Mandi Roggy is the Coach for the Bi-County Education Cooperative Special Olympics Team. Linda Boardsen, President of the Bi-County Foundation, earlier this month informed Roggy that she was nominated as an UnSung Hero, by Heather Toppert of Morrison, IL.
Toppert’s daughter Embrey, age 16, has been in the Bi-County Special Education Cooperative for 11 years. She attends the Life Skills Program at Morrison High School; she was a Cheerleader this year. She has competed–under Roggy’s tutelage–in Basketball, Bowling, Track and Field, and a new sport, Soccer Skills. Her mother stated Embrey really enjoys Soccer Skills, but two other favorites are Basketball and Bowling, and she has a plethora of medals. At the end of each sport season, there are Regional competitions. If students earn gold, they go to State competition; Embrey has done so.
Toppert nominated her daughter’s Coach for well-deserved recognition.
Boardsen wrote to Roggy, “I am honored to inform you” of the nomination. “I am further pleased to state that you will be honored for this, on [Friday,] April 21, 2023, at the American Legion Foundation in Rock Falls, IL, at 5:00 p.m.
“Mandi, thank you for all your hard work and support for the Special Olympics for area special needs students. Students and families are very much appreciative. See you then!”
Left-to-right are Heather Toppert, Coach Mandi Roggy, and Embrey Toppert after the UnSung Hero certificate presentation. Heather Toppert presented the award to Roggy, she said, with grateful tears.
Many Bi-County Special Education student athletes are shown at a Basketball Skills competition in Dixon[, IL,] High School, on Saturday, January 14. Coach Roggy is in the third row from the floor at left, on the aisle; her daughters are Assistant Coaches. In the first row, second from the left is Emily, 15; Hannah, 13, is at the far right.
More about the UnSung Hero Award
UnSung Hero Awards recognize individuals or groups of individuals that make a difference in the lives of children with disabilities. UnSung Hero/Recognition Awards are awarded to a teacher, student, or a community member, who makes a significant contribution in the life of a person with a disability. Recipients may or may not have special needs, and eligibility will not be restricted based on such. UnSung Hero Awards will be collected through the school year and given in Spring of each year.
Guidelines: Nominations for UnSung Hero/Recognition Awards can be made by a school counselor, teacher, family member, community member, or a person with special needs. Recognition will be given preference based on service and leadership that promotes the mission statement of the Bi-County Cooperative Foundation. Award nominations will be accepted continually through March 10 of each year.