Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society Honors 2014 Champions
(SAVANNAH, GA) The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) honored the 2014 Champions at the Fifth Annual Night of Champions, Thursday, May 1. Champions and their employers are Kenneth Boone from Edwards Interiors, Nick Thios from Smith Brothers, Lawrence Watson from OPTIM Health, David Wilson from Live Oak Public Library, and Kenneth Longinotti from the City of Savannah. LDSS also presented the Deen Family with the President’s Award at the banquet.
“Dignity and self-respect are borne out of feeling that what we have to offer makes a difference,” said LDSS Night of Champions Chairperson, Allyson Harvin. “When forward thinking businesses give those with Down syndrome, and other differently-abled adults, a chance to be productive members of society, society itself benefits.”
The Night of Champions awards and celebration was emceed by Jamie Deen, TV personality and best-selling cookbook author. Deen, who sits on the LDSS Board, is a strong advocate for hiring those with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities. For “their time, talents and treasure”, LDSS presented the Deen Family with the President’s Award at the banquet.
President of LDSS, Joe Marchese said, “When a schedule conflict prevented Jamie Deen from being the Grand Marshall of the Buddy Walk he didn’t say ‘Sorry.’ Instead, he asked ‘Would it be alright if my mother helped out?’ We are honored that their family has become a part of the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society family. I am humbled to be a part of theirs.”
About the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society:
The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) is a non-profit support group to benefit people with Down Syndrome and their families through local leadership in support, outreach, education and advocacy. Meetings are held every 4th Tuesday of the month, typically with a guest speaker and social time for families to meet and interact with one another. We encourage people to bring their children. We are an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society. http://www.ldssga.org/
For more information on the 2014 Night of Champions, visit nightofchampions.org .
ABOUT THE CHAMPIONS:
1. Kenneth Boone
Presented by Doug Edwards – Edwards Interiors
Kenneth graduated from South Effingham High School as well as Project SEARCH. He has always liked to work with his hands and his philosophy about tools is the more power, the better, so it was natural that he would gravitate toward a career involving both. When not working, Kenneth loves being outdoors, especially if it involves riding 4 wheelers. He is very well liked by his coworkers and has been described as “just a great, all around outdoorsman.”
2.Nick Thios
Presented by Gary Griffin – Smith Brothers
Nick graduated from Newark High School, Newark, OH in 1998. Following his graduation, he had several jobs in his OH community before moving to Savannah in 2010. He bowls with the Ambucs and Wild Ones bowling leagues, swims, rides his bike, plays golf, works out at the fitness center and loves riding Leroy at Horsin’Around. Nick is very knowledgeable about the actors and characters in movies and can identify rock and roll songs and their artists after hearing just a few bars of music. His love of music is equaled only by his love of dancing. His favorite part of his job at Smith Brothers is the people he works with and his customers
3.Lawrence Watson
Presented by Sabrina Putney – OPTIM Health
Lawrence graduated from Savannah High and Project SEARCH. He has been described as both a go getter and a team player. When he runs out of work, he finds more. At home, Lawrence enjoys baking. His co-workers love when he brings in cakes and cupcakes to share. He enjoys helping people and has donated baked goods to bake sales benefiting those in need.
4.David Wilson
Presented by Walter Clayton – Live Oak Public Library, Oglethorpe Mall Branch
David graduated from Jenkins High School in 2001. He worked for a couple of years at Quantum but was eager to find a job out in the community. His love of reading and social nature made him a perfect fit for the library. He also enjoys Japanese animation, playing Bay Blade and listening to music, notably Rianna. But mostly he enjoys seeing all of his customers.
5.Kenneth Longinotti
Presented by Earl Ethridge – City of Savannah
Kenneth is a graduate of Johnson High School. He is one of the early pioneers of inclusion in the workplace, having worked for the City of Savannah for over 15 years. He is just part of the team of the men and women who work behind the scenes preparting the fields for recreational play. At home, Kenneth enjoys time with family and helps with the care of his brothers.