Alicia McCann is proof of what the Rebecca S. McDonald Award is all about.
The student at Bridgewater-Raritan High School was the recipient of the prestigious Rebecca S. McDonald Award during a ceremony that was held on Wednesday, May 14, at Bell Works in Holmdel.
She was joined at the ceremony by her parents as well as Dr. Sandra Lynch, who is the Transition Coordinator for the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District, and her teacher, Brenda Hockstein, the School to Employment Program Coordinator at Bridgewater-Raritan High School.
Alicia was one of six high school seniors who were chosen by the New Jersey Transition Coordinator’s Network to receive the Rebecca S. McDonald Award.
According to the Association of People Supporting Employment First, “Rebecca McDonald was a tireless advocate and champion for supported employment. This award recognizes students involved in successful transition activities, preparing them for the adult world. Students are nominated based on the following criteria: Overcoming obstacles, motivation, and achievement in the areas of transition from school to adult life. Areas of transition considered: Self-advocacy, postsecondary planning, paid or unpaid employment experiences, participation in their IEP development, independent living, or any other area applicable to the student’s transition.”
During the ceremony at Bell Works, Alicia received a $150 gift card and a framed certificate.
Below is a heartwarming and inspiring message that Dr. Lynch, who nominated Alicia for the Rebecca S. McDonald Award, wrote about Alicia.
“Alicia is an inspiring young adult who brings her absolute best to every opportunity, whether volunteering at a business in her community or engaging with new topics in her pilot college-based program. Alicia exhibits incredible leadership, curiosity, dedication, and enthusiasm for learning. She is internally proud and motivated and participates in all aspects of her education.
She assists her peers and encourages them to reach for their goals. Alicia is an invaluable member of our team. Her commitment to growth is evident in everything that she does,s fostering positive relationships and connections with those around her. Her exuberant attitude and perseverance make her a wonderful role model and candidate for this award.
In my 10-plus years as a member of the Transition Coordinator’s Network, I have yet to put a name forward for this prestigious award, but no longer. I am here today to nominate Alicia McCann, without reservation, for this honor. Please know that she will carry it with pride!
Alicia, you are an absolute joy to work with each and every day. The growth we have seen in you this year has been immeasurable. Your mind, your heart, and your humor will be missed, but we fear not.
The sky is the limit! Never let anyone tell you you can’t because, oh boy, can you! As the original class of the LionHearts at Raritan Valley Community College, your experience taught us, and I am here to make a promise to you to ensure that we grow from there.
Mr. and Mrs. McCann, from watching a shy young girl enter our campus all those years ago, to seeing her behind the screen during Covid flourishing, to finally watching her bloom on the college campus; communication BOOMing through new relationships, I know you are extremely proud… she will be missed!”