Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Graduating senior receives international award
Michael Fuchs
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Betty Vawter Senior Editor, News & Information Services 812/480-1873 The Council for Exceptional Children is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the educational success of individuals with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. Dr. Julie Green, assistant professor of education, nominated Fuchs for the award. "Michael is extremely responsible and has devoted his life to working with students with disabilities," she said. "He will be an exceptional special education teacher and will make a difference in many students' lives." Involved with the CEC for two years, Fuchs serves as vice president of the USI chapter. He has coordinated many projects with other students majoring in special education. He initiated efforts to establish a chapter of Best Buddies on campus and serves as president. Best Buddies is a national organization that provides opportunities for students to interact with members of the community that have disabilities. "Working with exceptional children has always been a passion for me," Fuchs said. "Organizations like the Council for Exceptional Children provide vital resources for professionals in the special education field, and it is an honor to be recognized by a group I respect so deeply. One of the things I'm most proud of is that I can represent the USI special education program." Fuchs, who did not talk until age four, has firsthand knowledge of secluded classrooms. He attended the early childhood program at Evansville ARC and was in special education classrooms early in his school career before being incorporated into general classrooms. He was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Fuchs began volunteering with Special Olympics nine years ago. His reception by individuals with disabilities at the first event prompted him to continue his volunteer service. "They are always happy to see you, and they give you the biggest smiles," he said. "They make you think you're the most important person in the world." Fuchs will receive a plaque during an awards ceremony at the 2011 CEC Convention and Expo in National Harbor, Maryland, to be held April 25-28. He also received an invitation to the President's Reception and recognition during the Student Forum at the annual meeting. Three faculty members, including Green, Dr. Katherine R. Robbins, assistant professor of education, and Patricia D. Davidson, instructor in teacher education, are attending the conference. This was Fuchs' second year to attend the national conference. He went last year to the meeting in Nashville, Tennessee. "It's definitely helpful," he said. "They have a lot of neat ideas and new research about teaching children with special needs. I took away a lot from it." |
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