Congratulations to Shaker High School junior David Terrell, who was selected to represent North Colonie at the New York State Education Department's National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebration on Thursday, October 8. David read an official proclamation from Governor Kathy Hochul, but before that, he brought the audience to its feet by telling them about his own story. A math and sports enthusiast, David told those in attendance about his experience as a Shaker Unified Basketball and Bocce athlete. One of his favorite moments was the Unified Basketball team's back to back sectional championship wins the past two years! NYSED Commissioner Betty Rosa was the first to initiate that standing ovation after David's moving speech.

Community Outreach Coordinator for the Self Advocacy Association of NYS, Shameka Andrews, served as emcee of the event, with special remarks from NYSED Commissioner Rosa. The keynote speaker was Christopher Woodfill, the Executive Director of the New York State Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing Office. To end the program, Artistic Director of EBA Dance Theater Maude Baum led the audience through a series of intentional movements meant to connect the mind and body.