BCCS is proud to celebrate Grace Cohen Stuart, Teacher Assistant at Round Hill Road Preschool, who was awarded the prestigious Blanche Fierstein Memorial Scholarship Award at this year’s AHRC Foundation Rose Ball.
On June 11, BCCS community members joined supporters of the AHRC Foundation at Oheka Castle to celebrate people and organizations dedicated to improving opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. Grace was recognized for her work and continued commitment to special education, and for the kind of impact BCCS staff bring to their classrooms every day.
The Blanche Fierstein Memorial Scholarship was established in 2011 to honor the life and legacy of the late AHRC Nassau Board member and NYSARC, Inc. President Blanche Fierstein, awarding $5,000 annually to a person pursuing an advanced degree in special education.
Paul Giordano, AHRC Nassau President, joined Blanche’s daughter, Andrea to present the award. Grace is currently pursuing a dual master’s degree in early childhood education and special education at Hofstra University.
“Blanche Fierstein believed that if something needed to change. You did not wait. You got to work,” Paul said. “Grace, clearly that same drive lives in you. The AHRC Board of Directors and the scholarship committee are truly excited for your future and for what it will mean to children with developmental disabilities and their families.”
Grace’s path to BCCS started early. Her passion for special education began in childhood, when she joined Best Buddies, a nonprofit organization promoting socialization for people with disabilities, in elementary school. That experience showed her the impact she could have on others’ lives, and set her on the path that eventually brought her to our team. Since joining BCCS in July 2023, Grace has supported children at Round Hill Road Preschool as they learn and grow.
“The most fulfilling part of my role is simply getting to see the progress the kids make throughout the year and celebrating all the skills and milestones they hit along the way,” Grace said. “I truly love what I do, and I am very excited to start my career in it soon.”
Grace will complete her degree in December 2026 and continue her career as a special education teacher. The entire BCCS community congratulates Grace on this well-deserved honor.
