The Rise Awards https://ypierre.com/rise Honoring Extraordinary People Tue, 11 Oct 2016 22:31:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.8 Honoree: Blake Pyron https://ypierre.com/rise/2016/10/11/honoree-blake-pyron/ https://ypierre.com/rise/2016/10/11/honoree-blake-pyron/#comments Tue, 11 Oct 2016 16:24:05 +0000 http://ypierre.com/rise/?p=343 blake

 

Blake Pyron is breaking down barriers by being the first young man with Down syndrome (Ds) to own and operate a food truck. He is the proud owner of Blake’s Snow Shack!

https://www.facebook.com/BlakesSnowShack/

]]> https://ypierre.com/rise/2016/10/11/honoree-blake-pyron/feed/ 2 Honoree: Carli Maucher https://ypierre.com/rise/2016/10/11/honoree-carli-maucher/ https://ypierre.com/rise/2016/10/11/honoree-carli-maucher/#comments Tue, 11 Oct 2016 16:23:19 +0000 http://ypierre.com/rise/?p=341 carli

 

Carli Maucher is 10 years old and the 2015 Missouri Pre-Teen Butterfly Dreams Queen.  She represented her age division all year for this organization that provides events and pageants for individuals who are differently-abled.

Her reign has afforded her many spectacular opportunities this year. It has also solidified that she does belong in a world with her peers and that the only limits she has are those she places on herself.  Down syndrome is not a challenge for Carli – Carli is Down syndrome’s challenge!

Carli has something that the rest of this world needs: pure, honest love, innocence and a giving, full heart. She continues to soar to new heights and thinks about helping others before taking anything for herself.  In her own beautiful words: “Mommy, I LOVE having Down syndrome and I am happy”.

Carli decided to raise awareness of Down syndrome and to help others by starting her own small business.  She began hand crafting butterfly rings out of pipe cleaners in a multitude of colors.  She sells these rings for $3 at her school and to family, friends and even complete strangers. We have shipped rings to New York and California and everywhere in between.  She even gave her favorite summer camp counselors a couple; her butterflies fly as far as Australia, Holland and Scotland.

Carli has used her year as Queen to create an amazing platform that has reached groups and individuals both near and far. In her 9 years of life, there have been too many individuals who have created opportunities and helped her to count.  Now it was HER time to give back.

In her local community, Carli

  • Appeared on Brennon Woods Elementary News several different times with her crown, sash and talked about Down syndrome and disabilities
  • Partnered with a local Boy Scout group to purchase food for needy families
  • Donated a portion of her ring sales to purchase a “Butterfly Bush” for the CEO of a local non-profit organization who had just lost her newborn grandson
  • Formed life-long friendships with local law enforcement by making them rings, presenting flowers and food during some of their toughest times over the past year
  • Serves on her school’s ethics and social responsibility team
  • Educated her fellow school mates on disability character awareness
  • Had the confidence to overcome her fear of water and swam with no aides in three days at camp over the summer
  • Climbed a 30-foot Alpine Tower and repelled from the top at camp over the summer
  • Zip-lined solo over a lake at camp this summer.
  • Is the face of the Pujols Family Foundation’s reach-out campaign for the 2016/17 giving year
  • Is the face of Sunnyhill’s Down syndrome Awareness month’s educational material
  • Is the face of Happiness Now magazine
  • In her surrounding community, she
    Teamed with other Queens and presented the first-ever Butterfly Dreams patch to a local Girls Scout troop
  • Rang the Salvation Army bell a total of 32 hours in the St. Louis area.
  • resented the Pujols Family Foundation, the very Foundation who had a primary role in her adoption and prayed over her during her times of need, with $300 cash from the proceeds of her ring sales to date
  • Appeared in the St. Louis Thanksgiving Day Parade, St. Charles St. Patrick’s Day Parade, St. Louis VP Parade, the Pattonville High School Homecoming Parade, and the Lindenwood University Homecoming Parade
  • Was honored by Jane Seymour in the Open Hearts Foundation contest, along with the entire Butterfly Dreams Organization
  • Made an appearance at the Illinois Butterfly Dreams Pageant
  • Sang on stage with Toby Keith at his St. Louis concert
  • Represented the Butterfly Dreams Organization at the 2015 O’Night Divine Christmas celebration for the Pujols Family Foundation
  • Threw out the first pitch at a Little Rascals baseball game over the summer
  • Sang Take Me Out To The Ballgame at a Little Rascals baseball game this summer
  • Represents the Butterfly Dreams Organization at fundraising events and awareness events
  • Was honored at Branson’s Baldknobbers show for her contributions and success

The following is Carli’s personal mission statement that she wrote:  “I will define who I am by my actions and words.  I am differently-abled and will respect my friends and my crown the best I can.  I will make good choices and learn from my bad choices.  I will not limit myself and will not allow others to limit me.”

Carli is too young to have her own FB page, but you can see her Queen’s page on the Butterfly Dreams

Website:  http://www.butterflydreams.org/our-team/carli-maucher-2015

]]> https://ypierre.com/rise/2016/10/11/honoree-carli-maucher/feed/ 2 Honoree: Connor Long https://ypierre.com/rise/2016/10/11/honoree-connor-long/ https://ypierre.com/rise/2016/10/11/honoree-connor-long/#comments Tue, 11 Oct 2016 16:22:15 +0000 http://ypierre.com/rise/?p=339 connor

 

Connor Long is a 22-year old Coloradoan active in advocacy, acting and athletics. His advocacy keeps him busy on important state, federal legislation for people with differing abilities. He believes in “advocacy by example,” which means sharing his challenges, opportunities and successes with others to help them envision and pursue full lives for themselves and loved ones. His work as an actor, advocate and athlete has led to recognition through local, state, national and international awards. He is a high school diploma graduate, has studied Shakespeare, works in film and television as a ground-breaking contributing reporter for Denver7 News (ABC-affiliate KMGH), and is a founding player in a regional all-inclusive theatre troupe, Tapestry Theatre Company. In addition to competitive swimming, Connor is an active cyclist, a student of taekwondo (red belt) and rock climbing. He speaks at and hosts events for chapters of “The Arc”across the state and country.

www.facebook.com/connor.long.315 
www.imdb.me/connorlong
www.twitter.com/3twentyonego
www.instagram.com/three21go

]]> https://ypierre.com/rise/2016/10/11/honoree-connor-long/feed/ 1 Honoree: Holly Wrobbel https://ypierre.com/rise/2016/10/11/honoree-holly-wrobbel/ https://ypierre.com/rise/2016/10/11/honoree-holly-wrobbel/#comments Tue, 11 Oct 2016 16:21:34 +0000 http://ypierre.com/rise/?p=337 holly

 

Holly Wrobbel is 16 years old, a Sophomore at Highland High School, IL and is really active in school and her community.

Holly was crowned 2016 IL Teen Butterfly Dreams Queen in June. In just a few short months of her reign, Holly has accomplished so much and in doing so, promotes advocacy and acceptance for individuals with Down syndrome.

The following are a few of these recent accomplishments:

  • Met Joseph R. Michaelis, Mayor of her hometown Highland, IL
  • Made appearances in two parades: one in a horse and carriage for the televised St. Louis Veiled Prophet, and one in a convertible for her town of Highland’s Homecoming
  • Threw out first pitch at the Gateway Grizzlies game in front of about 400 people
  • Met 2015 Miss America, Betty Cantrell
  • Helped open the ceremonies for the Balloons Over Marine, IL event where she handed out prizes and posed for pictures with the winners
  • Carried the torch for the Summer Special Olympics through part of Highland, IL
  • Flew a 1972 Grumman AA-5 plane

Holly is very involved in Special Olympics and has placed at State and Regional Competitions, receiving a total of 9 gold medals and 1 silver for the Special Olympics Rhythmic Gymnastics Competitions. She also placed gold for Regional Bocce and silver for Regional Bowling.   She is also active in her schools Chorus program and the Special Education Programs at Highland High School. This young butterfly is just starting to spread her wings, but as she will become even more involved in her community.

Holly does not have Facebook page, but both of her parents do and they post about her.

https://www.facebook.com/e.duff.wrobbel

https://www.facebook.com/tammy.wrobbel

]]> https://ypierre.com/rise/2016/10/11/honoree-holly-wrobbel/feed/ 9 Honoree: Jennifer Katz https://ypierre.com/rise/2016/10/11/honoree-jennifer-katz/ https://ypierre.com/rise/2016/10/11/honoree-jennifer-katz/#comments Tue, 11 Oct 2016 16:20:21 +0000 http://ypierre.com/rise/?p=335 jennifer

 

Jennifer Katz is a 46-year old woman with translocation mosaic Down Syndrome (MDs). She is happily married to her best friend, Edward (Ted). They have two daughters and a doggie. They recently moved from Virginia to New York City, where Jennifer is still actively meeting families with children who have Ds/MDs, with an eye to becoming a Parent Mentor/IEP guide. Until that gets going, she will be going often to where the Today Show is recorded to hold up a Down syndrome Awareness poster!

Jennifer is an outspoken, mature, and above all, passionate voice for awareness of Down and mosaic Down syndrome.

She has been active in Ds organizations since 2002, when she discovered the IMDSA in an online Yahoo group, and has spoken at conferences on various topics. Her first was for the NDSC in Orlando. Though she has an annual speaking engagement for the IMDSA, she is eager to participate in more NDSC events as well.

She has also compiled a book of interviews of parents of children with MDs/Ds and self-advocates as well, filling a glaring niche in the material available for parents with a child diagnosed with Ds/MDs.

Jennifer is a powerful, positive, sensible voice for the rights we the special needs community deserves!

http://www.facebook.com/Jennifer.katz.750

]]> https://ypierre.com/rise/2016/10/11/honoree-jennifer-katz/feed/ 1 Honoree: Marcus Sikora https://ypierre.com/rise/2016/10/11/honoree-marcus-sikora/ https://ypierre.com/rise/2016/10/11/honoree-marcus-sikora/#comments Tue, 11 Oct 2016 16:19:26 +0000 http://ypierre.com/rise/?p=333 marcus

 

Marcus Sikora is a creative soul who has Down syndrome and lives in Omaha, Nebraska. He has acted on stage with local and national companies, as well as written a short one act play. Black Day: The Monster Rock Band is his first story book for children. When he’s not watching theater, singing, or working out, he’s contemplating the sequel, whose title has yet to be determined.

 

 

https://www.facebook.com/GrownUpsAndDowns/

https://www.amazon.com/Black-Day-Monster-Rock-Band/dp/1634134419

]]> https://ypierre.com/rise/2016/10/11/honoree-marcus-sikora/feed/ 1 Honoree: Olivia Rachelle Brosseau https://ypierre.com/rise/2016/10/11/honoree-olivia-rachelle-brosseau/ https://ypierre.com/rise/2016/10/11/honoree-olivia-rachelle-brosseau/#comments Tue, 11 Oct 2016 16:18:29 +0000 http://ypierre.com/rise/?p=331 olivia

 

Olivia Rachelle Brosseau is 21 years old and going to college at CCV and getting her degree in human services. She has also written a book called Dear Future parents from the kids perspective.

Olivia is, in a word, fantastic! She is such an empowering, inspiring young lady and a great role model for others with Down syndrome. By promoting and sharing her talents and abilities with others, she lets them know how able they are and that you can do whatever you want if they work for it and practice.

She’s making a difference by bringing awareness about people with Down syndrome and has a Facebook page about her awareness efforts!

https://facebook.com/Olivias-journey-623815234372409

]]> https://ypierre.com/rise/2016/10/11/honoree-olivia-rachelle-brosseau/feed/ 3 Honoree: Tianna Rose Habersham https://ypierre.com/rise/2016/10/11/honoree-tianna-rose-habersham/ https://ypierre.com/rise/2016/10/11/honoree-tianna-rose-habersham/#comments Tue, 11 Oct 2016 16:03:43 +0000 http://ypierre.com/rise/?p=327 tianna

]]> https://ypierre.com/rise/2016/10/11/honoree-tianna-rose-habersham/feed/ 1 2016 Nominee: Denon & Sean Moore https://ypierre.com/rise/2016/10/11/2016-nominee-denon-sean-moore/ https://ypierre.com/rise/2016/10/11/2016-nominee-denon-sean-moore/#respond Tue, 11 Oct 2016 16:02:52 +0000 http://ypierre.com/rise/?p=325 denon-and-sean

 

Denon and Sean Moore are the godparents of an 11-year-old with Down syndrome. They have stepped up to the role of godparents in spectacular fashion.

Not only do they advocate directly by participating in all of their godson’s IEP meetings, but they have acted as extended family. They have provided respite care when it was needed the most, and given positive, supportive feedback through struggles with tough choices or difficult family dynamics.

Secondly, Denon and Sean Moore are small business owners and business leaders that are mindful of the community of individuals with developmental delays. Denon and Sean Moore constantly donate to nonprofits that have directly supported their godson. They’ve repeatedly supported their godson’s schools with large donations. Once, they donated the time of their cupcake truck to one of their godson’s school carnivals at a large financial loss to them. Most importantly, though, Denon and Sean Moore go out of their way to hire individuals with disabilities at their places of business and pay them a fair, competitive wage.

Cake-crumbs.com

www.facebook.com/Cake-Crumbs-Bakery-67470544367

]]> https://ypierre.com/rise/2016/10/11/2016-nominee-denon-sean-moore/feed/ 0 2016 Nominee: Susie TenEyck https://ypierre.com/rise/2016/10/11/2016-nominee-susie-teneyck/ https://ypierre.com/rise/2016/10/11/2016-nominee-susie-teneyck/#comments Tue, 11 Oct 2016 16:02:03 +0000 http://ypierre.com/rise/?p=323 susie

 

Susie TenEyck is the author of an award-winning children’s book for the inclusion and acceptance of children with Down syndrome and other special needs. Immediately after being published, her book “HERE I AM”, received the Mom’s Choice Award® and has been named among the best in family-friendly media, products and services, honoring excellence. Her book illustrates a whimsical blue character covered in hearts, who seeks to share his heart with others. Once others accept “Blue” and his differences, they are forever changed! In addition to being awarded Silver Recipient and Distinguished Honoree of the prestigious Mom’s Choice Awards®, she is a proud member of the Georgia Writer’s Association, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and a lifetime member of the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta. Her son, Charlie Hart TenEyck–who has Mosaic Down syndrome–is the inspiration for her award-winning book. She administrates the largest worldwide group for homeschooling children with Down syndrome (Homeschooling and Down Syndrome), as well as several other active groups online, including Mosaic Down Syndrome World, Speech & Language Disorders in Children, Parents Improving Special Needs Services and Education, Autism in the United States, Gluten Free and Casein Free Eating and others. Susie is currently an active participant and special needs consultant volunteer helping to improve the education and the lives of children with disabilities and their families from her home in North Georgia.

Susie is currently an active participant and special needs consultant volunteer helping to improve the education and the lives of children with disabilities and their families from her home in North Georgia.

For more information about her and her award-winning book, please visit Goodreads, Shelfari, Amazon, The Mom’s Choice Awards website or any of the links below:

www.specialneedspublications.org

www.facebook.com/authorsusieteneyck

https://www.facebook.com/specialneedspublications

https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeschoolinganddownsyndrome

https://www.facebook.com/groups/104036869697819

https://www.facebook.com/groups/glutenfreeandcaseinfreeeating

https://www.facebook.com/groups/parentsimprovingspecialneedsservicesandeducation

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