Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities Announces the 2014 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award Contest, Celebrating the Outstanding Accomplishments of Students with LD
Westport, CT (PRWEB) November 05, 2013 -- Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities, Inc. announces the 2014 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award Contest, a nationwide recognition for students 19 or younger with learning disabilities (LD) or ADHD. The $1,000 award will be made to a student who demonstrates talent and determination resulting in a notable accomplishment in any field including art, music, math, athletics, science or community service. Honorable Mentions will also be awarded.
The award will be presented at the organization’s annual benefit on the evening of Friday, April 25, 2014 at the Hyatt Regency in Old Greenwich, Connecticut. Transportation and hotel accommodations will be provided for the winning student and his/her parents.
Applications may be submitted by parents, teachers, coaches, or by students themselves, via a form posted on the organization's website at
http://www.smartkidswithld.org/2014-youth-achievement-award. The contest deadline is January 31, 2014. Winners will be posted on the organization’s website on April 1, 2014.
Dr. Devon MacEachron, an expert on giftedness and learning disabilities at the 2E Learners Center in New York City, said, “Too often, we focus primarily on these students’ weaknesses and fail to support their considerable strengths. Identifying and nurturing their strengths is vitally important to helping them succeed, both in the classroom and beyond.” The Youth Achievement Award helps to celebrate these children’s potential, and to combat the widespread misconception that children with LD are any less capable than their peers.
In June 2012, the Award was named in honor of the late Dr. Fred Epstein, the pioneering pediatric neurosurgeon who credited his significant learning disabilities as a major factor in his success. He played an important role in talking openly with children about his own struggles and ultimate success, becoming an inspiration to children with LD.
The winner of the 2013 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award was Mackinzie Hamilton from Providence, Utah. At 19, she was a student at Utah State University majoring in journalism and communications, as well as Assistant NewsDirector of Utah Public Radio, an NPR station where she reported, produced, and hosted a popular news program. Kinzie's fierce drive and strong work ethic have helped her deal with the challenges posed by her ADHD. Kinzie has found her niche in broadcast journalism, where, as she notes, “the deadlines are concrete and unforgiving. At 12:30 you’ll be on live so you better be ready, because there’s no re-record button.”
A Special Recognition Award was presented to Alexandra Sandlin of Vienna, VA. Sky Burke of Holbrook, NY received a Junior Achievement Award. Honorable Mentions were awarded to students from Montgomery, MD, Battle Creek, NE, Weston, CT, Bowie, MD, Sioux City, IA and New Hope, PA.
About Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities, Inc.:
Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering parents of children with learning disabilities (LD) and attention-deficit disorder (ADHD). Its mission is to educate, guide and inspire families dealing with disabilities and to change the perception of learning disabilities as a stigmatizing condition. Henry Winkler, the famed actor, director and producer as well as the author of the Hank Zipzer book series about a boy with learning disabilities and ADHD, serves as the organization's Honorary Chairman.
Jane Ross, Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities, http://www.SmartKidswithLD.org, +1 (203) 226-6831, [email protected]
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