(Louisville, KY) The Metro Disability Coalition will hold our 23rd Annual Breaking Barriers Spotlight Awards on Friday, May 9th from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at the Rudd Heart & Lung Center located at 201 Abraham Flexner Way.
Prior to the ceremony, there will be a reception for special honorees, dignitaries and other special guests participating in the program. This year, Shannon Davis aka ‘Coach by Shine’ will serve as this year’s master of ceremony.
We are excited to announce that this year’s guest speaker is Dr. Sherry Babbage Melisizwe. The Louisville community knows her as Dr. Babbage and her main practice which was established in West Louisville.Educating the community on dental health and treatment. She graduated from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. Becoming a D.M.D in 1981. Making her one of the few African American female dentists in the Commonwealth of Kentucky at that time. Receiving countless awards for work in her profession and service to the community. Dr. Babbage says the work she does is her ministry. We chose Dr. Babbage because she demonstrates professionalism and love for her community each and every day.
The evening is a celebration for those who take time out of their day to assist others. Its concern for others is what makes the following special. They take pride in giving back and they care about the well-being of all people in the community. The following good neighbors and unsung heroes in their various fields range from service workers, educators to youth who go above and beyond the call of duty to assist those in need. Which includes many from Jefferson County Public Schools, (JCPS). We are excited to announce this year’s honorees.
Here is a list of this year’s Breaking Barriers Spotlight Award honorees:
Marcellus Mayes
Lifetime Achievement Award
Don’Quel Ja’kur Andrews
Merit Award
Onyx Sands
Spotlight Award
Simmons College of Kentucky Men’s Basketball team
Community Service Award
Dominique Williams, TARC driver
Marvin Hawkins, TARC driver
James Allen, TARC driver
Kevin Richardson, Fitness & Wellness trainer
Kiara James, Pushing Forward
Certificate of Merit
Special thanks to Grace Smith and family.
Grace Smith
Rachel Smith
Marti Davis
Sharon McDade
Breaking Barriers Spotlight Student & Teacher Awards recipients:
Teachers & Staff
Elementary School
Robyn Ballinger,
Chenoweth Elementary
Middle School
Shawana Brown,
Knight Middle School
High School
Vanessa “Lexie” Kemper,
Newcomer Academy & several other schools
Students
Elementary School
Micah Patterson, Schaffner Traditional Elementary
Clinney Tyler, Hawthorne Elementary
Middle School
Stuthi Dev, Noe Middle School
Levi Logsdon, Knight Middle School
High School
Bryan Lasley, Waggener High School
Brayden Tiernan, Fairdale High School
