2020 Stand Tall Award Recipients
DAWN DELUCA, M.ED. In recognition of her steadfast dedication to increasing access to 21st century job skills for underrepresented youth and passionate voice in support of educational system reform.
MAE OLA DUNKLIN
ANNE MORTENSEN, M.D., FAAP
In recognition of her service to Albion through education, and her mentoring of the teachers of tomorrow.
In recognition of her instrumental role in expanding access to behavioral health services for the youth of Detroit.
DAWN DELUCA
Educational Outreach and Community Affairs, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker, M.D. School of Medicine “[My purpose is] to advocate for a system that supports and empowers our educators. We know that your zip code often determines educational and health outcomes. We know that one of the biggest factors for later life success is being read to as a child. Anyone can see that those two factors are deeply connected in much bigger issues with our system, and I’m happy to sit at the table and be the voice to address the real issues facing our community...” “We must get trauma-informed curriculum in the hands of every helping professional. It must happen. And we can do so by bringing our light sources together and shining a spotlight on the issues we must resolve in communities. We must be that compelling positive voice, and we’re stronger together.”
MAE OLA DUNKLIN
Educator and Community Leader, Albion Public Schools “I’ve stood with Albion during the good and the struggle. I’ve tried to plant myself in those hard times and contribute what I can. I haven’t always wanted to make the decisions I’ve needed to make. But, one must remember why we do what we do. It’s because we want the best, most rigorous education we can provide. It’s not about me, or any individual, it’s about coming together to make Albion a better place. When I leave, I want to feel that I have served my community.”
ANNE MORTENSEN
Wayne State University School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital of Michigan Pediatric Specialty Center “I have found one truth to be universal: all children need to be heard, and in hearing them, we will understand them. But, there are many ways to “hear” a child: some speak, some cry, some act out, some are shy, some throw tantrums, some give hugs, some ask questions. What they are not is adults. If we only interpret them from an adult perspective, we will never hear them.”
13
