American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults
Future Reflections Convention 2022 NOPBC CONFERENCE
Presented by Carlton Anne Cook Walker
Introduction by Carlton Anne Cook Walker: Alexander Pope wrote, "As the twig is bent, so is the tree inclined." These words of Alexander Pope are the inspiration behind the title of the "Twig Award." The National Organization of Parents of Blind Children initiated the Twig Awards on our 25th anniversary in 2008. These are not annual awards; we bestow them to honor those whose work has influenced the direction in which our children grow.
The award itself is a medallion engraved with a tree and the words "As the twig is bent award" and "NOPBC since 1983," with the word NOPBC in Braille and print. On the back of the medallion is the recipient's name and the year.
In 2020, we presented two Twig awards. One, to NFB President Mark Riccobono and one to his wife, NOPBC Board Member and Conference Director Melissa Riccobono. Each of these individuals has worked tirelessly and supported blind children and their families and educators steadfastly for more than two decades. Each has shared insight, knowledge, and compassion with families struggling to ensure that their children receive a meaningful education that would prepare their children for the future. In other words, both Mark and Melissa have bent countless twigs to incline many, many trees toward the upward trajectory of achieving their dreams.
Even with all of the technological advances we have made, I still have not figured out how to present medals via Zoom. So I had to wait until we were back in person again. I take this opportunity to give Mark his Twig medal. We miss Melissa today, so Mark, would you take Melissa's medal to her? Thank you! Mark and Melissa, please know how much your work has enriched everyone in this virtual conference and so many more. Thank you.
But there's more! At my first NFB Convention, in 2006, I had the opportunity to meet the author of some incredible books: The Bridge to Braille: Reading and School Success for the Young Blind Child; Because Books Matter; Making It Work: Educating the Blind/Visually Impaired Student in the Regular School; and Getting Ready for College Begins in Third Grade: Working Toward an Independent Future for Your Young Blind Child. This person was my hero, and I assumed that she'd never know—or even be interested in knowing—about my child and my family.
I was so wrong! I found out that this parent-leader willingly and selflessly shared her experience and knowledge regarding the parenting of a blind child and truly wanted to know, understand, and support my blind child and my family. Over time, this person became my colleague and, to my great honor, a trusted and devoted friend—Carol Castellano. For more than three decades, she has epitomized the love, care, and concern you will find here in our organization.
Carol was one of twenty-five individuals who received our first Twig awards at our twenty-fifth anniversary in 2008. Sadly, Carol's family suffered a frightening and destructive house fire. That fire consumed the Twig medal she received in 2008. I am honored and privileged to give Carol this Twig medal, engraved with her name and with the year 2008.
CAROL CASTELLANO: Wow! I'm stunned! I had no idea this was coming! This award means so much to me! Thank you so very much for your incredible thoughtfulness!