Millburn Student Helps To Raise Awareness Of Developmental Disabilities

If you’re seeking inspiring students who care about their classmates with developmental disabilities – or may have one themselves – look no further than Essex County.

According to The Arc of Essex County, a local nonprofit that assists individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Millburn's Sara Solomon will be among several honored elementary, middle, and high school students during the organization’s 18th Annual “Building Tomorrows” initiative.

Each recognized student has a developmental disability themselves, or has a close connection to someone with a disability and wish to spread awareness, according to a news release.

The 18th Annual Building Tomorrows 5K run, two-mile run and Family Fun Fest is slated for Saturday, April 16 at Brookdale Park in Montclair/Bloomfield.

Learn more about the event here.

According to event organizers, the full list of students includes:

SARA SOLOMON

Student Ambassador, Wyoming Elementary School, Millburn, NJ

"Sara is a 5th grade student at Wyoming Elementary School in Millburn, NJ. Special needs are a part of Sara’s everyday life. She has surrounded herself with a number of friends who have helped her expand her knowledge about the disability community and inspire her to advocate for greater acceptance. She is delighted to serve as a Student Ambassador in honor of her friends Zach and Mary.

"Sara believes it is important to make every person feel included and equal regardless of their age, race, or disability. As a 2016 Student Ambassador, Sara looks forward to reminding the community that “within the word ‘disability’ is the word ‘ability.’ By searching beyond small weaknesses you will find breathtaking strength.”

DOMINIQUE MACALUSO

Student Ambassador, Mt. St. Dominick Academy, Caldwell, NJ

"Dominique is a junior at the Mt. St. Dominick Academy in Caldwell, NJ. Inspired by her cousin Sal who is on the Autism spectrum, Dominique looks forward to raising awareness as a 2016 Building Tomorrows Student Ambassador within her community proving that although people with disabilities are different, they are also equal.

"Dominique takes pride in spreading awareness and enlightening the community about Autism while also helping Sal develop social skills. In addition to learning how to be a caregiver for Sal and others in need, Dominique volunteers for the Kiwanis Key Club in Caldwell during the annual disabilities fair at the Turtle Back Zoo."

She says, “People who are different than me inspire me because I admire their strength and courage. I want to be their voice when they need one as well as their support.”

JACKSON SHULKOWSKI

Student Ambassador, The Arc of Essex County’s Stepping Stones School, Kindergarten Class, Roseland, NJ

"Jackson is the youngest of seven children and has been a source of inspiration for his siblings and family since he was born. Jackson currently attends The Arc of Essex County’s Stepping Stones School kindergarten class. In the past year, he has learned to take his first steps and is just now beginning to speak.

"Despite not speaking until he was five, Jackson loves interacting with people. He learned early on to flash his smile to communicate and garner attention. Jackson enjoys spending time supporting his siblings by attending sporting events, music concerts, and other activities. His happy demeanor and friendly smile has helped spread awareness about Down syndrome and rally his local community to support him as a 2016 Student Ambassador."

JAMES HAHN

Student Ambassador, The Arc of Essex County’s Stepping Stones School, Primary Class, Roseland, NJ

"James is in his last year in the primary class at The Arc of Essex County’s Stepping Stones School. James enjoys participating in sports in his home town of Oradell and spending time with his large extended family.

"James will be graduating from the Stepping Stones School in 2016 and looks forward to representing his school as a 2016 Student Ambassador and spreading awareness about Down syndrome."

MARY McNANY

Student Ambassador Mentor, Heritage Middle School, Livingston, NJ

"Mary McNany returns as a 2016 Student Ambassador mentor and representative for Heritage Middle School in Livingston. Mary is an 8th grade student with Down syndrome who knows all of her classmates by name. She is genuinely interested and supportive of others, and is persistent and perseverant no matter the circumstances. She is an active member of her school’s newspaper and theater programs.

"Mary is excited to mentor our 2016 student ambassadors and show them how they can set an example for other kids to become role models in their communities. One of her favorite quotes states, “There’s going to be a day when I cannot do it. Today’s not that day.”

BRADEN HOPTON

Student Ambassador Mentor, ECLC School, Chatham, NJ

"Braden Hopton represented the ECLC School in Chatham as a 2015 Student Ambassador. Currently a 5th grade student, Braden always has a positive attitude and is very encouraging and supportive of his classmates and siblings. As a 2015 Ambassador, he used his “never-give-up” attitude to spread awareness and build support within his community. He looks forward to sharing his positivity and enthusiasm to inspire our 2016 Student Ambassadors.

"Braden, who has Down syndrome, is a staple at his sister’s sporting events and is an inspiration to his friends and family."

ANSLEY HOPTON

Student Ambassador Mentor, Gill St. Bernard’s School, Gladstone, NJ

"Ansley Hopton represented the Gill St. Bernard School as their 2015 Building Tomorrows Student Ambassador. Now a 9th grader from Madison, NJ, Ansley looks forward to sharing her generous nature and sibling perspective to spread awareness in the community and inspire a new class of Student Ambassadors.

"Through helping her brother and his friends, she has grown to appreciate and love the honesty of their kindness and friendship. Ansley is always the first one to volunteer to help others at school and is often paired with students with special needs to serve as a mentor. Ansley’s experience as a mentor to classmates and her brother, coupled with her generosity to help others will be of great value as our 2016 Student Ambassadors look to have a similar impact in their community."

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