BATON ROUGE, La. - Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards and the Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs honored the winners of the 2022 Governor’s Outstanding Leadership in Disabilities (GOLD) Awards and the 2022 Inclusive Art Contest in a ceremony at the Old State Capitol. The GOLD Awards recognize extraordinary individuals and organizations that have contributed their time and talents to benefit the lives of persons with disabilities in Louisiana.

“These awards are given to individuals who have been nominated because they go above and beyond every day to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities,” said Gov. Edwards. “Many people never understand how fiercely those living with disabilities have to advocate for themselves and their families until it’s their loved one in need of the assistance. But we’ve come a long way in Louisiana, and that’s in large part because of the efforts of those here today. Whether you’re an advocate, a volunteer or a service provider, I thank you for your selfless work on behalf of Louisianans with disabilities.”

The recipients of the 2022 GOLD Awards and Inclusive Art Contest are:

2022 GOLD Award Recipients

Distinguished Merit Award 
Kathy Dwyer of Metarie

Patsy Barrett Memorial Award 
Lynn Stevens of Shreveport

Ken Vince Memorial Award  
David Green of New Orleans

Educator of the Year Award
Charles Michel, EdD of Gray

April Dunn Youth of the Year Award 
Garrison St. Martin of Calhoun

Family of the Year Award
The Billings-Roger Family of Baton Rouge

Volunteer of the Year Award       
Kathleen Cannino of Covington

Direct Support Person of Year Award  
Rodricka Winn of Shreveport

Elected Official of the Year Award 
Representative Rodney Lyons of Harvey

Public Servant of the Year Award
John Schweitzer, PhD of Baton Rouge

Service Provider of the Year Award
Family & Youth Counseling of Lake Charles

Veteran of the Year Award
SGT Billy Robbins of Gonzales

Employer of the Year Award
Susan Riehn with Families Helping Families of SWLA

2022 Inclusive Art Contest Award Recipients

K-4th Grade Division
First Place- Jordan McGee
Second Place- Mia Hunter
Third Place- Julian Brady

5th- 8th Grade Division
First Place- Fischer Ahrens (Lynette Fontenot Excellence in Inclusion Award winner)
Second Place- Bailey Ann Bumblis
Third Place- Nyla Reynolds

9th- 10th Grade Division
First Place- Amy Do
Second Place- Madelyn McKearon
Third Place- Kaitlyn Meche

11th- 12th Grade Division
First Place- Teagan Griffin
Second Place- Amelie Wilson
Third Place- Tia Evans

Adult Division
First Place- Bonnie Dempster
Second Place- Hailey Enamorado
Third Place- Xavier Johnson

Watch the ceremony on the Governor's Office of Community Programs YouTube channel by clicking the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/@governorsofficeofcommunity7474