[Music] the human rights and relations commission recently honored a group of dedicated Educators at South viw Middle School the commission presented the 2024 Tom oi award to Edina unified and Educators Jenny schaer Rachel Cana and Whitney brocka Edina unified is a program that brings neurotypical students into special education classrooms to build meaningful authentic relationships between students the youth work shoulder-to-shoulder with their peers who have varying needs fostering understanding and inclusion the Educators grew the offerings from classes like physical education to special events like a dance for both special education students and their unified friends and other activities you know people have different struggles and it might be special education struggles mental health struggles like anything and it's made my my child and I think others who participated in the program more intuitive about how they regard their fellow humans so they might be a little more understanding of someone who has different social skills or different physical abilities um I also think that by being part of this program and having these real true friendships these kids are going to go forth in life and this is all because of what these leaders have really encouraged in them and look at where can they make space in their communities in their workplaces in their in everything they do for people of all abilities Commissioners presented the award at a city council meeting last month we can't think of a better organization that is impacting human rights and fostering a spirit of belonging in inclusivity in our city and touch hearts and Minds alike then Edina unified the award was established in 2006 in recognition of the late Tom oi who was an early member of the hrrc and served on it for more than 30 years oy was also a niss soldier in World War II a second generation Japanese American who served in the 100th infantry battalion of the 442nd regimental combat team in 20 2003 oi received the prize for Humanity by The Immortal chaplain Foundation