DuBard School at Southern Miss Recognizes Community Members for Dedication

For the 52 years that the DuBard School has been in existence, there have been a countless number of individuals who have played major roles in the success and growth of the institution. These folks have continued to change the lives of individuals with language disorders and their families.

The leadership at The University of Southern Mississippi's DuBard School felt it was time to recognize these individuals publicly -- thus the DuBard School Annual Awards were born.

For the first year, three recognitions were given and awarded at the DuBard School Speakeasy on Oct. 3, 2014 – DuBard School for Language Disorders University Friend of the Year, Community Friend of the Year and Award of Distinction. The recipients were as follows:

DuBard School University Friend of the Year – Dr. Nancy Speed, Assistant Director and Instructor in the Department of Human Performance and Recreation at The University of Southern Mississippi

Dr. Speed plays an instrumental role in providing physical education for students of DuBard School. For eight years, she has coordinated university graduate students to provide physical education classes at DuBard School – giving graduate students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and giving DuBard School students the physical education they need. Her tireless commitment to the school is evident, as she does this work in addition to her full-time job, even filling in as PE coach when a graduate student can't attend.

DuBard School Community Friend of the Year – Junior Auxiliary of Hattiesburg

Junior Auxiliary of Hattiesburg formed a relationship with DuBard School many years ago through contributions and volunteerism. Presently, through developing “DuBard Design” art projects for DuBard School students. Three to four times a year, a handful of Junior Auxiliary members plan an art project, gather all of the materials and visit DuBard School students to help them make an art project they can take home to give as gifts or display in their rooms. Junior Auxiliary members are always so kind and patient with students, helping them develop a project they're proud of.

DuBard School Award of Distinction – Mr. Charles Kroen

For seven years, Mr. Charles Kroen volunteered at DuBard School every Wednesday afternoon reading to students. Prior to his move to the Collins Veterans Home last year, Mr. Kroen, now age 93, was a faithful volunteer who truly enjoyed sitting down one-on-one with students to read through their favorite book, or presenting a book to a whole class so they could enjoy reading together. Because he was such a faithful volunteer, visiting regularly through the years, Mr. Kroen was able to see students' growth in language. As they continued to develop their skills, no matter their rate of growth, he was highly encouraging of students, something they all treasured. In fact, the students enjoyed his company so much that it was considered a privilege to read with him.

DuBard School staff is honored to recognize these individuals and organization for their dedication to students. Without the support of the community, DuBard School would not be able to have the impact that it does today. The school looks forward to presenting these awards for years to come, as there are many more who are deserving of recognition for the significance they have on the lives of others.

About the DuBard School for Language Disorders

The DuBard School for Language Disorders was established in 1962 and is a clinical division of the Southern Miss Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences. The school serves children with severe language/speech disorders, including the written language disorder of dyslexia, and/or hearing impairments and provides guidance and counseling for parents and families of the children. The school is a practicum site for university students majoring in speech-language pathology, audiology or deaf education. DuBard School for Language Disorders is a United Way agency. Further information is found at www.usm.edu/dubard.