Massachusetts Distinguished Citizens Award

On September 16, The Arc of Massachusetts presented Andrea Thibaudeau with a Massachusetts Distinguished Citizen Award at the State House. The Distinguished Citizen Awards were created to recognize some of the many individuals and organizations in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that make an enormous difference in the lives of people of all ages with cognitive and developmental disabilities and their families.

Ms. Thibaudeau grew up in Ashby and currently resides in Leominster.  She is a 29- year-old woman with Down Syndrome who has never let her diagnosis prevent her from living her life to her fullest potential.  Andrea has been employed at Hannaford Supermarket for the past eight years. She began her 20-hour position as a bagger and little by little has garnered the confidence of her supervisor, which has resulted in several promotions. When an opening in the bakery became available, Andrea, eager to build upon her skills, quickly made the transition to this new position.   After mastering her position in the bakery, Andrea graduated to the produce department where she works today, not only stocking various fruits and vegetables, but pricing the items as well. Her success in this position has led her supervisor to call upon her for vacation coverage on Saturdays, the busiest day of the week.

Although Andrea loves to work and receive a paycheck each week, she also recognizes the need to give back to the community.  Once a week for the last eight years, she has been volunteering at Nashoba Hospital’s Apple Valley Center in Ayer. Where, for three hours a week, Andrea makes beds, cleans various equipment, makes copies, and is the “go-to person” for assorted errands.  Andrea also volunteers her time with youngsters in the Special Olympics swimming program.  Andrea is an experienced swimmer and teaches kids different strokes and sometimes just how to stay afloat.  For several years, Andrea has participated in the Walk for Hope and has raised over $2,000 through this endeavor, which benefits programming for people with developmental disabilities at Beacon of Hope Community Services located in Leominster.

When Andrea is not working or volunteering, she finds balance in her life by participating in different physical activities.  Through many years of hard work and self-discipline, Andrea has earned a black belt in karate.  Through “Shining Stars” cheerleading team, Andrea has toured different Massachusetts venues, displaying her athleticism and energetic spirit. Through Special Olympics, Andrea also shines on the softball field and basketball court.

With all the hustle and bustle in Andrea’s life, one might question, “How does she get from one activity to the next?”  Andrea obtained her driver’s license ten years ago when she was nineteen years old and now owns her own vehicle.

One of Andrea’s greatest feats came three years ago when she moved into her own apartment with her best friend with whom she grew up.  This new chapter in her life has given her new avenues to explore, the opportunity to come and go as she pleases, and to enhance her independent living skills. 

Distinguished Citizens are women and men — and teenagers — from all parts of Massachusetts. What they have in common is not just their belief that individuals can make a difference but their willingness to follow the principle of Gandhi: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”

About the Author: Victoria Briggs

Victoria Briggs has 15 years experience working in the human services sector. Her current role is as Director of Specialized Supports which includes the oversight of 70 individuals supported through the Supported Community Living Program and 20 individuals supported through the Elementary and Secondary Education Project. Victoria has a BS from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.