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!