St. Paul student with Down syndrome receives national anti-bullying award

Mary Divine, Pioneer Press
·1 min read

A senior at St. Anthony Village High School is being recognized for her work in inclusion and unity.

Kathleen Morrison, 18, of St. Paul, is one of six recipients of this year’s Unity Awards, which recognize individuals and groups that “empower others to take action against bullying, advocate for those who need support or share acts of kindness that cause a ripple effect in their communities.”

The awards are given out annually by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center.

Morrison is involved in many activities at St. Anthony Village High School, including Student Council, the Student Board of Directors for Unified Schools and the National Honor Society. Morrison, who has Down syndrome, also is active in Special Olympics and is a longtime volunteer at the Minnesota State Fair’s Kemps Little Farm Hands exhibit.

“Kathleen Morrison is a wonderful example of the power of inclusion and promoting the acceptance of difference,” said Julie Hertzog, director of PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center. “With her joy and persistence in celebrating everyone in her school and beyond, she shows us the benefits of building community wherever you go.”

Rhonda Morrison said her daughter has the type of personality that people gravitate toward. “She knows that it’s important to welcome people and invite them in to participate,” Rhonda Morrison said. “Getting in there and trying is her whole spirit. She shows everybody how to get it done. Kathleen doesn’t see her limits — in her mind there are none.”

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