A social justice opportunity for school-age children
Sasone is proud to announce the winners of its first essay contest in honor of Jewish Disabilities Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM).
Students were invited to share a one-page essay about their experience in having a friend with special needs, or as a student with special needs to share their experience in attending school.
Here are the names of the awarded students.
1st place: Robert Koenigs: $100 prepaid VISA Card
2nd place: Sam Cohen: $50 prepaid VISA Card
3rd place: Shua Rich: $25 prepaid VISA Card
Here is Robert Koenigs’ 1st place essay:
My name is Robert Koeings and I am in 4th grade at Highlands Elementary. I want to enter this contest because I want everyone with special needs to be treated fairly. I have a sister, Annabelle, with special needs. She has Down syndrome.
It has helped me be flexible because I have to try new things. I have to be patient. And, I often have to wait to take turns.
I am often leading by example because she likes to do what I do. If Annabelle sees me doing something, she learns to do it too. By treating her like anyone else, I have helped her grow but at the same time, she has helped me grow. Because she has taught me things like I have taught her things.
It helps me with friendships because we have spent so much time together, we have formed a very strong bond. In a way, it has helped me understand other friendships and make them better. Because it has taught me how to understand feelings and be more compassionate.
And overall, people are not different. They are special and that’s why everyone should care for them more. And that’s why I’m glad to have a sister (and friend) with special needs.
The End
We celebrate JDAIM with those across the globe to acknowledge how far we have come, and dedicate ourselves to the journey still ahead. We champion the civil rights of all people, and celebrate those among us who have challenges.
We are proud to join together with Jewish organizations all over the world in this united effort to raise awareness and champion the civil rights of people with disabilities.
SASONE (the Hebrew word for “Joy”) is a program of the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City. It is our communitywide program for children with special needs seeking a Jewish education. Now in its 24th year, Sasone provides the services so that children with special needs can attend Jewish preschools, Hebrew and Sunday Schools, the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy, and JCC Summer Camps.
