2026 Stand Out Champions Announced

The Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities (MCBDD) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Stand Out Champion Award: Kimberly Manix, Tyler Rasey and the Medina County Fair Junior Fair Board. The Stand Out Champion Awards honor community members who go above and beyond to create opportunities, remove barriers, and inspire others to make Medina County a more welcoming, inclusive, and accessible place for people with developmental disabilities.

MCBDD is proud to recognize the contributions of this year’s three outstanding recipients who represent the spirit of inclusion in unique and meaningful ways.

Kimberly Manix
After 38 years in special education, Kimberly Manix retired from Cloverleaf Local Schools, leaving a legacy of compassion, leadership, and inclusion. Throughout her career, she believed every student with developmental disabilities deserved the opportunity to succeed both in the classroom and in the community. She helped students build independence through real-life learning experiences while empowering them with confidence and self-advocacy skills. Kimberly also mentored fellow educators as Cloverleaf’s first Special Education Instructional Coach, sharing her knowledge and strengthening special education programs across the district. Her dedication has positively impacted countless students, families, and colleagues, creating a legacy that will continue for generations.

Tyler Rasey
Tyler Rasey has built a life around helping others, beginning at age 12 when he became the youngest person to complete a 150-mile bike ride benefiting people living with Multiple Sclerosis. Since then, he has ridden more than 1,500 miles, raised over $15,000 for MS research, volunteered in his community, and supported causes including Alzheimer’s disease, juvenile diabetes, and local hunger relief. As a Medina County Special Olympics athlete, Tyler has earned twenty gold medals while competing in multiple sports and representing Ohio at state and national competitions. Beyond his athletic achievements, he is known for encouraging teammates, leading by example, and making everyone feel included. A graduate of the Medina County Board of DD Leadership Academy, Tyler has also advocated for people with disabilities at the Ohio Statehouse, sharing the importance of Special Olympics and inclusion with state lawmakers.

Medina County Fair Junior Fair Board
The Medina County Junior Fair Board believes the county fair should be a place where everyone can create lasting memories, regardless of ability. Made up of 53 young leaders ages 11 to 19, the board has made inclusion a priority by identifying barriers and creating opportunities for people with developmental disabilities and their families to fully enjoy the fair. Through sensory-friendly events like Fair Friends and other accessibility initiatives, they have helped make the fair more welcoming for everyone. Their efforts show that accessibility is more than meeting requirements—it is about creating a true sense of belonging. By leading with compassion, creativity, and a willingness to listen, the Junior Fair Board is inspiring the next generation of inclusive community leaders.

“The Stand Out Champion Awards recognize people who don’t just talk about inclusion, they make it happen,” said Stacey Maleckar, Superintendent of the Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities. “Each of this year’s recipients has made a meaningful difference in the lives of others, and we are honored to celebrate their commitment to creating a community where everyone belongs.”

The Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities congratulates this year’s Stand Out Champions and thanks them for helping make Medina County a place where everyone has the opportunity to live, learn, work, and thrive.