An Award AND a Red Carpet!

Pathways was awarded this statue, modeled after the Oscars.

Pathways was nominated for an "Educators Serving the Community" award given by EduSerc, a national organization with the goal of channeling resources and expertise from a range of technical and engineering industries to provide career development and workforce training to youth and adults in the community.  More than 2,800 votes were tallied in selecting the recipients of the awards.  Dr. Helen C. Williams was honored to accept the award on behalf of the staff and students of The Pathways Schools.  

The black-tie award ceremony took place at the Music Center at Strathmore in Bethesda, MD and included a walk down the red carpet for the Pathways representatives: Dr. Williams, Dr. Tania DuBeau, Laurie Mical, principal of Pathways-Northwood at Hyattsville and Carol Frank, clinical co-coordinator.  A number of area school superintendents were present, including Dr. William Hite of Prince George's County.  Also present was Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker and a host of other dignitaries and industry leaders.

In her acceptance remarks Dr. Williams emphasized that in our work with students with emotional disabilities we are inspired and guided by our belief that all children can learn, change, and grow to trust others and themselves.

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A young man had a history of low self-esteem and confidence over most of his life.  Years of bullying from his peers about being overweight contributed his withdrawal from school and social settings.  The loss of several close family members made matters even worse.  Although a bright young man capable of doing his school work, he had little interest in attending. 

In the fall of 2009, he found his way to Pathways. Since that time he has started to replace his feelings of low self-esteem with feelings of pride.  With the support of staff and his parents, he set his goal for the year to begin to lose weight and to participate in the Pathways 14th Annual Fun Run.  He worked on changing his eating habits and tracking his foods.  Gradually the pounds started dropping. He worked on exercising regularly and tracking his progress.  His endurance started rising. 

The day had finally come and in the slightly chilly air, under perfectly sunny skies, he arrived for the Annual Fun Run. The grin on his face and the red I'm Walkin' Bro t-shirt both reflected his high hopes for the day. With the words, "Runners take your mark, go!"  the race began, and he set out to meet his goal.

Throughout the race as the fastest runners crossed the finish line and many others followed behind, his mother anxiously watched for the signs of his red t-shirt rounding the bend on the path.  With each passing red t-shirt that wasn't her son, she became increasingly worried. She just didn't want him to be last. As more and more of the walkers crossed the line, she checked the registration list  to see how many were still out on the path.

Finally, there was another red shirt, and sure enough it was him. His ISS and her team of friends in matching

The young man and  his supporters approach the finish line.

handmade  t-shirts, other staff and an alumnus from Anne Arundel and Pathways, his parents and other family members all rose to their feet jumping up and down, holding signs for him, running alongside him, and cheering him on. Just a moment later and in just under an hour, he and his friends crossed the finish line. He had worked hard to meet his goal, and his relieved and elated mother and supporters celebrated his success. That moment captured what Pathways is all about!