Brian Barr — Recognition for students often overlooked

Brian Barr, a social worker who lives in Westmere, speaks in this week’s podcast in what he calls the “afterglow of an incredible experience.” Thirty-six years ago, Barr, who directed the clinical program at the LaSalle School, came up with an idea for his Rotary Club, which, like other community organizations, had been showering awards on the high school students who were “the cream of the crop.” It struck him that children in the foster-care system, who are overcoming myriad difficulties, are rarely recognized for their achievements. So an annual luncheon was set up where each of the local child-care agencies — St. Catherine’s Center for Children; Northern Rivers, formerly Parsons; the LaSalle School; St. Anne Institute; Community Maternity Services; and Equinox — could nominate a student to be recognized for their courage, perseverance, and achievements. Because of the pandemic, this year’s luncheon was held virtually. Barr decided, despite the difficulties, to push on because the kids wouldn’t get another year to be recognized. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.