On Sept. 19 the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities recognized more than 90 Direct Support Professionals at their annual DSP Awards celebration.

Local DSPs were nominated by LCBDD staff members, people they support and members of the community. Each nominee received a swag bag and an invitation to the awards ceremony, where they enjoyed breakfast and music by Zayne Harshaw of the band Blue Spectrum. His rocking guitar music was the perfect fit for the event, which focused on the “DSP Rockstars” who “help people find their voice.”

We appreciate LCBDD Superintendent Dr. Jason Umstot and DODD Director Kim Hauck for making remarks and sharing their own experiences as DSPs.

Our Emcees, Bethany Toledo and Kevin Metz from the Ohio Alliance of Direct Support Professionals (OADSP), recognized DSPs who participated in the OADSP Direct Leadership Certificate program and the new DSP-U program at Newark High School. Then 11 DSPs were recognized with awards for going above and beyond. Each award winner also received a scholarship to fund professional development through OADSP.

Congratulations to this year’s winners:

Horizon Award:

Amanda Price from CSS

Gina Bomgardner and Faith Nobilucci-Collins from Living by Faith

Momentum Award:

Roy Stutz from The FUSE Network (LICCO)

Loria Messer from Greenleaf Job Training Services

Constellation Award

Lexi Rowland of Licking/Knox Goodwill Industries

Alice Decker of Newark Resident Homes

Soar Award

Tina Ryan from Bloom

Tera Hawes from CSS

Lunar Award

BranDee Scott

Travis King