COUNCIL FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN DIVISION ON VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS PRESENTS 2009 AWARDS AT INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN SEATTLE

DIVISION ON VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS VIRGINIA M. SOWELL STUDENT OF THE YEAR

Pictured: Dr. Stacy Kelly, DVI Virginia Sowell Student of the Year, with DVI Past-President Dr. Ellyn Ross.

The Council for Exceptional Children, Division on Visual Impairments is proud to present the Virginia M. Sowell Student of the Year Award to Dr. Stacy Kelly at the Council for Exceptional Children Convention and Expo in Seattle, Washington on April 2, 2009. 

The Virginia M. Sowell Student of the Year Award is in honor of Dr. Virginia Murray Sowell.  Dr. Sowell trained professionals to improve the lives of individuals with visual impairments in the nation and beyond.  She had a strong commitment to training quality teachers and O&M specialists.  Her lifetime contributions to the profession mattered to countless numbers of children and adults with visual impairments.

Dr. Kelly was a student at the Northern Illinois University where she completed her doctorate with a focus on blindness and visual impairment.  Her college advisor and chairman of her dissertation committee nominated her for the high level of dedication and motivation she exhibited in her rigorous academic program.  She approached tasks with energy and diligence, completing requirements ahead of schedule and with the highest quality.
It is with great pleasure that the Division on Visual Impairments awards Dr. Stacy Kelly with the Virginia M. Sowell Student of the Year Award.