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Celebrating the Heart of TECH ~ 2025 Award Recipients & Milestone Moments
March 10, 2026
Each year, our Annual Awards Celebration gives us the opportunity to pause and recognize the individuals and community partners who truly embody what TECH stands for!
Independence. Creativity. Self-Worth. Connection.
These are not just words we say. They are lived out every single day by the people we serve and the community that surrounds them! This year’s celebration was filled with powerful stories of growth, perseverance, leadership, and belonging.
Self-Worth Award
The Self-Worth Award recognizes individuals who take pride in meaningful participation, continue to grow, and advocate for themselves.
Jamie Keller, Nettie Cole, and Nancy Minnich were honored this year for their resilience, honesty, and determination.
From overcoming personal challenges to confidently using their voices and building strong relationships, each of these women reminds us that self-worth is not something given ~ it is something nurtured, strengthened, and lived out through courage and perseverance!
Connection Award
Connection is about belonging. It is about showing up for others and creating spaces where people feel valued.
This year’s recipients ~ Cassandra Compton, Patrick Disberger, and Gavin Sneath ~ demonstrate connection in beautiful and unique ways.
Through kindness, warmth, creativity, and steady presence, they enrich the lives of those around them. They remind us that meaningful relationships are built through compassion and heart
Independence Award
Independence looks different for everyone. For some, it means showing up consistently. For others, it means stepping into an entirely new chapter of life.
This year, Laurie Jarrett and Brianna Mullins were honored for their commitment to becoming more self-reliant and confident in their daily lives.
Their growth reflects determination, strength, and the belief that progress ~ no matter how big or small ~ is always worth celebrating
Community Award
Our work does not happen in isolation. It happens because of the people and organizations who stand beside us.
Community Partner Award ~ Terry Bringle
Terry was recognized for being a steadfast advocate for the TECH family and the intellectual and developmental disability community. His leadership, encouragement, and willingness to support our mission continue to make a lasting difference.
Volunteer of the Year
Elijah Jackson was honored for consistently stepping in wherever help is needed, bringing reliability and positivity to everything he does.
Madison Budreau, both a volunteer and a proud member of the TECH family, was recognized for her dedication to supporting TECH events throughout the year. Her initiative and willingness to give back reflect leadership and pride in her community.
Good Neighbor Award ~ Sage River Market
For many of our consumers, outings to Sage River Market are a highlight of the week. The welcoming atmosphere and inclusive environment make it a place where individuals feel comfortable, valued, and truly part of the community. That sense of belonging is exactly why Sage River Market received this year’s Good Neighbor Award.
President’s Award ~ Hutchinson Community College Athletics
Hutchinson Community College Athletics was recognized for going above and beyond in their support of TECH. Our consumers are warmly welcomed at games and on campus, always treated as though they belong.
Their partnership was further demonstrated when they stepped in without hesitation to help move more than 600 chairs and 40 tables for a TECH event. That kind of support strengthens not only our organization but the entire community
Special Recognitions
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2025 Character of the Year: Inez Vierya for her artwork “Quack, Quack, Quack”
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Workforce Basics Course Award: These individuals were the first to complete TECH’s new Workforce Basics Course, earning their workforce readiness certificate and marking an exciting step forward in employment preparation.
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Service Anniversaries: Individuals celebrating meaningful years of involvement with TECH, reflecting dedication, growth, and lasting relationships.
Maurice F. Cummings Lifetime Achievement Award: Stephanie Drews
The Maurice F. Cummings Lifetime Achievement Award is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated perseverance, dedication, and strength in the face of life’s challenges. It recognizes a legacy ~ not just moments, but years of commitment and impact.
This year, we proudly honored Stephanie Drews.
Stephanie’s journey reflects resilience that cannot be measured in a single accomplishment. Over the years, she has navigated obstacles with determination and quiet strength. Through change, challenge, and growth, she has continued to show up ~ building relationships, participating in meaningful opportunities, and remaining a steady presence within the TECH community.
Her story is one of endurance. Of continuing forward even when the path is not easy. Of choosing participation, connection, and growth time and time again.
Stephanie represents what it means to keep going. To adapt. To persevere.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is about honoring a journey ~ and Stephanie’s journey has made a lasting impact on the TECH family.
We are proud to celebrate her legacy and the strength she models for so many others.
Moments like this remind us why we do what we do! Behind every award is a story. Behind every milestone is perseverance. Behind every partnership is a community that believes inclusion matters. We are proud of every individual recognized this year and grateful to the community that continues to stand with us!
Here’s to another year of independence, creativity, self-worth, and connection!