Honoring the legacy of Anne Sullivan

The Annie Award for Administrative Leadership is named in memory of Brooke Whitted, a visionary advocate and pillar of the special education community.

Among his many achievements was the creation of the Hyde Park Day School, the first of its kind in the region, designed specifically to meet the needs of students with learning differences.

Brooke also served as board member, and later chairman of the Leslie Shankman Corporation, the non-profit entity which governs the Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School. 

Known as ‘The O School’, this life-changing learning environment provides students and their families unparalleled opportunities to succeed. Until 2020, The O School offered residential options for students who benefitted from 24/7 support, structure and supervision beyond the classroom.

Brooke was a nationally respected litigator, advocate and change-maker. Until his passing in 2014, Brooke enhanced the lives of children and their families through fighting for what was right. Where there was a need, Brooke met it. Where there was a void, Brooke filled it. And when a family was struggling to reach a child, Brooke worked until the right solution was secured.

Brooke’s leadership set the standard for those working in administrative positions within K-12 education. His belief that all children can learn when their needs are honored and met laid the foundation for successful Individual Education Plans (IEPs).

Naming the Administrative Leadership category in Brooke’s memory is a tribute to his legacy and brings attention to the level of commitment those who work within school administration should aspire.

Please see more of Brooke’s accomplishments and photos of his life by clicking here: http://www.whittedtakifflaw.com/brooke-r-whitted-memorial/

In 2018, the directors of The Orthogenic School and Hyde Park Day School received the Administrative Leadership award. During the ceremony, the Board of Directors announced that the award was renamed to reflect Brooke’s legacy of compassion, integrity and vision. 

The Support Champion award was named in honor of Dr. Doug Bolton, a legendary figure in the field of special education and therapeutic schools.

Doug leads with compassion, grace and heart in working with students and families. His unique approach to reaching and supporting those children who feel intensely, learn differently and struggle silently has enhanced the lives of thousands throughout the country.

After receiving his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Vermont, Doug completed an internship at Children’s Memorial Hospital (now Lurie’s Children’s Hospital) in 1995.  Later Doug began working in therapeutic schools as a school psychologist while maintaining a small private practice.  

For 14 years, Doug was the principal of North Shore Academy, a school for students with significant emotional and behavioral issues in Highland Park. 

Following retirement from North Shore Academy, Doug joined Formative Psychological Services, a thoughtful, compassionate and visionary practice. 

Doug also consults with schools and provides professional development to educators focused on helping schools create resilience-enhancing communities for all students.  

Doug’s celebrated book, Untethered, continues to inspire those in the field. Click here to learn more about Doug’s book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2288948/doug-bolton-phd/

The thread that runs through all of Doug’s work is that he believes we cannot do the hard work of change alone and, that when we form healthy and active partnerships, we all become stronger and more connected.

In 2022, Doug was nominated for an Annie Award in the Support Champion category. After presenting Doug with his award, the Board of Directors announced that going forward, the award would bear Doug’s name.