Local Chapter Showcase Award

Volunteer of the Year:
Keri St. John

Keri St. John has been a volunteer, activist and supporter of The Arc in Midland for more than 20 years. Her volunteerism seems to know no bounds.

Keri was instrumental in bringing SibShop to Midland. She facilitated a collaborative effort between The Arc, Bynum School, Rays of Hope and others to bring this important program to Midland.  The mission of The Arc speaks to inclusion. SibShop is a program that meets that goal.

Keri also was instrumental in organizing and administering a summer camp for children with disabilities, incorporating an active volunteer component.  Children with disabilities interacted with their non-handicapped peers, including those volunteers.  Like the SibShop, Keri assured that the camp was a collaborative effort involving the support and resources of other community organizations.

If that were not enough, Keri has been a leader on the Education Committee.  In that role she assured that teachers that promoted inclusion in their classrooms were recognized, including the selection of the local Arc’s Educator of the Year.

Here is how the Arc in Midland described her volunteer contribution to The Arc: “Her volunteerism is spinning out of control. (…to the benefit of The Arc and its constituents). She now serves on the Arc’s Board of Directors, she chairs its Education Committee, and serves on the Advocacy Committee.”

What a volunteer.  What a leader. Is it any wonder that Keri St. John has been selected as The Arc of Texas Local Volunteer of the Year?