American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults
Future Reflections Convention Issue 2025 NOPBC CONFERENCE
2025 Twig Award
Introduced by Melissa Riccobono
Melissa Riccobono: Good morning, everybody! It’s so great to have all of you here! I am Melissa Riccobono, and I’m second vice president of the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children. First, let’s give Cassie McKinney a round of applause! [Applause]
We are going to present our As the Twig Is Bent Award. This award began in 2008 at our twenty-fifth anniversary celebration. These awards get their name from a famous Kernel Book story. If you haven’t heard of the Kernel Books, they are little books filled with stories written by blind people. These stories offer little kernels of truth for blind people and also for a wider world. What is it really like to be blind? What is it like to experience low expectations from society? The Kernel Books are still available, and they’re here at the convention in the literature area.
There was a great story in one of the Kernel Books called “As the Twig Is Bent.” You’ve heard the quote, “As the twig is bent, so grows the tree.” We give this award to people who really have helped shape things for blind children and their families so that our trees can put down roots and grow up strong and confident. For this presentation I’m going to pass the mic back to Cassie.
Cassie McKinney: Thank you, Melissa. Every year we work on giving this award as a surprise. It’s always a big secret. As I thought about what I want to say about this year’s recipient, I’m reminded of their devotion to our movement. They give countless hours to help people find independence and find a place where they can feel they can succeed. It is always a pleasure to be in the same space with this person, because they have such a positive outlook on life. Even when things get hard, they are the sunshine in the room. They always have a warm word, and I believe that anybody who needs to talk to them can, whether they’re five or fifty.
My first impression of this person was that they were probably the coolest mom ever. I thought, I bet every day is a new adventure at home! I know it must have been something spectacular for them to come to this organization, to have found a place where they truly belong.
As women in this organization we understand how important it is for our spouses and our families to be part of it as well. I believe that this person’s family is in the room today. I know that they support one another, which is the most important thing we do in our Federation family.
This individual has given from their heart. The true purpose of leadership in this organization has been shown through their work. I’m honored today to present this year’s Twig Award to Amy Porterfield! [Applause]
Amy Porterfield: She really can keep a secret! I’m so incredibly moved! Thank you so so much for your kind words! I appreciate everything that this organization has given to me and everything that this division has given to our children. I’m grateful to be a part of it all. Thank you so much! [Applause]