The following is this week’s I AM, YOU ARE, WE ARE Honoree by Jodie Ingram
Amanda Potter is a lifelong Vermilion County resident. She is an Armstong High School graduate and has spent the last 22 years as a Speech Language Pathologist working for both District 118 and VASE. Her nomination states, “Amanda has been an asset to Vermilion County as a Speech Language Pathologist.
She has helped so many children while working at District 118 and currently at VASE. When I hear her talk about the children she works with or when I see her interact with them in the community, you can tell each of them have a special place in her heart.” From the short amount of time I spent with Amanda, I can attest, the children absolutely hold a special place in her heart! Her biggest professional motivation is to ensure that every child gets the chance to communicate and be successful in their life.
Growing up, Amanda never planned on staying in Vermilion County. However, now, there is no place she would rather be. She loves that she is surrounded by her family. She feels blessed to have her parents and brother nearby as they are a huge support system. She is the proud parent of Landon and Morgan. Landon is a BHRA graduate and currently enrolled in Parkland College and Morgan attends BHRA High School. Over the years, they have kept her very busy with both school and extracurricular activities.
Landon was very involved in hockey and Morgan enjoys gymnastics and competitive cheer. She has always encouraged them to be the very best that they can. She tries to lead by example, she explained that if you always give your very best, you should be able to lay your head down at night without any regrets. This is something she lives by both personally and professionally.
She is also very involved in the Bismarck community, if there is a need, she is there and ready to help. I have found this to be a common theme amongst my interviews, the people in Vermilion County really know how to show up! Amanda went on to share a very personal story, showing firsthand how our community rallied together for her and her family. At age 16, her son was diagnosed with cancer. Her family, friends, the schools, her employer, the students, and even strangers came together to show support.
The American Childhood Cancer Association estimates that each year in the United States, a total of 15,780 children and adolescents ages 0 to 19 will be diagnosed with cancer. Amanda never dreamed her child would be included in those statistics. Her entire life changed in a moment’s time, but the love and support she received and continues to receive something that she holds dear to her heart.
Thank you, Amanda Potter, for always giving your best in all that you do. Thank you for helping children find their voice and changing their lives one word at a time. Above all, thank you for sharing your story and spreading childhood cancer awareness. You truly make a difference!
If you have someone you would like to share,
visit https://forms.gle/deCPiQ1cxn1pDLhZ9
or contact Ashton Greer, City of Danville agreer@cityofdanville.org or
Nicole Van Hyfte, Vermilion Advantage nvanhyfte@vermilionadvantage.com.
