ARC of Bartholomew County presents service awards

The ARC of Bartholomew County at its annual awards ceremony on May 16 honored several individuals who were nominated by their peers for outstanding work that furthered ARC’s mission of meeting the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Honorees were:

Ajay Singireddy, David Stambaugh Volunteer of the Year Award. Singireddy is a senior at Columbus North High School, editor-in-chief of the school magazine and an active volunteer with ARC and other nonprofits including Indiana Legal Aid and Love Chapel.

Susan Erickson, Educator of the Year Award. Erickson has been a special education/inclusion teacher for seven years at Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp.

Jennifer Fields, Professional of the Year Award. Fields is the executive director and co-founder of REACH Columbus, Inc.

Jason Sprague, Self-Advocate Award. Sprague is the Self Advocates of Tomorrow club president and has worked at TJ Maxx for the last seven years, recently receiving the associate of the quarter award.

Mackenzie Bailey: Youth Recognition Award. Throughout her time at Columbus East High School, Bailey has advocating for peers with disabilities with kindness patience through her involvement in Best Buddies, unified track, United Sound and other clubs and organizations.

Dennis Heathfield, President’s Award, chosen by The Arc of Bartholomew County. A longtime executive at Cummins Inc., Heathfield is, according to ARC, “a true champion for neurodiverse people,” finding opportunities and removing obstacles for people to work at the company.

Jacob Stansbury, Ben Baker Memorial Scholarship recipient. The Columbus Signature Academy graduate intends to continue his education at Ivy Tech Community College, Columbus, and the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, focusing on cybersecurity. He wants to create accessibility software and adaptive computer accessories for people with disabilities.

Additionally, Columbus Air Park was awarded the Friend of The Arc Award.