HomeMy WebLinkAboutTom Oye Award Press Release 12.10.24 Contact: Jacey Mismash, Communications Intern
Phone 952-826-0347 • CommIntern@EdinaMN.gov • EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HRRC Recognizes Jennie Schaefer, Rachel Knaeble and Whitney Brauchla with Tom Oye Human Rights Award
Edina, Minn., Dec. 10, 2024 – Three Edina teachers have been recognized with the 2024 Tom Oye Human Rights Award.
The Human Rights & Relations Commission presented Jennie Schaefer, Rachel Knaeble and Whitney Brauchla with the award at the Dec. 3 City Council meeting. The three educators were awarded
for their work running Edina Unified, a program that brings students with and without disabilities together to “cultivate authentic, lifelong friendships.”
What started as a small club at South View Middle School soon evolved to offer Unified sponsored elective classes, sports and social gatherings such as dances, track meets and bingo
events suited for students with and without disabilities. In 2023, South View was recognized as a National Special Olympics Unified Champion School for their continued efforts to create
a welcoming environment for students with disabilities.
“These leaders opened a door where students could discover new parts of themselves and how working together and engaging with all their peers was mutually beneficial,” said nominator
and parent Anne Salmen. “Everyone benefited. Everyone was changed by their experiences… I couldn’t think of any three individuals in my orbit making a bigger impact each day than Jennie,
‘Ms. K’ and Whitney.”
The Tom Oye Award was established in 2006 in recognition of the late Tom Oye who was an early member of the HRRC and served on it for more than 30 years. Oye also served as a Nisei soldier
in World War II, a second-generation Japanese American who served in the 100th Infantry Battalion of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. In 2003, Oye received the Prize for Humanity by
the Immortal Chaplains Foundation.
Nominees for the award were evaluated based on their efforts to foster respect and dignity for others, model courage and/or compassion in the advancement of human rights and demonstrate
leadership by example for improving human relations or advancing human rights.
“It was a special opportunity to recognize a team of three educators this year,” said HRRC Staff Liaison Thomas Brooks. “By building a culture of inclusion and accessibility in a school
environment, they are positively impacting every student, family, and the Edina community.”
For more information on the award, contact HRRC Staff Liaison Thomas Brooks thbrooks@edinamn.gov.
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