MDSC 2025 Award Nominations

Each year, MDSC honors individuals or organizations who have celebrated the rich accomplishments of people with Down syndrome. In 2025, we invite members of our community or the general public to submit nominations in the following categories: The Allen C. Crocker Award of Excellence, the Philip Donahue Employee of the Year; the Exemplary Employer of the Year, and the Media Award. Read more about all our awards as well as previous winners here.

EXTENDED: Submission Deadline Saturday, March 1

2025 awards will be presented at MDSC’s 41st Annual Conference on March 29 at the DCU Center in Worcester. Find out more information and register for the Annual Conference here.

Award Categories (Select one to learn more)*
- Allen C. Crocker Award of Excellence
- Philip Donahue Employee of the Year
- Exemplary Employer of the Year
- Media Award
Select an award category above to learn about the criteria used to determine the award recipient.
Allen 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.
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 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.
Exemplary Employer of the Year 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.
Media Award
Established in 2000, the Media Award is presented to a person or company who exemplifies the MDSC mission to spread awareness by disseminating up-to-date information about Down syndrome.
Your Information*
First Name Last Name
Address*
Street Address City State ZIP Code
Email*
Phone Number*
Nominee's Information*
First Name Last Name
Address*
Street Address City State ZIP Code
Email*
Phone Number*
Affiliated Company/Organization etc. (If applicable)
Position (Optional)
Please attach a Word or PDF document not to exceed 2-3 pages that supports your nomination. (Required)*
Accepted file types: doc, docx, pdf, txt, wpd, zip, Max. file size: 10 MB.
You may also want to attach supplemental material(s), such as images or documents supporting your nomination, or any relevant links (Optional)
Accepted file types: doc, docx, pdf, txt, wpd, zip, jpg, jpeg, png, gif, Max. file size: 10 MB.
Web Links: provide up to two relevant links that support your nomination (Optional)
2nd Link (Optional)

Questions? Email us at awards@mdsc.org.

MDSC 2025 Award Nominations

EXTENDED: Submission Deadline Saturday, March 1

Allen Crocker Award of Excellence

Philip Donahue Employee of the Year Award

Exemplary Employer of the Year Award

Media Award

About Us

Resources

Get Involved

MDSC 2025 Award Nominations

EXTENDED: Submission Deadline Saturday, March 1

Allen Crocker Award of Excellence

Philip Donahue Employee of the Year Award

Exemplary Employer of the Year Award

Media Award

About Us

Resources

Get Involved

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