The ELIJA School and Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of education for individuals with autism, celebrated its “Unmasking Autism Masquerade Gala” last Friday at The Carltun in East Meadow.
The 2013 Gala honored our Champion of Hope Youth Awardees – Quinn Spohrer of Merrick and Ethan Havens of Riverdale. Also honored was Christian Ranieri of Northport, who received the inaugural Autism Self Advocacy Award.
Hempstead Town Councilman Gary Hudes presented Spohrer with a citation recognizing his Eagle Scout Project: renovations to the ELIJA School.
Spohrer is a 17-year-old senior at Sanford H. Calhoun High School in Merrick, and a member of Boy Scout Troop 351, who has a cousin affected by autism.
Michael Giangregorio, board president of the ELIJA School, also presented a citation to Spohrer on behalf of Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. A Senior Patrol Leader of his troop, Spohrer looks forward to achieving the rank of Eagle, and is planning his ceremony for the end of the year.
Havens, whose cousin, Jake Havens is a student at the ELIJA School, gave up his school break to spend a week at the ELIJA School working with Jake and his teachers to get an in-depth look at his cousin’s daily life. He also set up an online fundraising page which he promoted widely to family and friends. His request was simple and direct. “I ask you to help give kids like Jake a chance in the world by showing your generosity and donating to the ELIJA School.” Havens raised $8,810.
Ranieri, a ninth-grader at Northport High School who is on the autism spectrum, was recognized for his efforts to self-advocate for his rights and the rights of others affected by autism. Ranieri recently spent hours preparing a speech to read at a school board meeting. He described to the school board a recent incident in which his Individualized Education Plan was not being implemented appropriately.
As a result of advocating for himself, he felt he was wrongfully disciplined and received a two day suspension from school. His speech garnered a lot of social media attention because he was abruptly interrupted and prevented from completing his statement. The speech has received over 65,000 views on YouTube.
ELIJA Founder and Executive Director Debora Thivierge of Roslyn, said “These three young men inspire me. They hold the hope for the future of autism and the fulfillment of my dream that the world will be a welcoming place for my son, Jason, and all individuals on the autism spectrum.”
