Summit DD’s Appreciation Breakfast and Awards Celebration brought together more than 350 social service agencies, disability providers, local elected officials, community members and families to celebrate the impact of three award winners! This celebration was the perfect way to close out a month long celebration of DD Awareness.
The event was also capped off with an empowering keynote speaker, Sam Culbertson. Sam is an assistive tech advocate who utilized Summit DD services to live on Kent State’s campus and graduate with a degree in Sports Administration. Watch Sam’s spotlight video here. See photos from the event below and join us in congratulating our award winners! And don’t forget, even though DD Awareness Month is over, you can celebrate inclusion year round!
Scott Fox, Carlene Weaver Achievement Award
Back in 1990, Scott Fox started his career at the Kenmore Acme Fresh Market. Nearly 35 years later, he’s still a loyal Acme employee and a local celebrity in the Kenmore community. When asked why he has worked there for so long, he replied “…for the people, for the customers.” Scott won Summit DD’s 2025 Carlene Weaver Achievement Award. This award honors an individual with developmental disabilities who through live experience, actions or self-advocacy helps change perceptions or bring about positive awareness for those with developmental disabilities in Summit County. Read Scott’s previous feature story here.
Katherine Koral, Russ Pry Community Impact Award
As the manager at Panera Bread in Hudson, Katherine fosters an inclusive workforce. She was nominated by a new employee, Joe, and his parents for going above and beyond in helping him become integrated into the workforce. Katherine won Summit DD’s 2025 Russ Pry Community Impact Award. This award honors a person (or group) that is making an impact in the Summit County community for people with developmental disabilities through innovative programs, volunteerism, advocacy, or awareness efforts.
Jen Knott, Dottie Schrum Culture Award
Jen Knott is the founder and Executive Director of Rec2Connect, an innovative therapy organization supporting several counties in Northeast Ohio. Jen began Rec2Connect in 2009 with only 2 clients and has grown to helping hundreds of people throughout our community. Jen received Summit DD’s 2025 Dottie Schrum Culture Award. This award recognizes an outstanding Direct Support Professional (or frontline manager) from any organization in the developmental disabilities field, whose efforts or service has gone above and beyond to make a difference for those with developmental disabilities in Summit County.
