Senator Martins & State Senate Honor Henry Viscardi School President on Earning National Award

     Photo caption: Senator Martins (standing right) leads the New York State Senate in honoring Viscardi School President & CEO John Kemp (seated third left) on earning the 2014 Dole Leadership Prize. Viscardi School leaders and students, along with Mr. Kemp’s wife, Sameta, joined Senator Martins and Mr. Kemp on the Senate floor during the tribute. 

     Senator Jack M. Martins (R-7th Senate District), together with the entire New York State Senate, recently honored Henry Viscardi School President & CEO John Kemp on earning national recognition as the 2014 Dole Leadership Prize recipient. Senator Martins sponsored a legislative resolution, passed by the Senate, honoring Mr. Kemp for earning the honor and introduced him on the Senate floor during Senate session. 

     The Dole Leadership Prize is a national award given annually to an individual or group whose public service leadership inspires others. Past honorees include Nelson Mandela, President George H.W. Bush, and Rudolph Giuliani. John Kemp is the first disability leader to receive the distinction and personally selected by former Senator Robert Dole. 

     John Kemp has been President & CEO of the Henry Viscardi School since 2011. A person with a disability who uses four prostheses, he is recognized as a disability rights statesman in America and throughout the world, with over 50 years of direct experience in the disability movement. He is a past recipient of the Henry B. Betts Award, widely recognized as America’s highest honor for disability leadership and service, and has served on numerous boards and commissions advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities. 

     “By earning this award, John attains a place among world leaders and people who have influenced events around the globe. He belongs right among them because of his advocacy, his example, and his ability to change children’s lives every day. John is an inspiration because he never let his disabilities slow him down, and helps others do the same. This is an incredible honor for an incredible man, and I’m pleased that the Senate recognized his accomplishment,” said Senator Martins.