2026 Donor Scholarship Awarded
The Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities (MCBDD) is pleased to announce that Jocelyn Droes, a Senior at Buckeye High School, is the recipient of the 2026 MCBDD Donor Scholarship. The scholarship, which is awarded by the Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities Donated Funds Committee, was founded to support young people who are pursuing a career which serves people with developmental differences. This year’s recipient has already shown a dedication to touching the lives of individuals with disabilities, and the MCBDD is proud to recognize the contributions of her outstanding service
Jocelyn will be graduating from Buckeye Senior High School this spring, where she has been actively involved in leadership programs, volunteer opportunities, and student organizations focused on supporting others. During her time at Buckeye, she participated in HUDDLE (Helping Us Develop Dedication, Leadership, and Enthusiasm) and Hope Squad, both of which helped her strengthen her leadership skills and discover a passion for helping others.
From an early age Jocelyn felt a strong desire to help individuals with developmental differences. When she was eight years old her younger brother was diagnosed with Williams Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. While the experience brought challenges for her family, it also became one of the most influential moments in shaping Jocelyn’s future goals. Through helping and supporting him, Jocelyn discovered a passion for teaching and a calling to make a difference in the lives of others.
Jocelyn believes that character is not only found but shaped by how you treat others. Which is why one of the most rewarding experiences during Jocelyn’s high school career was her involvement in Unified Champions. This program gives children with developmental differences the opportunity to participate in sports with the support of student athletes and volunteers. As a varsity cheerleader, she was able to teach children with developmental differences cheerleading. She has also worked with Achievement Centers for Children in their adapted sports programs and the Miracle League. Through these programs, she saw firsthand the joy, determination, and unique strengths of each child she helped.
Jocelyn also volunteers at the Cleveland Walk; an event organized and run by her family to benefit people with Williams Syndrome. She is involved in all aspects of the event from planning and organizing to helping serve food and running games during the event. It truly is a family passion; helping raise almost $50,000 over the last four years.
Jocelyn credits both her experiences and her relationship with her brother for solidifying her future career path. She will be attending Baldwin Wallace University in the fall to pursue a dual license in early childhood education and special education so she can support students of all abilities in the classroom. Her long-term goal is to create inclusive learning environments where every child feels supported, encouraged, and capable of success. Jocelyn’s dedication to serving individuals with developmental differences reflects the mission and values celebrated by the MCBDD Donor Scholarship. The MCBDD congratulates Jocelyn on this achievement and looks forward to the positive impact she will make in the future.
The Donated Funds Committee and the entire MCBDD administration and staff would like to congratulate this outstanding student and wish her the best in her future endeavor
For information on the Donor Scholarship and the application, please click here.