The Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities has named its $1,500 Donor Scholarship recipient.
This year’s award goes to Monica Horschler, a Medina High School senior, who has shown a strong commitment to individuals with developmental differences through her work with the ASL Club, HUDDLE, and as a Disability Coordinator at a Girl Scout camp.
Inspired by her older brother with autism, Monica plans to study Special Education and Technical Theater at Bowling Green State University, with a goal of creating inclusive theater programs for all students.
Here’s part of the MCBDD news release on Monica’s accomplishments and plans:
Monica will be graduating from Medina High School this spring, where she was the Outreach Coordinator for the American Sign Language Club and part of HUDDLE (Helping Us Develop Dedication, Leadership, and Enthusiasm). As a member of HUDDLE, she helped plan monthly activities for students at the Medina City School’s Bowman House; a program dedicated to developing work and social skills for students with developmental differences. The most significant role she feels she had during her time at the Bowman House was simply being a friend to those who needed one.
Monica has always felt enthusiastic about working with individuals with developmental differences. Growing up she would help her older brother who had autism, and through this experience she realized she wanted to become an intervention specialist. She is passionate and committed to working with people with developmental differences, and feels it is what she is meant to do in life.
Armed with everything she learned from her HUDDLE experiences, last summer she took on the role of Disability Coordinator at a Girl Scout Day Camp. In her role as Disability Coordinator, Monica communicated with parents, directors, and station leads to ensure a successful camp experience for girls with disabilities. At the camp, she also served in another role as Troop and Material Manager, in which she managed budgeting and supplies, as well as assigned Girl Scout Leaders to troops.
In the fall, Monica will be attending Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio, where she plans to double major in Special Education and Technical Theater. In the future she hopes to work in a school with the goal of creating an accessible theater program for all. Whether the students want to be behind the soundboard, on stage, or want to attend a production without being disruptive to other patrons, she hopes to create equal opportunities for everyone.
