Today is April 1st, 2011. Is Clay Aiken still in New York or is he in North Carolina, California or on some exotic vacation? Is he playing pranks on his friends?? Of course we do not know where he is and that is fine. However, I am sure he is with loved ones and having a fun day. Somehow, pranks and Clay Aiken seem to go together.
April Fools Day, sometimes called All Fools Day, is a day of unknown origin. Yet, most of the western world knows this is a day set aside for good hearted pranks, hoaxes, gags, and giggles. It is a day that the gullible, well…watch out!
Pranks performed on April Fool’s Day range from the simple, (such as saying, “Your shoe’s untied!), to the elaborate. Setting a roommate’s alarm clock back an hour is a common gag. Whatever the prank, the trickster usually ends it by yelling to his victim, “April Fool!”
The month of March ended with some exciting news about Clay Aiken and The National Inclusion Project.
Through a post on the Internet, we learned that The National Inclusion Project was one of the first recipients of the 2011 Inclusion Champion Award from The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation.
The following is posted at the website for MEAF:
The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation announced the first recipients of the 2011 Inclusion Champion Award at the MEAF 20th Anniversary Luncheon in Washington, DC on March 11th. The Inclusion Champion Award (ICA) was established by MEAF to honor organizations and individuals who have made measurable and sustainable impact in promoting the inclusion of youth with disabilities.
In total, 20 awards will be presented throughout this 20th anniversary year to honor current and past grantees for their efforts to promote the full participation of young people with disabilities in society. Trophies and $20,000 in grants will be distributed to the following organizations –
National Inclusion Project
I am Norm
A youth-led national campaign to promote inclusion, I am Norm was born out of a partnership between the Including Samuel Project and numerous other MEAF grantees and partners. National Inclusion Project is coordinating this initiative designed to empower youth and help redefine ‘normal.’
Congratulations to The National Inclusion Project, the entire Board of Directors and Jerry Aiken, Kristy Barnes, Aron Hall and Debbie Cain…. Your dedicated work is making a difference in the world.
Young people are fortunate that there are companies like Mitsubishi Electric America. Kevin R. Webb is the MEAF’s director. He says about the awards:
“For 20 years, Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation has worked to identify partners with the most innovative ideas that promote the full inclusion of young people with disabilities. The focus of the our grant investments has been and will continue to be on developing sustainable, replicable models that make the most impact on the lives of youth, and help to build more inclusive communities.”
Did you know that Clay Aiken was in People Magazine this week? On the cover is a beautiful picture of Elizabeth Taylor and the magazine has a tribute to this Hollywood Icon. However, on page 151, there is a montage of pictures of some of the former American Idol contestants. The page also shows some number facts about the Idol stars. It was fun to see Clay right in the middle of the page.
Since the word “FOOL” was used a lot today, the following Video seems appropriate!
Happy April Fools Day everyone. Good to see Clay in People. Congratulations to National Inclusion Project. I'm so proud of all the work they do.
Great video! 🙂
Happy April Fool's Day everyone!!
LOVED the video of Clay singing "What Kind of Fool Am I". Gosh he sounded fantastic on that Bringing Broadway Home show….He was meant to be on stage…. I think it's great as well that they included a picture of Clay in the People Magazine…right in the centre…
Congratulations as well to the National Inclusion Project for receiving an award for inclusion from the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation. Always making the difference !!!! We sure need it in this mixed up self-absorbed entertainment world. Thank God we have Clay.
Congrats to NIP and to Clay Aiken. I'm so proud of him and what a outstanding individual he is,always remaining true to himself and having high values and standards. In today's world of entertainment that is unique. So many now do anything to get attention, no matter how creepy and bizarre. Continue to stand tall, Clay.
Loved that video of WKOFAI. Clay sure knows how to belt those songs out. Saw the spread in the People Magazine. Very proud of The National Inclusion Project winning an award for inclusion from the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation. They are always out there making a difference.
I can only imagine that given the opportunity Clay has pulled some pranks today . He has a good sense of humor and I think he can both give and take pranks with lots of laughter. I am so glad to read about the Mitsubishi Foundation's award to the National Inclusion Project. The NIP is certainly a well deserving organization and have helped thousands of children lead fuller lives.
Good to see Clay's picture in People. Clay not only has the voice to die for, he has participated in so many worthwhile organizations that have benefited the lives of children everywhere . I am so proud of all his wonderful endeavors and proud to be a fan of someone who makes this world a better place and sings like no other!
Loved seeing Clay Aiken's picture in People and what wonderful news about NIP being recognized and getting an award from the Mitsubishi Foundation.
Loved hearing deep voiced Clay sing What Kind of Fool Am I.
Missing him very much right now.
I miss him a lot too!!