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 an art piece through his passion of adult coloring that raised many dollars for DSL as it was auctioned off at our Gala. Corey has also been a member of our board as a self-advocate.”

“Trenton always remains positive and resilient despite circumstances. He is always eager to help and assist members and staff. Overall, he is a great role model and kindness warrior.

“Trenton has one of the biggest, kindest hearts I know!  Not only is a friendly and caring person in general, but he also always seeks out ways to help others without needing to be asked.  Trenton is a Kindness Warrior role model for all of his friends.”

Additional Nominees: Andrew Nicholas, Macy, Katie Croom, Phil Mason, Grace Singler, Tommy Steiner, Lauren Adams

The Mary Carter Award: 

Kirk Lemons
For Outstanding Service and Contribution to the
Down Syndrome Community

“Kirk volunteers each week in the Indiana academy. He helps to finance some of the outings and he has become a great friend to some of our members. He works out with some of the guys and treats the academy to the occasional doughnut breakfast. Kirk loves to volunteer at DSL and is even thinking about a position on the board.”

Additional Nominees: Travis McGowen, Evan Prohosky, Molly Kays- Louisville Ballet

Joseph O. Thomas Volunteer Award

Logan Dumitru
Extraordinary Service to Down Syndrome of Louisville, Inc

“Logan is someone that comes every single Thursday to help in our Academy kitchen.  He never misses a chance to be helpful wherever he is needed and greets everyone with a smile!”

Additional Nominees: Susan Hovekamp (past winner), Margarita (past winner of Mary Carter Award)

Youth Volunteer Award

Caroline Pringle
Extraordinary Service to Down Syndrome of Louisville

“Caroline Pringle is a high school senior at Assumption High School. She has been volunteering with DSL for the past year at the Saturday School and Boogie Down Ballet programming. She is also a part of the inaugural DSL Teen Ambassador Board. Caroline hopes to continue to serve DSL in her coming years and is hoping to work in special education after college.”

Additional Nominees: Ruthy Adela

Diana Merzweiler Commitment Award

Tim Curtis
For a DSL employee who has made an extraordinary
commitment to DSL

“Tim works nonstop helping to raise money for DSL. He helps around the building fixing things, cleaning our Shriner outside, and making runs to the bank when needed. Tim goes above and beyond in his duties and has helped our fund-raising efforts soar”

“As Development Director, Tim goes above and beyond to let our donors know how much they are appreciated.”

“Working so tirelessly to make money for DSL!”

Additional Nominees: Katie Z. (previous winner), Dawn, Karen, Whitney, Keisha and Elaina

Employer of the Year:

Cracker Barrel
Thank you for your extraordinary commitment to our members’ success.

“Cracker Barrell has employed one of our members for 11 years, allowing him to take pride in his work and open up several beneficial opportunities.”

Additional Nominees: Goodwill Industries

President’s Award:

Wade Yeoman
For a current board member who has gone above and beyond for DSL. The Board President selects this award.

“Wade is a dedicated board member and has stepped up to become the Capital Campaign Chair as well. We appreciate all his passion and enthusiam”

Additional Nominees: Nick Holmes

The Garry Gupton Community Award:

Molly Keys, Louisville Ballet
For Outstanding contributions to the Down Syndrome Community

“Molly Kays is a creative who has been dancing her entire life and has been working as a teaching artist with Louisville Ballet for six years now. Her role as Adaptive Dance Programs Manager at the Ballet has allowed her to work with various organizations in the Louisville Community including DSL. She looks forward to dancing with her Boogie Down Ballet students each week and loves seeing the program grow and its participants!”

Additional Nominees: Kentucky Shakespeare, GE

The Corporate Support Award:

GE
For outstanding contributions to Down Syndrome of Louisville

“GE has engaged with members on multiple occasions by having members come there and help with a building activity. A group also joined the academy during summer fun week and volunteered to help students tie-dye!”

Additional Nominees: Kosair for Kids, Republic Bank

Awards are voted on by DSL Staff and Board Members.
You can nominate someone for our 2025 Awards Here.

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