February 15, 2025
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Transitioning to a dream Leaders’ club honors area youth with disabilities

BREWER – Laughter, a few cheers, a buffet dinner, a little dancing and lots of awards. It’s always a good time when the Youth Leaders Club of the Maine Transition Network holds its end-of-the-year celebration.

But it was Daniel Scott who brought the house down May 13.

Scott, a post-graduate member of the Youth Leaders, was poised as his hands moved with grace in sign language to interpret “God Bless the USA.”

There ain’t no doubt

I love this land,

God bless the USA.

It was the 20th anniversary of the Penquis Region of the Maine Transition Network, which helps youth with disabilities, and their families, with planning.

Monthly forums bring in speakers to educate families about topics ranging from recreational activities to Social Security benefits.

Special guests for the YLC event were former youth participants who came to talk about where life has taken them. The speakers were:

. Matt Okishoff, a student at University College of Bangor, where he is studying computers.

. Laura Layton, who spoke about working in a restaurant and participating in activities.

. Avery Olmstead, who obtained a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation services from the University of Maine at Farmington in 1994, worked in that field, and this month earned a graduate degree in library science from the University of South Carolina.

. Caitlyn Gunn, who pursued her dream of working in day care and will represent Maine in the World Special Olympics as a speed skater in Idaho.

Transition coordinator Cindy Tuck acknowledged that she was originally among those who thought that working in day care might be out of Gunn’s reach, but she’s become a believer.

“She is living her dream, and I think that is wonderful,” Tuck said.

Honorees on May 13 included three members of YLC who represent Region 3 on MYCOT, the Maine Youth Committee on Transition: Autumn Hughes, Hermon High School; Tia Springer, Brewer High; and Graham Chase, Hampden Academy. Sharon Brady received an award for eight years of service on the board.

Tuck also presented plaques to those helping youth with disabilities:

. D.J. Ault, a youth mentor and volunteer with YLC. It was the second award in a row for Ault, who also serenaded the audience with a special arrangement of “Amazing Grace.”

. Andy Meucci, owner of Family Fun Bowling Lanes in Bangor, who helps make possible the group’s bowling activity.

. The Weekly, for publicizing the Penquis Region’s monthly forums.

. State Rep. Charles “Dusty” Fisher, who went to bat with the Legislature on funding for the program. He also showed members of the Youth Leaders Club around the State House and introduced them to government leaders.

“These kids have made a major difference in my life,” said Fisher, urging community members to advocate for transition programs in future sessions of the Legislature. “Let these kids be a major difference in somebody else’s life.”


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