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MEDAL OF FREEDOMPresident Honors Founder of VSA
President Barack Obama named Jean Kennedy Smith, founder of VSA, a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The Medal of Freedom is the country’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made great contributions to the country’s security or world peace or made other significant accomplishments. Obama will present the award at a ceremony in early 2011. “Ambassador Smith is a pioneer,” said Soula Antoniou, president of VSA. “Because of her work, students of all abilities today have opportunities to express themselves and learn through the arts. Doors are open for artists with disabilities, and their work is being celebrated for its quality. “On behalf of VSA, our advisory board of directors, artists and the 7 million people touched each year through our work, we congratulate Ambassador Smith on this well-deserved honor.” Smith founded VSA in 1974. For 46 years, she has been a member of the board of trustees of the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation, which provides grants to promote awareness and advocacy in the field of intellectual disabilities. Her book, “Chronicles of Courage: Very Special Artists,” written in collaboration with George Plimpton, was published in 1993. President Bill Clinton named Smith U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, where she played a pivotal role in the peace process from 1993 to 1998. Smith is also the Secretary of the board of trustees of the Kennedy Center. VSA, founded more than 35 years ago by Smith, provides arts and educational opportunities for people with disabilities. With dozens of nationwide and international affiliates, it provides services in all artistic genres. VSA is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
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© 2011 N.Y. Able Newspaper |
