The Making a Difference Awards ceremony was held on May 4, 2023 by the Delaware County Right to Education Local Task Force.  Twenty-four students and nineteen professionals across the county were honored along with a group team for Middle School Life Skills/Autistic Support and a team of student coaches for Special Olympics.  A lifetime achievement award was also given. 

Two students and one paraprofessional from Penn-Delco were honored for their contributions. 

The Making a Difference Awards are an annual event sponsored by Delaware County's Right to Education Local Task Force. The event recognizes outstanding individuals who meet one of the following criteria:

• Students who have persevered and overcome challenges to be successful within an inclusive setting.
• Students who have demonstrated exceptional support, friendship, acceptance, and understanding to ensure the inclusion of classmates of all abilities.
• Adults who have demonstrated extraordinary efforts through their exceptional work to promote acceptance and understanding to ensure the inclusion of all children of all abilities.

Drew Hunger, a third grade student at Aston Elementary, was nominated by his principal, Sue Phillips, for his positive, energetic, and friendly personality, along with his care for his little brother and support for the Down Syndrome Community. 

Two of Northley's own were also honored.  Evan Durbano is in grade 6 at Northley Middle School and was honored for his positive behavior, exceptional support, friendship, acceptance and understanding towards others with disabilities, modeling an exceptional role model for his peers.  Evan was nominated by Suzanne Brindle.

Nicole Mast is a paraprofessional in the Penn-Delco School District.  Her efforts to create a wonderful environment for her students along with mentoring  a student who was not attending class.  This student is now on the honor roll.  She was nominated by Kelly Lamberto. 

We are #penndelcoproud of these generous members of our Penn-Delco community.