Scholarships Awarded to 61 Special Needs Students in Maryland

Sixty-one Maryland students with disabilities will received scholarship awards today in honor of their achievements from the Michael Cardin Scholarship Committee of the Maryland Association of Nonpublic Special Education Facilities (MANSEF).

The students - who all attend or previously attended a Maryland nonpublic special education school - are challenged by a range of physical, emotional and learning disabilities and were nominated for the awards by their schools in recognition of their perseverance and hard work. The awards will allow the students to take part in a range of academic, training or extracurricular activities.

"These scholarships recognize students who have overcome daunting challenges to move forward in school, at home and in their communities," said Dorie Flynn, executive director of MANSEF. "More importantly, perhaps, is the confidence and self-esteem these students will gain during the exciting programs that await them this summer and beyond."

Along with the scholarships, MANSEF presented two additional awards:

• Teresa Lewis, of Edgewood, was presented with the Inspiring Dreams, Changing Lives Award. This award is presented to an employee or a volunteer at a MANSEF school, who through consistent, ongoing service and dedication to children and youth with special needs has demonstrated a commitment to inspire dreams and change the lives of young people.Lewis - who lost her son, Tyree, in 2010 - is a dedicated volunteer at the Shorehaven School, which her son attended.  Each year she organizes an annual holiday feast, complete with gifts for every student and staff member, and volunteers at other school events while also promoting and advocating for the school and its residential programs. 
• Byron Forbush received the President's Award for his commitment to nonpublic schools in Maryland as well as his work to support the rights of students with special needs. Dr. Forbush serves as the Chairman of the Board of Sheppard Pratt Health System, where he has been an active board member since 1974. In this role he oversees the growth of the system's programs, including the seven Forbush Schools, which were named in honor of his father.               

The scholarship fund was established in memory of Michael Cardin, son of U.S. Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland and his wife Myrna, a former MANSEF executive director. The annual scholarships go to students who attend MANSEF member schools. The scholarship fund has grown annually since its inception in 1999 and has awarded more than $200,000 to nearly 300 special education scholars. Mrs. Cardin was on hand at the luncheon to present the awards.

Scholarships are awarded in amounts up to $1,500 each to students enrolled in or graduating from a MANSEF school. Funds are available to assist students enrolling in special training programs or for pursuit of vocational, trade or college education. Such programs include art, recreational and music programs, college or university courses, trade schools and sports programs. 

"These students exemplify the achievement that is possible when students receive the proper supports," said Myrna Cardin. "We are proud to reward and showcase the successes of these young people, each of whom stands out in his or her own way."

MANSEF is a not-for-profit organization of nonpublic special education facilities that promote quality services for children and youth with disabilities. The facilities serve more than 3,500 students between the ages of 2 and 21. Like public schools, the nonpublic facilities are highly regulated by the state of Maryland. And like the public schools, the nonpublic facilities are held accountable for the quality of services they provide.

The nonpublic schools are part of the state's educational continuum for students with special needs. They often provide a more intensive level of staff support and non-classroom services.  A nonpublic school is the most appropriate choice for many Maryland students who are unable to have their needs met in the public schools. These schools serve students with a range of disabilities who require the most intensive services. The most prevalent diagnosed disabilities are emotional disabilities, autism, multiple disabilities, learning disabilities and intellectual disabilities.

Thousands of Maryland families rely on the nonpublic schools to provide their children with specialized instruction. The nonpublic schools are, in short, a critically important component of the state's educational system.

MANSEF represents 93 schools in 16 counties and Baltimore City and serves more than 3,500 students.  Member schools - many of which operate year-round - meet the state-mandated maximum class size of nine students per one teacher and one aide and employ more than 2,000 Marylanders.