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.
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.
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.
Philip Donahue was named MDSC’s first Your Next Star Employee of the Year Award winner in 2022 on the heels of retiring from Market Basket in Tewksbury after 27 years of dedicated service.
Philip Donahue Employee of the Year Award
Established in 2022, the Philip Donahue Employee of the Year Award is presented annually to an individual who exemplifies Philip’s leadership and commitment to the community.
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
2024: Marie Rej
2022: Marie Blackburn
2021: Jeanne Doherty and Charlotte Gray, Down Syndrome Autism Connection
2020: South Shore Mothers Support Group
2019: Emily LaMarca
2018: John and Susan Nadworny
2017: Margaret Van Gelder, MA Department of Developmental Services
2016: Melanie McLaughlin
2015: Francisco Zamudio, Shey Jaboin, and Roxanne Hoke Chandler
2014: Timothy Shriver, Special Olympics
2013: John Anton
2012: Dr. Brian Skotko, MGH
2011: Elin Howe, Commissioner of MA Department of Developmental Services
2010: Charlotte Gray, Sharon Randall, Maura Russo – Founders of Morning Travelers
2009: Madeleine Will, National Down Syndrome Society
2008: Sarah Cullen and Angela Lombardo, First Response Services for New Parents
2007: Boston Ballet Adaptive Dance Program
2006: Jo Ann Simons
2005: Joanne Maranian
2004: Richard Jonas, M.D., Children’s Hospital
2003: Suzanne Siino
2002: Dan & Julie Heffernan
2001: The Tim White Foundation
2000: The Rich Robison Family
1999: Sara Miranda
1998: Gretchen Josephson, Poet & Self-Advocate
1997: Ann Forts, Speaker & Self-Advocate
1996: Mark Grainger, MDSC Founder
1995: Charlie Austin, WBZ Reporter, Parent
1994: Chris Burke, Actor & Self-Advocate
2024: Sherrie Lees, Westport Community Schools
2024: Elizabeth Schorr, Cunniff Elementary in Watertown
2023: Sara Brothers, Winchester Public Schools
2021: Melissa Levin, Newton Public Schools
2020: Kerry Bremer, Ayer Public Schools
2019: Kristen Cunha & Phuong Bui, Putnam Avenue Upper School in Cambridge
2018: Caitlin Burke, Northbridge High School
2017: Frani Miceli, Williamstown Elementary School
2016: Julie Messina, 3-21 Foundation
2015: Rosalie Forster & Betsy Pelz, Lead Authors of MDSC Education Manual
2014: Paul Connolly, Varsity Basketball Coach from Newton North High School.
2013: Maureen Blazejewski, Cambridge Public Schools and Lead Special Educator for the Learning Program Boston (LPB)
2012: Jayme Finstein, Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Program at Mass Bay Community College
2011: William Endslow, Fine & Performing Arts Director at Reading Memorial High School
2010: Lauren Segee, North Andover Schools
2009: Joanne Ethier, Principal of St. Peter-Marian Junior High School in Worcester
2008: Amy Marx, Principal of The Harbor School in Boston
2007: Aimee Fredette, Jody Waters & Mary Ann Ruscito – Grade 3 Team at Walpole’s Fisher School
2006: Christine D’Anjou, North Reading School District
2005: Robert McInnis, Needham High School
2024: Omar Masood, Omar’s World of Comics
2021: Collette DiVitto, Collettey’s Cookies
2020: Bunratty Tavern (Reading, MA)
2019: Babson College
2018: Bob Sweeney, Boston Bruins Foundation
2017: VERC Enterprises, Leo Vercollone
2016: Arthur T. Demoulas, Market Basket
2024: John Dunleavy, Boston Bruins/TD Garden
2022: Philip Donahue, Market Basket
2022: Vanessa Welch, Boston25 News
2021: Jim Noonan and Maryanne Noonan, Bluenote Technology
2020: Boston25 News
2019: Clear Channel Communications
2018: Mark Hunt, Disability Images
2017: “Born This Way” Cast, A&E
2016: Heather Hegedus, Boston25 News
2015: Jonathan Elias, WBZ-TV
2014: Kyle Gendron, Photographer
2013: Amy Masters, Chronicle, WCVB-TV
2012: Target, Inclusive Modeling
2011: Sarah Schleider, National Down Syndrome Society
2010: Keri Stedman. Children’s Hospital Boston
2009: Wendy Bulawa Agudelo
2008: Pat Bauer, The Washington Post
2007: Beverly Beckham, The Boston Globe
2006: Amy Dockser Marcus, The Wall Street Journal
2005: Gene Lavanchy. Fox 25 News
2004: K.C. Myers, The Cape Cod Times
2003: Cynthia Kidder. Band of Angels Press
2002: Irv Shapell, Woodbine House Publishers
2001: Mitchell Zuckoff & Suzanne Kreiter, The Boston Globe
2022: Governor Charlie Baker
2022: Janet & Christopher Vincze
2021: Feyza and Richard Shipley
2020: John Hancock Boston Marathon Charity Non-profit Program
2020: Stephen Narey
2019: PricewaterhouseCoopers Boston Disability Inclusion Network
2018: Scott & Gail Trinque, EchoStor Technologies
2018: Walmart Foundation
2017: Cummings Foundation
2017: Louise Borke, Executive Service Corps of New England
2016: Susanna Peyton & John Campbell
2016: Gillian & Fran Callaghan
2015: Sohail & Mona Masood
2015: Kerri & Jon Tabasky, MDSC Buddy Walk Co-Chairs
2014: Nancy & Richard Donahue
2014: Therese Murray, Massachusetts Senate President
2013: Tom Sannicandro, State Representative
2012: Suzanne Shea & Charlie Gadbois, Former MDSC Board Chairs
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