Sarah McLaen, a senior at Hilton High School, was presented with The Youth Award by The Advocacy Center. The award honors an individual, age 21 or younger, whose efforts make a positive difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Sarah has been a TIES volunteer in Hilton Central School District for the past three years. TIES, Together Including Every Student, pairs teen volunteers with students who have disabilities and need support to participate in community activities.
Besides volunteering with drumming, cooking, zumba and lunch support, Sarah also teaches students in the dance studio she attends.
In addition to being a great help to students, Sarah has been an excellent role model for other volunteers. For example, when a student with challenging behaviors became difficult, Sarah found ways to distract and keep him busy, such as taking him for a walk.
Hilton Central School District TIES Coordinator Eileen Snyder nominated Sarah: “Sarah is reliable, considerate, and a friend to all the children she has helped. The parents love her as well.”
Sarah said she has been working with special needs individuals since she was in ninth grade. After graduation, she plans to attend Rochester Institute of Technology to become an interpreter for the deaf.
The Advocacy Center, located in Rochester, empowers individuals with disabilities and their families to advocate for themselves and realize their personal goals.
Students in grades 8 through 12 interested in sharing their extracurricular interests with children and young adults with developmental disabilities ages 8 through 21 are encouraged to contact TIES Coordinator Eileen Snyder at 392-7703 or esnyder5@rochester.rr.com. For more information about TIES, visit www.TIESProgram.org.
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