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Empowering Unique Learners
MAC Charitable Society for Children Grant will benefit OT program
Katie Stalter


Miriam Lower/Middle School will soon have a new addition on its playground – and other new or updated occupational therapy equipment – thanks to a grant from the Missouri Athletic Club’s Charitable Society for Children (CSC) Grant.

The CSC awards this grant to three nonprofits each year, and Miriam is honored to be one of this year’s recipients. In January, representatives of Miriam attended an award ceremony, where Head of K-8 Mary Cognata and Occupational Therapist Keira Kuenzel thanked the MAC and attendees. 

This award brings just over $20,000 to Miriam to invest in occupational therapy (OT) and sports equipment. OT is an integral part of Miriam’s programming for students who learn differently. 

On the K-8 campus, every student receives a sensory diet in the OT room twice per day. This rotation of activities such as climbing, swinging and other gross and fine motor skills helps regulate their sensory system and gets their bodies and brains ready to learn.
“For our kids, the world is too loud, too big, too bright, too much – in every way,” Cognata said at the award ceremony. “Some of our work at Miriam looks like play, but for our kids, it is the hardest work ever.”

Kuenzel agreed. “This is going to help us so much. Like Mary said, our students at Miriam School have a lot of unique needs. Anything and everything we can do to help them is amazing, so I appreciate all of you.”

She said they will use the award for bleachers with sun coverage on the playground, so students who don’t love playing sports will be able to watch their classmates and cheer them on. Miriam will also use part of the money to replace basketball hoops, soccer goals and other athletic equipment.

“Our equipment has been loved by so many children over the years, and it will be exciting to have new things,” Kuenzel said. “Not only does this support them through play, but also as grounds for connections with each other, and building those foundational skills for development.”

Cognata concluded, “When (CSC representatives) came to see our school, they saw us. They understood us. They believed us. And that’s what all of the members of CSC are doing with this gift. I am so grateful.”

MAC also provided a basketball clinic for Miriam Middle School students in the fall. It was a huge hit with students, and they are hopeful it will happen again. 

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