Heather Dobies VALLEY ART CENTER, CHAGRIN FALLS, 12TH GRADE
Lia m Stilson & Da n a Fries MONTESSORI HIGH SCHOOL, CLEVELAND, 12TH GRADE
Since January, actors Liam Stilson and Dana Fries have been regularly sharing their artistic talents with Judson Manor Senior Living community residents through a program they developed called “Living Room Theater Sessions.” The students create a mini-performance of scenes and monologues to present at Judson Manor on a weekly basis. Liam and Dana said they enjoy the experience of working on their acting craft while bringing enjoyment to people in the community.
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Family Living At Its Best
Heather, a student with Down Syndrome, joined Valley Art Center’s pottery program with hopes of a new adventure after watching an instructional program on ceramic cups. She has grown artistically, made new friends and demonstrates to others that anything is possible in these classes. Heather has shown students, staff and her family that she has an ability to both teach and learn from others. Her experiences with her art and classmates far exceeds anything one would have dreamed possible. She not only keeps up with the adults in the class, but also challenges them artistically from time to time. She also has taken the initiative to knit hats for the office staff. Pottery has been a truly transformative process in Heather’s development, both as an artist and as a person. She is a vibrant member of Valley Art Center’s student community.
Sha ne Estes GREEN HIGH SCHOOL, 12TH GRADE
Shane has used his Asperger’s Syndrome struggles in a positive way through creative and performing arts. Annually, he has entertained the student body at talent shows and has performed at The Akron RubberDucks stadium. He was cast in the school’s musical theater and play productions, and also performed in the Greater Akron All School Musical this past summer. Shane will take the stage next month in “Mary Poppins.” He also hand-crafted more than 100 cards to celebrate special occasions in his peers’ lives — even just to say, “It’s OK— cheer up!” He works diligently at understanding social cues and exercising appropriate social skills in his day-to-day life. As a member of The Developing Leaders of Tomorrow, he helped to inspire the development of a group called Bonding Hearts.