Oster, McCarty presented with awards
Dave McCarty, an instructor’s assistant at Hopewell School, and Steve Oster, superintendent of the Coshocton County Board of Developmentally Disabled, were recently presented with awards from the developmentally disabled community. McCarty received the direct service provider of the year award and Oster was presented with the Steven R. Cooley Award. Josie Sellers | Beacon
COSHOCTON – Steve Oster and Dave McCarty were recently honored for their dedication to serving the developmentally disabled community.
Oster, superintendent of the Coshocton County Board of Developmentally Disabled, received the Steven R. Cooley Award in recognition of his excellent leadership and commitment in supporting self determination. He received the award from the Ohio Self Determination Association at the Synergy Conference.
“I was on stage to help present awards and when they said my name I was shocked,” Oster said.
The award was presented to him by Kari Smith, superintendent of Huron County Board of Developmental Disabilities and president of the Ohio Self Determination Association.
During her speech she said, “This person consistently demonstrates commitment to the advancement of self-determination and individual rights, encouraging people with developmental disabilities to find their unique voices and learn to share their gifts within their communities. He has worked in various capacities as a leader in our field and in the community for many years and is a true advocate and a great mentor. I can say with complete confidence, as he has always been kind, patient, and supportive and has had a sense of humor when I needed it the most while serving as my own mentor for the last four years. You have no idea how much your help has meant to me. You make the world a nicer place.”
After receiving the award Oster thanked his staffs in Knox and Coshocton counties for making his job easier. He also mentioned people in the DD community like Jamie Hoy, who started his own business and has inspired him.
“We have people who are doing really cool things,” Oster said.
He was actually the one who nominated McCarty for his award.
“I actually nominated him for professional of the year, but this award was created in his honor and will be awarded from now on,” Oster said.
McCarty received his direct service provider of the year award from The Arc of Ohio.
“I was shocked and surprised,” said McCarty, who is an instructor’s assistant at Hopewell School.
Oster said he nominated McCarty for an award because he goes above and beyond every day and has so much patience for the students.
“I enjoy everything about my job,” McCarty said.
Even though he is 67-years-old, McCarty told Oster he hopes to work for another 10 years.
“He is an inspiration to other staff here,” Oster said.
Category: Education
