The Down Syndrome Association of Santa Barbara County (DSASBC) is looking for nominations from the community for this year’s Extraordinary Educator Award.
Every year, DSASBC recognizes someone who has gone above and beyond for individuals with disabilities, event organizers said.
It might be a teacher, aide, coach, therapist, school staff member, or another professional who has made a difference in someone’s life.
“We know there are so many amazing people in our community doing incredible work and we want to hear from you about who deserves to be recognized,” organizers said.
The award will be presented at the 15th Annual Hoedown, 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 at the Santa Barbara Carriage Museum.
Send nominations to melissa@dsasbc.org or call 805-886-4411 by Oct. 9.
DSASBC is also looking for people to help with The Hoedown, a night for families, friends and the community to get together, have fun and celebrate inclusion.
There will be a barbecue dinner, dancing to live music from Dusty Jugz (a.k.a. The Rincons), a silent auction, costume contest, and activities for the kids.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for kids, which includes dinner, dancing and activities. Tickets available online at DSASBC.org, through the Down Syndrome Association of Santa Barbara County Facebook page, and at the door.
Sponsors, donors, and silent auction items are being sought as well.
“Whether you are a local business that would like to sponsor the event, a family who has something to donate, or someone who can provide an experience, gift certificate, product, vacation stay, or other auction item — we would love to hear from you,” DSASBC said.
The Hoedown helps DSASBC continue providing connection, advocacy, and opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their families throughout the community.
Past Extraordinary Educator Award recipients include:
Lompoc High School’s Tom Garrard, Alpha Resource Center’s Buffy Grenier, Kellogg School’s Claudia Watters, Peabody Charter School’s Danelle Hurtado, Brandon School’s Laura Herrera.
Also, Help Me Grow Santa Barbara County’s Patty Moore, Goleta Valley Junior High School’s Cameron Stewart, Brandon School’s Jakie Zaida, Alpha Resource Center’s Amy Buesker
And, Goleta Union School District Adaptive PE teacher Michael Galvan, and El Camino School’s fifth-grade teacher Linda Sparkuhl.
For more, visit www.dsasbc.org, call 805-886-4411, or email melissa@dsasbc.org.