Mayfield Central School District junior Alivia Kastberg was awarded the first annual SEAC (Special Education Advisory Council) Empathy and Advocacy Award at the district’s fourth quarter awards assembly.
Alivia Kastberg stands with HFM BOCES Special Education Director Dan Salvagni.
Presented by HFM BOCES Special Education Director Dan Salvagni and awarded by the HFM region special education directors and CSE chairpersons, the award recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond to help all students feel included, welcomed and accepted. While the award can be presented to any individual – student, educator, school employee or community member – Kastberg was unanimously chosen by the Special Education Advisory Council as the first recipient.
Kastberg was recognized for her participation in Mayfield’s Unified Bowling team where she helped her fellow students step out of their comfort zone, face their fears and overcome both internal and external challenges. Additionally, she independently envisioned, created and organized a “Unified Track Day” where elementary students with disabilities were paired alongside high school general education students. Her initiative to invent, organize and successfully implement such an event reflects her dedication to fostering inclusion and belonging within the school community.
“Alivia demonstrates compassion, leadership, creativity and advocacy,” said Salvagni. “She has embraced the meaning of inclusion and has been a great example of what an advocate should be.”
Special education directors across the HFM BOCES component districts meet regularly to collaborate, learn from one another, and work together to address issues surrounding educating students with disabilities. The SEAC Empathy and Advocacy Award will be presented each year to an individual who has demonstrated their dedication to helping students with disabilities.
