service to Down Syndrome of Louisville.

“Pam has been dedicating her time and talents to DSL for many years She unselfishly gives of her time. Her hours devoted behind the scenes would be impossible to add up!”

“Pam is always willing to help and go the extra mile!”

  • Diana Merzweiler Commitment Award goes to Dr. Jenny Kimes- – For a DSL employee who has made an extraordinary commitment to DSL.

“Jenny goes above and beyond for all kiddos and adults!! Especially with the DS diet!

“Jenny has such a heart for our families, she selflessly gives of her time no matter when she can fit it in. Thank you, Jenny, for all that you do.

  • Mary Carter Award goes to Susan Hovekamp Outstanding service and contribution resulting in the improvement of the quality of life for people with Down syndrome

“Susan Hovecamp deserves the Volunteer of the Year award for her exceptional work bringing yoga to individuals with Down syndrome at Down Syndrome of Louisville. Her inclusive approach and dedication have positively impacted the lives of children, tweens, teens, and adults, promoting physical and emotional well-being.”

  • Citizen’s Award goes to Ethan Kelley & Chris Payne- Outstanding Achievements Enhancing the Value and Dignity of Persons with Down syndrome.

“Ethan has come a long way in developing his full, best life. He works two jobs. One at the YMCA and one at an attorneys office. Ethan is also an avid swimmer and pianist. He performs for his friends and anyone who would like him to play for them. Ethan also attends the Academy at DSL where he loves learning new life skills.”

“Chris has been a wonderful additon to the DSL community. He is a dedicated advocate for DSL, representing us at many events. He even traveled to Washington D.C. with us this year to advocate on the Hill!”

  • Young Volunteer Award goes to Jaelin Howell Extraordinary Service to Down Syndrome of Louisville, Inc.

“As a professional football player for Racing Louisville, and friend to DSL Jaelin’s unwavering dedication and selfless contributions have made a profound impact. Jaelin ensured every home game featured an honorary captain with Down syndrome, hosted the BFF dance, held a soccer clinic and more. Thank you, Jaelin!”

  • President’s Award goes to Matthew GoodinThe President selects this award to present to a current board member who has gone above and beyond for DSL.

“Matthew has provided exceptional leadership skills in taking on the Treasurer posititon of the DSL Board this past year. Matthew truly cares about the mission of DSL. “

The President’s Gavel goes to Ed KenneyThe gavel is presented to the outgoing President of the Down Syndrome of Louisville Board of Trustees.

“Ed has been a tremendous leader for Down Syndrome of Louisville. He has invested his time, talent to be a true partner in success. Thank you, Ed for your leadership.”

 

Awards are voted on by DSL Staff and Board Members.
You can nominate someone for our 2024 Awards Here.

Tagged Items:

Similar Articles

Welcome DSL’s new Family Engagement Coordinator, Rachel Cummings

“Hey there, DSL crew, members and family! I’m Rachel Cummings, and I’m the new Family Engagement Coordinator! My journey here began in 2006, when my younger brother Ben was born with Down syndrome. In 2017, I began working with a research lab at the University of Louisville that specializes in children and individuals with genetic […]

Read More

Louisville Ballet’s Adaptive Dance Program for DSL’s Boogie Down Ballet

Read More

Your Voice Matters! Contact Senators Mitch McConnell & Rand Paul Today!

DSL is proud to be working with the Global Down Syndrome Foundation to pass the life-changing DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act of 2024 (S. 3981). ​ Named after Jamie Foxx’s little sister, DeOndra, who tragically passed away in 2020, this legislation will secure increased federal funding for Down syndrome research and medical care for our […]

Read More

A bittersweet message from our Executive Director

Read More

Welcome Ashley C

Please help us welcome DSL’s new Teen and Adult Transitions Manager, Ashley Corley!     Hello DSL members, families and friends, My name is Ashley Corley, and I am the new Teen & Adult Transition Manager! Down Syndrome of Louisville has been a place near and dear to my heart for many years. For those […]

Read More

Meet our 2024 Annual Award Winners…

Citizens of the Year: Trenton Brunner & Corey Morgan For Outstanding Achievements in the Down Syndrome Community A few things shared about them: “Corey is a true kindness warrior. He works two jobs at Home Depot and Walgreens where he gets praises from his bosses. Corey participates in many sports through specials Olympics. He created […]

Read More

2025 NDSC Convention in Dallas!

Our 2025 Annual Convention will be held in Dallas, Texas, from July 24 to 27, 2025! Registration opens March 11, 2025, at 12 PM EST. Mark your calendars—hotel rooms are booked quickly! Click here to learn more!

Read More

Welcome Jon B

Please give a warm welcome to DSL’s new Engagement Coordinator Jon B! “Hello! My name is Jon Beams! I first learned about DSL years ago through volunteer programs and the robust community in and around Kentuckiana. I believe in bringing positive experiences and fun with me everywhere I go. A smile truly speaks a thousand words! […]

Read More

Welcome Sydney and Carrie!

DSL’s new Preschool is up and running thanks to our new team members! “My name is Sydney Bastin and I am so excited to lead the new DSL preschool program! With a bachelor’s in health science from Spalding University, and experience at several nonprofits in the area including Sproutlings Pediatric Daycare and Home of the […]

Read More

Club 21 with Gravely Brewing Co

Join DSL at Gravely Brewing Co for our first-ever beer release! We’ve partnered with Gravely Brewing Co for our first-ever beer, the “Boogie Down Brew”! Join DSL at Gravely on Friday, October 11th from 5-8 for our official beer release! Enjoy not only a fresh beverage but also a performance from the Boogie Down Crew! […]

Read More

Three Reasons to Create Your Will This Make-A-Will Month

  1. It’s an important legal document that everyone should have. All adults should have a will. It’s a powerful document that lets you distribute your property and protect your loved ones. One-third of all American adults have a will, and that number is growing every day. If you haven’t gotten around to writing or […]

Read More

DSL’s Career Solutions in the News

CLICK HERE to read the article from the Courier Journal on Zac, Drew, and our Career Solutions program!

Read More
Translate our Site »