(Lebanon, OH) – The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) hosted its first annual Open House Award Ceremony on March 11, 2025, to celebrate the achievements of local people with disabilities who receive services from WCBDD.

The ceremony, which took place during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, served as a meaningful occasion to honor the dedication, resilience, and accomplishments of Warren County residents. Award recipients were anonymously nominated for awards that highlighted personal growth and community building.

The Goal Crusher Award honors a candidate receiving Early Intervention services who has demonstrated immense progress in achieving a goal towards development. Levi Schwab Jr. was presented this award for his incredible resilience, determination, and growth.

Schwab was particularly popular at the award ceremony, with three women wanting to present the award to the 2 year old: Occupational Therapist Beth Roberts, Developmental Specialist Krissi Gale, and Warren County Educational Service Center Service Coordinator Andrea Bullman.

Born prematurely at just 24 weeks and weighing only 1 lb 10 oz, Schwab faced significant medical hurdles, including surgeries and the need for a G-tube for nutrition. Despite these early setbacks, he has made remarkable progress, now eating independently, walking, running, and forming sentences. With the unwavering love and support of his family, Schwab has exceeded expectations and continues to thrive, embodying the true spirit of perseverance and growth.

The Schwab family proudly accepted the award, with his older sisters filled with excitement to see their younger brother succeed.

The Jamie Miles Make It So Award honors a candidate who has used their self-determination and drive to achieve the things they deem most important. This award was particularly meaningful, as it was created in honor of Jamie Miles, a Warren County resident, individual served by WCBDD, and a Star Trek fan. Jamie passed away in 2022, leaving a legacy of compassion, confidence, and resilience.

Jamie’s mother, Glenda Miles, presented the award, hand on her heart, explaining the significance of the phrase “Make It So” to her son and herself.

“‘Make it So’ is self-determination,” Glenda said. “To have knowing, choices, and power. To feel seen and heard. To be validated, witnessed, and supported by affirming people and places that transform dreams into reality.”

The award was presented to Joseph Lamantia for his incredible strength in overcoming barriers. In the past, his social anxiety kept him from leaving the house. Today, Lamantia has a job, takes art classes, attends WCBDD events, and more.

In “Make It So” fashion, Lamantia accepted the award with a speech about overcoming anxiety, proving that he was truly deserving of the award.

The Technology Empowerment Award honors someone who has successfully enhanced their independence through use of assistive technology and remote supports. Anthony Hall was honored with this award for embracing assistive technology to live independently.

WCBDD Remote Supports and Assistive Technology Coordinator Kellie Hampton presented the award to Hall. She said that Hall has transformed his living space with smart home devices and safety tools to support his independence. 

“Anthony Hall is the perfect embodiment of what this award stands for—leveraging technology to take control of his routine and create a safer, more independent living environment,” Hampton said. “With the incredible support of his family, Anthony has embraced assistive technology and remote support services that allow him to take charge of his day-to-day activities. He’s not just using technology; he’s actively exploring and engaging with it to find solutions that work for him.”

The Team Player Award honors a candidate who contributes positively to a group by demonstrating strengths in teamwork, collaboration, and support. Advocacy Coordinator Ellen Hudson presented the award to Luke Marshall for his work as president of the Voices Speaking Out (VSO) Self-Advocacy Group and Special Olympics.

“Luke teaches us that being the loudest person in the room doesn’t necessarily equate to being a good leader or being the most impactful. No, Luke leads by example and models the way for others to follow suit,” Hudson said. Marshall will be retiring as the president of VSO, but he plans to remain an active member of the group.

Marshall accepted the award by holding the trophy up for everyone to see. His fellow VSO members, along with the rest of the crowd, showed their support by clapping and cheering.

Community Employment Supervisor Christina Horton presented the Employment First Award to Rodney Smith.

“Employment First is a philosophy that presumes that all Ohioans, including people with significant disabilities, can and should have opportunities to work in the community,” Horton said. “We value diversity and want to make our workforce and community stronger by including and valuing all people.”

Rodney Smith was honored with this award because of his dedicated work at the Heritage Club and Mane.

The Community Builder Award honors someone who actively volunteers and engages with their community to promote visibility of people with developmental disabilities. Aaron Bowman was nominated and chosen for the award because of his work throughout the community, including working at the Coffee Caravan, being an active member of VSO, and raising $1,100 for the Special Olympics. 

Bowman was the most nominated person for the award ceremony. Although Bowman was not present to accept the award, his fellow VSO members attended the award ceremony to show their support. 

The Breaking Barriers Award was the only award to have two winners. Samuel Nauroth and David Darby were nominated together for the award for their courage in embracing independence and growth. 

Behavioral Support Coordinator Adam Layton presented the award to the pair after working with them for over a year.

“As we approach the one-year mark since Sam and David moved into the community, it’s clear that they have made tremendous strides. The ongoing support of their families, residential providers, and teams has been crucial to their success,” Layton said. “It is with great pride that we celebrate how far they’ve come, and we look forward to all the continued growth and achievements in their future.”

The Ambassador of Kindness Award honors a candidate with a positive and joyful demeanor who demonstrates compassion and kindness towards others. Mitchell Knight was awarded based on his nomination, which read, “Mitchell's motto in life is Hakuna Matata. He is always happy and making others smile. Mitchell believes in kindness and seeks to make everyone have a good day. He is good at recognizing when others are having a hard time and tries his best to cheer them up. He is compassionate and caring towards everyone he interacts with. He has a great sense of humor and enjoys making people smile.”

The Independent Living Award was given to Maegan Ward for her many accomplishments toward reaching independence, including working full-time for 12 years, learning to drive, getting married, raising a child, and living independently.

Although Ward did not attend the ceremony, Service Coordinator Holly Boyd attended the award ceremony to share Ward’s story of striving for independence.

“Maegan has faced many challenges, and yet, through hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering spirit, she has blossomed into the kind-hearted, determined woman she is today,” Boyd said. “Maegan, you are a shining example of hard work, compassion, and perseverance.”

The Academic Achievement Award honors a candidate who has demonstrated notable academic achievement progress in an educational setting, completion of courses, or participation in special programs.

Matthew Schulz was honored with the award for his success at Wright State. He lives on campus independently, is part of the Astronomy Club, plays clarinet in the concert band, and completes courses with minimal supports. He was recently accepted into a PhD mathematics program at the University of Cincinnati.

The Open House Award Ceremony will return in 2026.

For more information, contact Community Relations Coordinator Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.