Menu
NHS student raises awareness of disabilities
Nevada Daily Mail
For a Nevada High School student, raising awareness of and improving understanding of those with challenges, was a natural outgrowth of her work with Special Olympics.
"I love all my kids," Emily Dunlap said. "I want to make the world perfect for them.
"I chose disabilities as my subject," said Emily of her project. "I looked off and on for ideas for various awareness activities. I started by going on Facebook and going to the page on Down Syndrome Awareness Month (October). There was a plethora of ideas on that.
"That gave me some ideas for a book display. I adapted what I saw there."
She also gleaned a number of facts during her research.
"I found statistics that were really eye opening. Downs is a lot more common than I knew. One in 691 babies is born with Downs. I didn't realize it was that common."
Dunlap's project is an outgrowth of her membership in Youth Enrichment Services. YES, in partnership with the Vernon County Youth Task Force, focuses on positive projects to increase the respect of all and promote positive life choices.
The shared goals of the VCYTF and YES are to develop strategies to provide students with positive opportunities and knowledge to build a better community.
YES members are encouraged to make a difference and take the lead on projects that will benefit the community, Nevada High School counselor Tom Geeding explained.
"Emily's Down Syndrome Awareness project is an excellent example of what YES members do to make a difference in our community."
Dunlap said she sought to personalize her effort and "decided to spotlight two of our Nevada High alums."
Carolyn Quitno and Tommy Phillips agreed to help out with Dunlap's project.
Carolyn's parents, Nora and Neal helped, as did Tommy's sister, Pam Earnest, and his parents, Joan and Romie.
Emily got support from her parents, Brett and Marci Dunlap, and her mom helped with the big board.
Dunlap said the project took "about a month and a half of solid planning. We met often and discussed how to do what I wanted."
The project will see time in various locations in town.
Wednesday, the display was unveiled at Truman Elementary after first appearing at Nevada High School Monday and Tuesday.
Thursday, she took her project to Nevada Middle School, then Friday and Saturday, it will be on display at the Nevada Public Library.
"It was great to involve other schools with this," Dunlap said of her efforts to branch out from displaying her work in her own school.
"It was a partnership with all the schools and the building principals," said Geeding.
NHS librarian Ranea Schulze, Truman librarian Julie Scotten, NMS librarian Amy Hertzberg, and Nevada Public Library Director Jodi Polk were "all very supportive and supplied books," said Geeding.
"I am very proud of Emily's accomplishments on this project. I am equally proud of all the members of YES and their dedication and hard work each year," Geeding continued.
"They continually impress me with their knowledge on issues that impact our local community and their problem solving abilities in addressing those issues."
"It's been a blast," summed up Dunlap of her experience.
More about Emily Dunlap
Favorite class subjects -- Cadet teaching. "It's an amazing opportunity."
Interests -- volunteering, coaching, hunting and fishing, and reading.
NHS activities, honors -- straight As, "Very involved in school," Crowder classes, FTA treasurer, member in YES, "Maintain my position with the Special Olympics. I do work to bring new ideas to the S.O. and to other groups I'm in."
Inspirational people -- "My kids that I work with each and every day."
Plans after graduation -- Teaching early elementary and coaching.