MCC 2015 Joseph A.Blanco Spirit Award

Photo Caption:

MCC student Kayin Moore of Crystal Lake was named the fall 2015 recipient of the Joseph A. Blanco Spirit Award, a $600 award for tuition and books given to a student who displays a positive attitude while working toward the completion of a degree or certificate while overcoming a disability. Pictured are, from left, front row: Kayin Moore, Gayle Barkley and back row, l-r: Tutors Ellen Morton, Whitney Kuhlin, Hunter Flanagan; Lili O’Connell, Access and Disability Services manager; Tutors Donna Davis, Cathy Aney, Beverly Jackson; Adriane Hutchinson, dean of Academic Development; Brenda Stiff and Dane Walkington, foundation staff members.

McHenry County College (MCC) named Kayin Moore of Crystal Lake as the recipient of the Fall 2015 Joseph A. Blanco Spirit Award, a $600 gift given to a student who displays a positive attitude while pursuing a degree or certificate while overcoming a disability.

Moore was selected by MCC Access and Disability Services, formerly the Special Needs Department, for exemplifying the can-do attitude and determination that the Spirit Award recognizes.

He started at MCC in 2014 and is working toward an associate degree. Moore plans to pursue a career in computer science. He will use the award funds for tuition and/or book expenses at MCC during the Spring 2016 Semester.

The Spirit Award was founded in 2009 by Joe Blanco, a longtime MCC special needs tutor, before he passed away in 2011 as a way to honor students who inspire others every day.

Gayle Barkley, Access and Disability Services assistant, nominated Moore for the award, saying he is a most deserving “can-do” candidate for the Spirit Award.

“I have witnessed his personal growth over this past year,” Barkley said. “He has become a great communicator and self-advocate. His future plans include transferring to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater to pursue a degree in computer science. Kayin has been proactive in finding a good fit for his learning style and is already working with the Disability Services and Advising offices at Whitewater. I have no doubt he will be quite successful in his future.”