Hello my name is Amanda Evans and I am the 7th Grade Special Education teacher and Special Education and Gifted and Talented Admin at DSST: GVR Middle School (Shoulda’ Been a Raptor)! I am the 2022 Responsibility Core Value Award Winner, and am thankful to my team for the honor of being selected for this award.

I have been a special education teacher for over 17 years, working in kindergarten through 12th grade with students from mild to significant needs. As I watch these children grow to adults, many with more significant needs have increasing health needs (mental and physical). They have no safe place to exercise, especially if they have physical limitations, and the availability of accessible activities is limited, often causing them to lead a very isolated life.

Seb’s Recreation Center, located in Aurora, was created for this purpose. Seb’s family realized their responsibility for their son, Sebian, as well as for others with physical challenges and neuro-divergent abilities to have a safe place to achieve their personal goals physically, mentally and socially.

While many advances have been made for inclusion in schools, there is still a need for inclusion in our greater community. Few playgrounds, social activities and recreation centers are accessible to this community. Seb’s gives this and more to the community. I am honored to be able to bring awareness to this amazing recreation center and have DSST donate on behalf of responsibility.