Underwood High School senior Dylan Reineke was presented the 2023 Marie Hoenig Memorial Perkins Brailler Award at the Underwood senior night. Dylan was chosen by a committee which considers nominees from three states. Candidates are chosen based on their progress in school and caring for others.
“Dylan is a great friend,” said Becky Marth, an IESBVI teacher of the visually impaired who has worked with Dylan three years. “He will always listen and give advice to his peers. He is always willing to help teachers and volunteers to run errands. He is very respectful to adults and peers.”
Marth noted Dylan is fast and efficient using the Perkins braille, and will use it to make lists, write recipes and notes for himself. “Dylan’s favorite part of braille is writing,” said Marth. “He excels at speed and accuracy while using the brailler.”
This fall, Dylan plans to attend IESBVI’s transition program, 4PLUS, on the Council Bluffs campus and take classes at Iowa Western Community College. He will receive the brailler at the American Council of the Blind state affiliate convention in August.
The award is named for the mother of Mike Hoenig, who graduated from Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School. Marie bought Mike a Perkins Brailler when he was an elementary student so he could use and practice braille at home. The Hoenig family now works with the Iowa Council of the United Blind to administer the annual award.
Image: Kristen Steel (former IESBVI student; Iowa Council of the United Blind (ICUB) member, Dylan and Becky Marth stand with Dylan; Dylan holds certificate.