Developmental Services Inc., a Columbus-based nonprofit that provides services for children and adults with disabilities in 55 Indiana counties, honored individuals and organizations recently.
Brandon Shumaker, of Columbus, was named Professional of the Year at DSI’s 42nd annual awards ceremony in Columbus on Nov. 8. Also, Olivia Ortman, received the William K. Hadar Scholarship and Emerge Wrestling received a Volunteer and Service Award.
Shumaker, DSI’s fleet and facilities manager, was honored for his service excellence during DSI’s largest merger in its 42-year history.
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Shumaker and his facilities crew are assisting DSI at 11 program facilities and in 55 counties. Some of Shumaker’s noteworthy accomplishments include building education and enrichment classrooms, and a new fitness center for DSI clients in Columbus, according to a news release.
Ortman, a 2016 Columbus East High School graduate, received DSI’s William K. Hadar Scholarship. It honors DSI’s longest-serving CEO, and is a $1,000 award for a student dedicated to making a difference in the lives of individuals with challenges. Ortman is studying occupational therapy at Indiana University.
Among her academic and extracurricular activities, Ortman has participated in Unified athletics and an autism support group.
Columbus-based Emerge Wrestling was named one of two recipients of DSI’s Volunteer and Service Award. Emerge fundraising activities from ticket sales and auctions have netted nearly $3,000 for DSI.
Emerge was also recognized for helping DSI client Justin Wells achieve his dream of wrestling as part of a public tag-team bout held in downtown Columbus in August. The event, billed as “Downtown Throwdown,” drew nearly 1,000 spectators.
Other award recipients from DSI’s annual banquet were:
Joe Broomall, of Nashville, Consumer Achievement Award
GECOM Corp., Greensburg, Industry of the Year
Sandy and Doug Royer, Seymour, Volunteer and Service Award
Brenda Wade, Seymour, Direct Support Professional Award
Amy Rogers, Muncie, Professional of the Year (manager of McDonald’s)
