DuBard School Recognizes Community Members at Speakeasy Event

At the recent DuBard School Speakeasy, the DuBard School for Language Disorders at The University of Southern Mississippi presented awards to three members of the community who have helped the organization throughout the years.

“The DuBard School awards were developed in 2014 to recognize and thank those who have made a positive impact on the DuBard School and its students” said Missy Schraeder, DuBard School Interim Director. “Thanks to the efforts of these extraordinary volunteers and public servants, the DuBard School continues to thrive and provide critical services for our community.”

Three awards were presented at the DuBard School Speakeasy this year: DuBard School University Friend, Community Friend, and Award of Distinction. The recipients were as follows:

DuBard School University Friend – Coach Scott Berry, Head Coach, USM Baseball

Coach Berry has shown tremendous support for the DuBard School for Language Disorders throughout his career at The University of Southern Mississippi. Coach Berry and the Southern Miss Baseball team visit the DuBard School children each spring to sign autographs and offer encouragement. During their visits, Coach Berry always speaks about the hard work and dedication of the DuBard School students, using them as an example for his team members. Coach has been and continues to be a staunch supporter of the DuBard School.

DuBard School Community Friend – Tom King, Mississippi Highway Commissioner, Southern District

Commissioner King has been a friend of the DuBard School for many years. While serving in the state senate, King was the torch bearer for the DuBard School which, at the time, was relatively unknown in the state legislature. He began to tell the story of the school all over the Capitol and guided school representatives about working with the legislature. Ultimately, his efforts resulted in the first separate legislative allocation to the DuBard School in 2005. The work which then-Senator King started has provided the legislative allocation funding which has kept classrooms open and the enrollment program full. Because of his passion for the DuBard School, hundreds of children have benefitted.

DuBard School Award of Distinction – William H. “Bill” Pace

Bill Pace's contributions to the DuBard School span decades as a friendship with the late Dr. Etoile DuBard developed into a deep and profound commitment to the DuBard School and its mission. In 1991, Mr. Pace helped found the DuBard School Advisory Board, a group of parents and volunteers dedicated to supporting the school and ensuring its continued success. During difficult financial times, Mr. Pace exercised tremendous leadership in guiding the Advisory Board to raise the necessary funds to sustain operations at the school. Mr. Pace also secured the Kelly Gene Cook Foundation and other major givers to invest in a new building for the DuBard School in 2002, leading to the project being 80% privately funded. Mr. Pace's leadership, dedication and loyalty are without question, and he has faithfully served the DuBard School for many years.