Kirkwood School District Student Receives Rosemary Zander Award
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Kirkwood School District Student Receives Rosemary Zander Award
Kirkwood High School (KHS) student Dustin Rollings is one of 16 students recognized with a Rosemary Zander Award by the Special School District during the Inspiring Future Ceremony on Thursday, May 9. Dustin will be honored with other students for their achievements in academics, arts, athletics, communications, vocational training, independent living skills and community service. Dustin was nominated by KHS SSD Teacher Emily McEntire for the Rosemary Zander
Award.
For her nomination, McEntire wrote: “Dustin Rollings is an exceptional individual whose life and work reflect the values that the Rosemary Zander Award seeks to honor. As a 12th-grade student at Kirkwood High School, Dustin has not only excelled academically but has also demonstrated unparalleled resilience in overcoming the numerous health challenges- of leukodystrophy, surgeries, and hospitalizations. His use of an augmentative communication device to actively participate in classroom discussions, greet customers at the school coffee shop, and share his infectious sense of humor are just a few examples of his ability to engage and inspire others. His leadership in Best Buddies, his advocacy for inclusivity, and his positive attitude make him a truly inspiring figure for is peers and his community.”
The Rosemary Zander Awards were named in honor of an SSD teacher who dedicated her career to the success of her students. When Zander retired, she planned to devote her time to presenting seminars and workshops on building student self-esteem. She was unable to fulfill her plans due to a tragic accident that took her life. But her mission lives on today in the form of the Rosemary Zander Awards, the highest honor awarded to SSD students.
Special School District of St. Louis County (SSD) provides special education services to all students with disabilities in St. Louis County – nearly 23,000 this school year. The District also operates two technical high schools with a combined enrollment of more than 1,600 students that provide a wide range of career and technical education opportunities to area high school students.
- KHS