Rochester, NY (June 12, 2008)- The Arc of Monroe County recently held its annual business meeting and reception, at the Lodge at Woodcliff. During the reception various awards and honors were announced, including five local teens, Kali Knickerbocker, Shannon O’Leary, Chelsea Shaw, Nicole Steiner, Emily Timmons, and Ashley Bowick. The Arc of Monroe County Scholarship. The $1,000 Arc of Monroe County Scholarship is awarded to students attending college to pursue a career that will work with individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

“This scholarship is awarded to local seniors with an impressive work history with individuals who have developmental and physical disabilities,” said Jim Mroczek, President and CEO of The Arc of Monroe County. “The seniors we have awarded tonight exemplify not only the spirit of The Arc, but also what The Arc is looking for in future employees. This is our way of supporting them in pursuing their education.”

Awarded The Arc of Monroe County Scholarship were:

• Kali Knickerbocker, gradating from Pittsford-Mendon High School, will be attending Nazareth College to study inclusive education.
• Shannon O’Leary, graduating from Greece-Athena High School and will be attending SUNY Buffalo to become a nurse practitioner.
• Chelsea Shaw, graduating from Caledonia-Mumford High School, will be attending Roberts Wesleyan College to study Elementary and Special Education.
• Nicole Steiner is graduating from Honeoye Falls-Lima High School and will be attending Marywood University in Scranton, PA to study Art Therapy.
• Emily Timmons, graduating from Greece-Athena High School, will be attending SUNY Geneseo to study Childhood Development and Special Education.
• Ashley Bowick, is to graduate from Bloomfield High School and will be attending Finger Lakes Community College to study nursing.

LouWanda Bell was also honored at The Arc of Monroe's annual meeting; she was the recipient of the 2008 NYSARC Jonathan Weingold Scholarship, four scholarships are presented throughout the state annually. This award is given to a full-time NYSARC employee who wishes to further their education and is presented in memory of Jonathan Weingold, son of Joseph T. Weingold.

Other awards honored at the meeting were the 2008 NYSARC James Reville Scholarship, the 2008 Roger J. Robach Award, the 2008 Kevin Walsh Award, and the 2008 Weckesser Award.

About The Arc of Monroe County
For more than 50 years, The Arc of Monroe County has been working with and for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. The Arc offers a variety of services designed to increase independence and self-sufficiency, and enhance the quality of life and self-esteem of program participants by providing them with meaningful social development, employment, community living, and enrichment opportunities.

For more information about The Arc of Monroe County and its programs, call 585-271-0660.