Night of Champions a Huge Success for League School
As the League School’s biggest annual fundraiser, Night of Champions has been a special and impactful evening since it launched in 2018 as a way to support the school and honor those who make it so successful.
This year’s event, held on Thursday, Oct. 5 at the Four Points Sheraton Norwood, was no different, raising approximately $132,000 for the school and shining a light on some of its biggest and brightest Champions.
The evening culminated with a major announcement for the school, as it unveiled a new branding initiative, centered on the new name of the school: League School for Autism. Coupled with a new tagline — Open Your World — this new branding will better position the school moving forward to be an inclusive and forward-thinking leader in the world of autism education. This is in line with the school’s new modern and accessible website, leagueschool.org, which will allow for a much more user-friendly experience for all who visit.
As in previous years, the school honored many who make it such a special place. This began with a tribute to the Vetstein family, including cofounders Dr. Arnold and Leona Vetstein and their son, Richard. A video tribute for the family was shown and remarks were made by Chairman of the Board of Directors Roger Lockwood.
Champions of the School
Other honorees were recognized during Night of Champions included:
Vetstein Award: Kristine Biagiotti-Bridges
Named in honor of the Vetstein family, this award is given to someone who shares the same passion for special education as Dr. Arnold and Leona Vetstein. Kristine is a parent of an autistic son and helped create the Dell Technologies True Ability Employee Resource Group and Neurodiversity Hiring Program, and has assisted League School with a recently-launched Neurodiversity Employment Incubator Partnership.
Community Leadership Award: Dell Technologies
Through the True Ability Employee Resource Group and Neurodiversity Hiring Program, Dell Technologies has been a pioneer in advocating for more proactive neurodiverse hiring practices. Dell serves as a model for other organizations to enact similar hiring practices, and has also assisted League School in its ongoing efforts to increase neurodiverse hiring.
Director’s Award: Johnathan and Kyle Titus
Johnathan and Kyle are local twins on the spectrum who have a passion for music and helping people. Together, with their mom, they started a DJ business and volunteered for local events — and it wasn’t long until people wanted to pay them for their services. League students have enjoyed Johnathan and Kyle’s DJ skills at recent school events including the 5K Walk/Run for Autism and the school’s first-ever prom in May.
Dr. Frank Gagliardi Award: Tracey Mello
Named in honor of League School’s long time Executive Director Dr. Frank Gagliardi, this award is given to a League staff member who holds the same commitment and dedication to the school’s mission as Dr. Gagliardi did. During her more than 12 years at League School, Tracey’s continued flexibility and support have been appreciated by every member of the Pathfinders team. Many students see her as a co-regulator and she consistently embodies neurodiversity-affirming approaches and principles of the SCERTS Model. Read more about Tracey here.
Supporting the School
The event also featured a silent auction of more than 65 items, a “mystery box” raffle with even more items, and a live auction featuring several “big ticket” items. The live auction included tickets to a sensory-friendly holiday pops show through the Boston Symphony Orchestra; a three-night stay at a cottage in beautiful Narragansett, R.I.; a framed, autographed Tom Brady Patriots jersey; a one-of-a-kind guitar signed by all four members of the legendary Irish rock band, U2; and a full-course meal for up to 20 courtesy of Paul Angelo and his team at the Olde Colonial Cafe in Norwood.
Sponsors for the event included:
Leadership Sponsors – JBK Management, Christopher Catanese Children’s Foundation, O’LYN Roofing
Patron Sponsors – Middlesex Savings Bank, Telamon/Amplified Insurance, Direct Federal
Friend Sponsor – Dedham Savings, Consigli Construction, Fine Line Carpentry & Contracting, Bowdoin Construction
The League School for Autism thanks all those who contributed to Night of Champions, including volunteers, sponsors, auction winners, families and students, staff, honorees, and more. The school is already looking forward to its sixth annual Night of Champions celebration in 2024.
