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The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society honored its 2014 champions Thursday at the fifth annual Night of Champions.
“Dignity and self-respect are borne out of feeling that what we have to offer makes a difference,” said LDSS Night of Champions chairwoman Allyson Harvin. “When forward thinking businesses give those with Down syndrome, and other differently-abled adults, a chance to be productive members of society, society itself benefits.”
View photos from the fifth annual Night of Champions.
The winners and their sponsors, with the sponsors’ descriptions, include:
• Kenneth Boone, presented by Doug Edwards with Edwards Interiors.
Kenneth graduated from South Effingham High School as well as Project SEARCH. He has always liked to work with his hands, and his philosophy about tools is the more power, the better, so it was natural that he would gravitate toward a career involving both.
When not working, Kenneth loves being outdoors, especially if it involves riding four-wheelers. He is very well liked by his co-workers and has been described as “just a great, all around outdoorsman.”
• Nick Thios, presented by Gary Griffin with Smith Brothers.
Nick graduated from Newark High School, Newark, Ohio, in 1998. Following his graduation, he had several jobs in his community before moving to Savannah in 2010. He bowls with the Ambucs and Wild Ones bowling leagues, swims, rides his bike, plays golf, works out at the fitness center and loves riding Leroy at Horsin’Around.
Nick is very knowledgeable about the actors and characters in movies and can identify rock and roll songs and their artists after hearing just a few bars of music. His love of music is equaled only by his love of dancing.
His favorite part of his job at Smith Brothers is the people he works with and his customers.
• Lawrence Watson, presented by Sabrina Putney with OPTIM Health.
Lawrence graduated from Savannah High and Project SEARCH. He has been described as both a go-getter and a team player. When he runs out of work, he finds more. At home, Lawrence enjoys baking. His co-workers love when he brings in cakes and cupcakes to share.
He enjoys helping people and has donated baked goods to bake sales benefiting those in need.
• David Wilson, presented by Walter Clayton with Live Oak Public Library, Oglethorpe Mall Branch.
David graduated from Jenkins High School in 2001. He worked for a couple of years at Quantum but was eager to find a job out in the community. His love of reading and social nature made him a perfect fit for the library. He also enjoys Japanese animation, playing Bay Blade and listening to music, notably Rihanna. But mostly he enjoys seeing all of his customers.
• Kenneth Longinotti, presented by Earl Ethridge with the city of Savannah.
Kenneth is a graduate of Johnson High School. He is one of the early pioneers of inclusion in the workplace, having worked for the city of Savannah for over 15 years. He is part of the team of the men and women who work behind the scenes preparing the fields for recreational play.
At home, Kenneth enjoys time with family and helps with the care of his brothers.
The Night of Champions celebration was emceed by TV personality and cookbook author Jamie Deen, and LDSS presented the Deen family with the President’s Award at the banquet.