HAGERSTOWN, MD – The Arc Maryland, the largest statewide advocacy organization dedicated to protecting and advancing the rights of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) has announced the award committee’s selections for The Arc Maryland Annual Statewide Leadership and Advocacy Awards. Honorees will be awarded in a virtual celebration on June 9th at 5:30 p.m.

Many of the awardees come from Washington County, three as members of The Arc of Washington County.

Merrideth Wile, a counselor at Northern Middle, will be presented with The School Inclusion Award for Secondary Education – presented for providing quality educational opportunities and creating supportive, inclusive learning environments for students of all abilities.

The Catalyst Award will be presented to Troy Van Scoyoc – Executive Director of The Arc of Washington County – for his unprecedented and tireless work and creative solutions to prevent illness and encourage continued physical and emotional health of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families through the pandemic.

The Arc of Washington County nominated direct support professional Bonnie Bowman for The Outstanding Employee of the Year: Gilbert John Zucchi Direct Support Professional Award. These awards are presented to those engaged in direct supports to people with I/DD who exemplify the qualities of Gil Zucchi: superior moral strength and integrity, devotion to individuals with developmental disabilities beyond the call of duty, warm personal relationships, respect, thoughtfulness, and fairness in relationships with persons with developmental disabilities. These employees in Direct Supports have made the greatest contribution to their organizations and the mission of The Arc through both personal and professional efforts.

Ande Kolp, executive director of the The Arc Maryland, shared, “Again this year, we received a record number of nominations for awards and the selection committee had its work cut out for it. The level of commitment and service we have experienced during this past extraordinary year has been remarkable: Our neighbors, employers, healthcare workers, and so many others were truly THERE, with and for people with I/DD and their families. We cannot thank them enough for their contributions.”

Chapter Volunteers of the Year are also selected by each chapter of The Arc to be honored for outstanding service and dedication to The Arc’s mission: to create a world where children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities have and enjoy equal rights and opportunities. The Arc of Washington County awarded this honor to Bob Bodell – Chairman of the Board and longtime volunteer dedicated to furthering the mission.

To register for the Virtual Awards Ceremony on June 9th, or for more information about The Arc Maryland, visit www.thearcmd.org.

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About The Arc of Washington County
As a local chapter of The Arc Maryland, and a statewide leader providing comprehensive supports for adults and children with intellectual or developmental disabilities, The Arc of Washington County works to empower all to achieve meaningful lives. Supports include residential, day & outreach, and employment services. Programs are designed with a person-centered approach – a guided process for learning how someone wants to live at home, at work, or in the community and developing a plan to make that happen.

Visit www.arcwc-md.org for more information and other ways you can support The Arc-WC.

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