TNSTEP Awards

Advocate of the Year Nominations

If you know a parent, student, or professional who has demonstrated advocacy for themselves or others in the special education community, we invite you to share their inspirational story with us. Please include a brief description of their advocacy efforts and outcomes, a photo of them in action, and their contact information in case they are selected for an advocacy award.

Nominations for 2026 are now open, and award recipients will be recognized virtually during a live-streamed event in November.

Nominations can be submitted below or sent to TNSTEP by email at gethelp@tnstep.info or by fax at 423-636-8217.

WAYNE PARKER
Advocate of the Year

Submit a Nomination

WESLEY RICE
Youth Advocate of the Year

Submit a Nomination

SCOTT FINNEY
Self-Advocate of the Year

Submit a Nomination
Award Categories

Wayne Parker Advocate of the Year Award

The Wayne Parker Advocate of the Year Award is presented each year to a person who has exemplified seeking and using the information to ensure a brighter future for children or youth with disabilities. The award is in memory of Wayne Parker, a former TNSTEP team member, who was a zealous advocate for the rights of children and families. He worked tirelessly to ensure that families had the information they needed to speak up and advocate for the needs of their children with disabilities. In the true “Wayne” style, the recipient must also demonstrate teamwork and collaboration and the zeal to share the information they have learned with others.

Wayne Parker Awards Recipients – Current

Wesley Rice Youth Advocate of the Year Award

The Wesley Rice Youth Advocate of the Year Award is designed to honor a young person who has embodied the positive character traits of being a strong self-advocate by demonstrating leadership and accepting responsibility in speaking up for themselves and others.

Youth Advocate Award Recipients – Current

Scott Finney Self-Advocate of the Year

The Scott Finney Self-Advocate of the Year Award is named after a man who has dedicated his life to leading by example. It honors a person who has embodied the positive character traits of being a strong self-advocate by accepting responsibility, speaking up for themselves and others, and above all, leading by example.

Self Advocate Award Recipients – Current
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