By Eric A Thomas
Many schools held commencement in the last month. It is a time to honor the closing of a chapter and recognize the achievements of many.
In 1991, Illinois School for the Deaf (ISD) established the Order of the Tiger award under ISD Superintendent Peter Seiler. The award is meant to recognize individuals who have made a significant contribution to the betterment of the lives of persons who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing in the state of Illinois. The contribution may be direct, such as service to students and/or adults, or indirect, such as assisting the passage of a legislative bill that is beneficial to the community of Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
On Friday, May 24, ISD held commencement at Marshall Gym on their campus. During the ceremony, the Order of the Tiger for 2024 was presented to Midwest Youth Services, a social service agency located in Jacksonville. “Midwest Youth Services and their director Nichole Dyer immediately agreed to assist our students who were in need even though their permanent address was not in the service area,” commented Christine Good-Deal, principal of ISD high school. “She understood the need for clear communication with the assistance of a sign language interpreter and one was provided for each appointment.” Dyer communicated regularly with ISD staff and helped through the entire process.
Good-Deal went on to say, “Nichole and Midwest Youth Services went above and beyond for the students at ISD and made a difference in their future.”
Following the presentation, Dyer stated Midwest Youth Services prides itself on being a collaborative community partner. “ISD has been great to work with. Through partnership and trust for one another we have been able to work together to bring programming, life skill development, advocacy, case management and supportive services to youth on the ISD campus.”
Midwest Youth Services was established in 1978 with the purpose of providing support and resources to the youth. Their mission is to divert youth from system involvement while strengthening and restoring families. They have long been known for working with at-risk youth, providing 24/7 programming. “I remind people all the time that if a youth has a pulse, they are at risk,” Dyer concluded. “Each and every one of us is one bad day or decision away from needing support.” The success stories and drive that so many youths exude keep Dyer and the Midwest staff going.
Midwest Youth Services covers Morgan, Brown, Schuyler, Cass and Scott counties, and serve ages 9-24. This year, they are expanding their services to include the counties of Pike and Adams on a limited programming basis. MYS is located at 2001 W. Lafayette Ave. in Jacksonville and serves approximately 500 youth annually.
