Each year, during the luncheon portion of our Annual Conference, MDSC honors individuals or organizations who have celebrated the rich accomplishments of people with Down syndrome.
We invite members of our community or the general public to nominate those people whom you believe are most deserving of the following awards: Allen C. Crocker Award of Excellence, Outstanding Educator Award, Exemplary Employer Award and Media Award.
Our Awards
Taffy Nothnagle of the South Shore Mothers Support Group, winner of the 2020 Crocker Award of Excellence
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.
Kerry Bremer, winner of the 2020 Educator Award, with Jake Manning (left) and Jonathan Bremer (right)
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.
Eilish Havey, proprietor of Bunratty Tavern, winner of the 2020 Employer of the Year Award, with Samantha Gibbs
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.
Stephen Narey, co-winner of 2020 Leadership Award, with his son Cole and family
Ashley Wheeler, Senior Program Manager of John Hancock Boston Marathon Charity Non-profit Program, co-winner of 2020 Leadership Award
Previous Award Winners
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
2021: Melissa Lavin, LICSW, 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
2021: Collette DiVitto, Collettey’s Cookies
2020: Bunratty Tavern (Reading)
2019: Babson College
2018: Bob Sweeney, Boston Bruins Foundation
2017: VERC Enterprises, Leo Vercollone
2016: Arthur T. Demoulas, Market Basket
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
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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