Western Illinois University student Madelyn Thurman of Macomb was awarded the Dean S. Hage Student of the Year 2025 award from the Illinois Council for Exceptional Children. The honor is given annually to an Illinois college student who demonstrates outstanding service and leadership to the association.
Madelyn has advocated for special education services at the national level in Washington, D.C. She has also presented at the Illinois Council for Exceptional Children advocating for inclusion, equity, and excellence for all learners.
