United Way of La Porte County thanked the kindergarten class and teacher Joyce Malecki at South Central Elementary School on Wednesday for their creative approach to celebrating Disability Awareness Month. The class submitted 20 posters and received an award plaque and mouse pads featuring the winning design.
Malecki said her students embrace inclusion every day, since a member of the class and a student aid are among the disabled students attending South Central Elementary.
The student designs incorporated images of disability and diversity with messages such as, “Being different is okay,” “Be nice to everyone,” and “We are all different, we are all united and we are all friends.”
Dave Sisk, community investment manager for United Way of La Porte County, said it was difficult to select one poster as “best in show.”
“They are all winners in this kindergarten class,” he said. “We really appreciate South Central Elementary for embracing this project and showing that, as we say at United Way, ‘We are better together.’”
Paul Reed, an Americorps volunteer with United Way of La Porte County, spearheaded the project as part of a statewide celebration of Disability Awareness Month in March. Reed said the students did a good job of conveying the theme of creating an accessible community for all.
“They have really demonstrated the messages of access, engagement, and relationships,” Reed said.
United Way of La Porte County’s mission is to improve people’s lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community. It advances the common good by focusing on education, income and health -- the building blocks of a quality life. United Way of La Porte County recruits people and organizations that bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. It partners with 22 agencies to provide programs and assistance aimed at meeting basic needs of people in La Porte County.
Photo: Kris Pate, United Way of La Porte County Executive Director, presented an award plaque to Joyce Malecki’s kindergarten class for their creative celebration of Disability Awareness Month.