Able Tales Newsletter

Marissa McNickle with a scholarship and certificate of appreciation for her contributions to independent living.

This June, the Statewide Independent Living Council was proud to award Marissa McNickle with a scholarship and certificate of appreciation for her contributions to independent living.

Marissa received this award for her work on "The Wonderful World of Independent Living," an informational coloring book depicting a different aspect of independent living on each page. She dedicated many hours as author and illustrator of this coloring book, resulting in a valuable educational tool. Last holiday season, the books were distributed to kids in hospitals throughout Vermont, and the SILC expects to print and distribute more in the coming months.

The SILC award and scholarship were presented to Marissa at the Champlain Valley Union High School convocation, held at the Ira Allen Chapel on June 12th. SILC coordinator Lynne Goodson and council member Jason Whitney were on hand for the ceremony, and on behalf of the SILC, offered Marissa their congratulations and a bouquet of flowers. In addition to the SILC award, Marissa received a Community Service Award and an award from the Vermont Teen Leadership & Safety Program.

Marissa's work on the "Wonderful World of Independent Living" has not been her only contribution to the SILC. She has also participated as an ad hoc member of the SILC advocacy committee, and participated as a student delegate to last summer's Youth Leadership Forum, co-sponsored by the SILC.

Marissa is working with children this summer, and plans to use her scholarship to help further her education in the near future. She is an extraordinary young woman with an inspiring dedication to community service. The SILC is grateful for the hard work and lasting contributions that Marissa has made to the independent living movement. Her remarkable talent and commitment has touched and inspired us all.

Thank you, Marissa!