We are excited to announce our 2024 ACEing Autism Award winners! We want to congratulate everyone on a fantastic year and we look forward to an even better one.
PROGRAM OF THE YEAR:
Buffalo, NY:
Led by the outstanding Program Director Kathy Connelly and her dedicated team of volunteers, Buffalo has created a welcoming and inclusive environment where athletes can enjoy tennis at their own pace. In 2024, the program achieved remarkable success, hosting three separate sessions and increasing participation from 20 players to an impressive 29. This incredible growth is a testament to the team’s unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional experience for every athlete. Well done, Buffalo!
PARENT SATISFACTION:
Buffalo, NY; Dallas, TX: Two programs stood apart on our Parent Satisfaction surveys. Congratulations to Dallas and Buffalo! Nearly every parent reported being extremely satisfied with the program, finding a meaningful activity for their child, a community they belong to, and people to share resources with.
VOLUNTEER SURVEY RESPONSE RATE:
Claremont, CA: Congratulations to Claremont, CA for outstanding feedback from the Volunteer Survey. Volunteers reported finding it rewarding to see their athletes accomplish a new skill, sharing their passion for the sport of tennis, and working with/learning more about the athletes and their families.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Burbank, CA; Newport Beach, CA: This year, we are thrilled to recognize Burbank and Newport Beach for their exceptional social media efforts. Burbank has consistently impressed us with creative posts that shine a spotlight on their participants and volunteers, capturing the energy and excitement of their sessions. Newport Beach has stood out with a vibrant and colorful feed that highlights smiles, movement, and the many facets of our program in an inviting and engaging way. Both programs have done an incredible job showcasing the spirit of ACEing Autism and connecting with their communities online. Congratulations to both teams for this well-deserved recognition!
SPECIAL RECOGNITION:
Morristown, NJ; Monte Vista HS-Danville, CA: While only one program receives the Program of the Year award, we want to recognize two additional programs for their outstanding excellence both on and off the court. These programs truly embody the core values of ACEing Autism: promoting fun, exercise, and socialization through the sport of tennis.
ROOKIE(S) OF THE YEAR:
Kalamazoo, MI; Oak Park, CA: For the first time, we are thrilled to present the Rookie of the Year Award to not one but two outstanding programs: Kalamazoo and Oak Park. From the beginning, both programs have fully embraced ACEing Autism’s values, creating welcoming, impactful experiences for their communities. Congratulations to both programs on this well-deserved recognition!
HONOR ROLL:
Atlanta | GA |
Buffalo | NY |
People’s Inc.; Buffalo | NY |
Burlingame | CA |
Columbus | OH |
Monte Vista HS – Danville | CA |
Evanston | IL |
Fairfax | VA |
Fort Worth | TX |
Foster City | CA |
Great Neck | NY |
Ithaca | NY |
Katy | TX |
Keswell School | NY |
Los Altos | CA |
Lubbock | TX |
McKinney | TX |
Milwaukee | WI |
Mooresville | NC |
Morristown | NJ |
New Orleans | LA |
Parker | CO |
Pasadena | CA |
Pittsburgh | PA |
Redding | CA |
NW Washington | DC |
Westchester | NY |