Kidzeum hosted its inaugural For the Kids Awards at a sold-out fundraising dinner at the Inn at 835 on Sept. 10. The event was created to shine a light on people whose commitment, leadership and service are making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families across central Illinois. Community members nominated 24 individuals. A panel of six community judges selected the following six individuals with a track record of innovation and leadership serving children.
Dylan Flowers is the heartbeat of youth programming at the Springfield Urban League. As manager of youth leadership and development programs, he reaches young people in the classroom, on the competition floor and all over the community. For Dylan, this is a calling.
Taryn Grant believes the arts can change a child’s life. She turned that belief into the Springfield Youth Performance Group. She grew the organization and now brings movement and joy to children with developmental delays and at-risk youth. She makes sure no child is left in the audience.
Timara Craven, a detective with the Springfield Police Department, works one of the most emotionally punishing assignments in law enforcement – protecting children who cannot protect themselves. She founded The Dollhouse Project, which began as dollhouses for girls in underserved neighborhoods. It is now a mission of mentorship, leadership and empowerment – inspiring confidence, creativity and an opportunity in the next generation of young women.
Judge Karen Tharp spent more than three decades proving that a courtroom can be more than a place where consequences are handed down – it can be a place where children’s futures are lifted up. A fierce champion of Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers, she has worked to ensure that every child who comes before her has someone in their corner, advocating solely for them.
Dr. Gregory Brandt is professor of clinical pediatrics, hematology and oncology at SIU School of Medicine. He has guided families through the hardest conversations imaginable — steadying parents who are holding onto hope, fighting for children whose lives hang in the balance and charting the course when there’s no margin for error. He has led research studies that advance treatments that give young patients a fighting chance.
Lucy Schmadeke, Kids Helping Kids Award, is a senior at Springfield High School who is a standout in student leadership, academic honor societies and the performing arts. After the death of Emma Shafer, she chose to honor her friend’s legacy of community action. She founded the “Be like Emma Dress Resale” which raises money by reselling donated dresses at an affordable price with proceeds supporting the Emma Shafer Peace and Justice Fund.
Kidzeum executive director Leah Wilson also gave a special tribute to Rachael Thomson, who for more than 12 years was the tireless leader and advocate to create the Kidzeum. Rachael signed all of her emails “For the Kids.”
“I thought it was fitting that we use that tagline for this event, because it is why every single one of us is in this room tonight,” said Wilson. “Rachael had the courage to dream big, which motivated us to keep dreaming — and building.”
The inaugural event also raised funds for Kidzeum’s STEAM education programs, exhibits and community access initiatives to provide children opportunities to learn, explore and discover their own capabilities and potential.
Wilson commented that all of the honorees never give up — not when it’s hard, not when it’s slow, not when the outcome is uncertain.
“That kind of stubborn, tireless advocacy is exactly what our community needs,” she said.
The other For the Kids nominees were:
- Dr. Aida Adlimoghaddam, Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology, SIU School of Medicine
- Lydia Auble, Student and Youth Volunteer, Lincoln Land Community College
- Candice Bacon Jennings, Family and Community Engagement Liaison, Dubois Elementary School
- Ashanti Beler, MSN, RN, School Nurse, Jane Addams Elementary School
- Melissa Blankestyn, Volunteer Services Coordinator, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Amanda Deford, Family and Community Engagement Specialist, Birth to Five Illinois
- Katryce Dent, Early Childhood Educator, District 186 and Gingerbread House Daycare
- Ashley Earles, Regional Council Manager, Birth to Five Illinois
- Ashlynn Frey, Education Assistant, Springfield Art Association
- Melissa Hostetter, Science Teacher and Literacy Advocate, Franklin Middle School
- Shelly Kinner, Volunteer and Special Events Manager, Compass for Kids
- Natalie Mitchell, Behavior Support Systems Strategist, Jane Addams Elementary
- Sarah Oglesby, Chief Operating Officer, Compass for Kids
- Melissa Fisher Paoni, Ph.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Springfield Psychological Center
- Ali Peden-Stade, Founder and Executive Director, Journey Like June Foundation
- David Wallman, Head Coach, Boys and Girls Cross Country, Springfield Christian School
- Amber Walters, 3rd Grade Teacher, Little Flower School
- Vyvyan Wesley, Assistant Director of Discovery and Success, University of Illinois Springfield
Karen Ackerman Witter is a former board president of Kidzeum.
