For Immediate Release:  May 5, 2010                 

MILA Student Wins Statewide VSA Award

Melbourne, FL -  Hayley Winslow-Welch, a 10 year-old student at MILA Elementary beat out 85 other nominees across the state to win Very Special Arts (VSA) Florida’s highest honor for Exemplary Personal Growth through the Arts. Hayley’s music teacher, Christine Givens, nominated her for the award. VSA Florida is the state organization for arts and disability. 

Education professionals throughout the State of Florida were asked to nominate students with a disability for the award.  Givens described Hayley as “capable and confident in music class” and student peers recognize her not only as a member of class but as a leader.  With the help, encouragement and support of her parents and teachers, Hayley has made remarkable growth through music, growth that was never predicted or that can be explained.  The child that would never speak or walk now dances and sings.  

Tested for but never officially diagnosed with Caravan’s Disease and not expected to walk, talk or even live past the age of eight, Hayley has continued to thrive through her exposure to music.  Music has fostered her amazing development including improved gross motor movement, balance, speech and vocabulary.

Janice Kershaw, Director of VSA Florida’s Brevard County Affiliate presented the award to Hayley at her school.

Congratulations to this outstanding young lady!

-BPS-

For more information, contact Janice Kershaw, 321-752-2740 ext. 5208.

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