Arkansas Support Network 25th Annual Honors Luncheon (July 18, 2018)
Thirty years ago, it began with a dream, a cause that couldn’t be ignored, and remarkable perseverance. Six mothers came together to combat the ideology that individuals with disabilities need to be placed in institutions. These brave women worked tirelessly to teach the opposite; that when people with disabilities are put in the heart of our community, it’s advantageous for everyone. That because an individual has a disability, it doesn’t take away their power of choice.
On July 18th, the Arkansas Support Network was proud to hold its 25th Honor’s Luncheon on our 30th anniversary. We were grateful for the opportunity to honor our staff and local community members who may not always get the amount of recognition they deserve. These amazing people work tirelessly not for themselves, but for a cause bigger than any one person. We were able to share memories we will always cherish, celebrate one another, laugh about our experiences, and cry together.
Because providing support for individuals doesn’t always allow for days off, many of our honorees weren’t able to make it to the banquet. However, we don’t want anyone to miss out on some of the memories shared and great people celebrated. Take a look below at a few of our most memorable moments during our annual honors luncheon.
-Written by: Brent Barker
KEITH VIRE THROWING STARFISH AWARD
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Recipients:ASN Founding Mothers- Lynn Carver, Brenda Gooch, Pam Biesiot, Debbie Lutke, Kerry George, and Julie Stroud |
COMMUNITY DISTINCTION AWARD | Recipients: Tim Womack, Hal Capps |
REAGAN EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARD | Recipients: Amanda McCaslin, Sharon Michaels |
CHAMPION OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARD | Recipients: Disability Rights Arkansas, Arkansas Advocates for Children & Families |
EMPLOYER RECOGNIITION AWARD | Recipients: The Egg and I (Fort Smith) Rockin’ Baker Academy |
PAM BIESIOT MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP | Recipients: Destanee Applewhite, Veronica Jones |
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION AWARDS | Recipients: Donna Bell The Barker Family |
SERVICE RECOGNITION AWARD | Recipient: Don Johnson |
LINDA ANDREWS ABOVE AND BEYOND AWARD | Recipients: Laura Carr, Kenny Brewer |
JEFF NOLTE OUTSTANDING PARENT ADVOCATE AWARD | Recipients: Teresa McChristian, Maribel Elizalde |
RYAN SUTTON/MARTIN LOVELACE-CHANDLER OUTSTANDING SELF-ADVOCATE AWARD | Recipients: Eunice Curtis, John Miller |
OUTSTANDING PHILANTRHROPIST AWARD |
Recipients: Lynn and Joel Carver |
5 Year Award Honorees |
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Max Miller | Anthony McCool | Robert Bell |
Teri Shumate |
Richard Dugan |
Kelly Cudmore |
Tammy Easter | Byron Morgan | Gwendolyn Campbell | Trichia Cudmore | Dylan Watson | Dawn Farris |
David Ames | Lashawna Wise | Jason Carlson | Caitlin Randall | Aaron Richardson | Katherine Mosby |
Christopher Collins | Isis Trautman | Erica Harvey Hill | Mario Trecanao | Jonathan Hawkins | Autumn Castro |
Oscar Vasquez | Rebecca Tuck | Katrina Cooks | Saxony McDaniel | Brandi Cole | Viviana Hernandez |
Janet O’Neal | Christopher Brace | Bobby Lee | Arnell Gibson | Carmen Gonzalez | Lucinda Wilson |
Tammie Rogers |
The Jeff Nolte Outstanding Parent Award is presented to a parent who regularly and effectively advocates for inclusive supports, both in the educational system and in the community. Check out what ASN employees and friends had to say about this year’s nominees below.
The Ryan Sutton/Martin Lovelace-Chandler award is presented to a self-advocate who exemplifies the determination and hard work that Ryan Sutton and Martin Lovelace-Chandler displayed throughout their lives. Check out what ASN friends and staff had to say about this year’s honorees below.
Ten Year Awards Honorees | Fifteen Year Awards Honorees | Twenty Year Award Honorees | Twenty-Five Year Award Honorees | |||
Randall Robinson | Patricia White | Dextric Miller | Charles Means | |||
Maria Newgent | Keith Curry | Billy Perkins | ||||
Cheryl Walker-Robley | Christopher Michaels | |||||
Kevin Warren | David Garmoe | |||||
Alina Kelley | Lorraine Stuthers | |||||
Steve Taylor | Eric Thomas | |||||
Mark White |
This year, we had the pleasure of honoring the fantastic careers of Charles Means and Billy Perkins. Check out our ASN tribute to them below.
We are grateful for every person in our ASN family. We look forward to celebrating you again next year.