Crocker Award winner Jane Lane with Award
Jane Lane, MDSC’s 2025 Allen Crocker Award of Excellence recipient with Board chair Stacy Lindborg and vice chair Jonathan Tabasky

Each year at our Annual Conference, MDSC recognizes exceptional individuals and organizations across various domains who have made significant contributions to the Down syndrome community in Massachusetts and beyond. Our awards program honors those who embody the values that are central to our mission: inclusion, advocacy, excellence, innovation, and commitment to advancing the Down syndrome movement. 

The awards presentation is always a highlight of our Annual Conference Awards Luncheon, offering an opportunity to publicly recognize these champions and share their stories with our community. Your nominations help us identify and celebrate those making a meaningful difference in the lives of people with Down syndrome across the Commonwealth.

Our Awards

Marie Blackburn, winner of 2022 Allen Crocker Award (Photo by Keith Toffling)

Allen C. Crocker Award of Excellence

The highest award offered by the MDSC, the Allen C. Crocker Award of Excellence was established in recognition of Dr. Crocker’s many years of nurturing individuals with Down syndrome and their families throughout their life’s journey. The award is presented to the person who most advances the Down syndrome movement.

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Elizabeth Schorr accepts 2024 Educator of the Year Award from Marissa O'Donnell
2024 Outstanding Educator of the Year Elizabeth Schorr with presenter Marissa O’Donnell

Outstanding Educator Award

Presented to an educator in Massachusetts who has significantly contributed to ensuring that students with Down syndrome are given every opportunity to maximize their full potential. This award is now presented year each November at MDSC’s Annual Educators Forum.

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Omar Masood of Omar’s World of Comics, recipient of the 2024 Exemplary Employer Award

Exemplary Employer Award

Established in 2016, this award is presented to an individual or company who is an exemplary employer in creating a welcoming, inclusive work environment for individuals with Down syndrome and/or other disabilities. Employers of the Year recognize the inherent value that people with Down syndrome can bring to the workforce and act as role models for other employers to emulate.

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Jordan Caira accepts 2025 Employee of the Year award
Jordan Caira accepts 2025 Philip Donahue Employee of the Year Award from Philip’s brother Richard

Philip Donahue Employee of the Year Award

Philip Donahue was named MDSC’s inaugural Your Next Star Employee of the Year Award winner in 2022 after retiring from Market Basket with 27 years of dedicated service. We were deeply saddened to lose Phil in 2024, but we are proud to continue his legacy with the Philip Donahue Employee of the Year Award, presented annually to an individual who exemplifies Philip’s leadership and commitment to the community.

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Vanessa Welch of Boston25 News, MDSC’s 2022 Media Award winner | Photo by Keith Toffling

Media Award

Presented to a person or company who exemplifies the MDSC’s mission to disseminate up-to-date information about Down syndrome.

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Leadership Award

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Governor Charlie Baker accepts his 2022 Leadership Award at the Buddy Walk in Wakefield
Richard & Feyza Shipley, winners of an MDSC 2021 Leadership Award

Previous Award Winners