Congratulations, Athena German, on earning your Gold Award!

Project: AAODD: A Disability Awareness Club

For her Gold Award project, Athena set out to create a space where teens with disabilities like ADHD, autism, OCD, dyslexia, and Down Syndrome (AAODD) could connect with peers of all abilities in an informal, non-school setting.

Athena developed 12 disability-based educational meetings with helpful topics like “How to Focus in School” and “How to Organize Your Space.” She reshared some of her meetings with students at Carlson High School and other public organizations.

During less formal club hangouts, Athena and friends enjoy boardgames, puzzles, karaoke, and creating vision boards.

“The club was a spot where teens from all over downriver could come and hang out,” she explained. “It gave others an opportunity to learn about different learning disabilities and a chance to hang out with other teens.”

Lessons learned

Athena says she realized it is ok to make mistakes and to learn from them. She also shared that one person can still have an impact even if it is for a small audience.

“I know that my club had a positive effect on two teens, Bella and Holden,” she said. “Their parents both expressed to me on many occasions how much they appreciated this club and how it helped both of their children overcome obstacles they had.”

Athena will attend the University of Michigan–Dearborn studying elementary education.

Learn more

Athena talks more about her Gold Award experience on GSSEM’s YouTube channel.

Interested in learning more about starting on the path to Gold Awards? You can find details on our Highest Awards page.