Lauren Marquez Recognized for Including and Teaching Special Education Students

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves;
ensure justice for those being crushed.

Proverbs 31:8 (NLT)
Real, true religion from God the Father’s perspective is about caring for the orphans and widows who suffer needlessly and resisting the evil influence of the world.

James 1:27  (VOICE)

When we pursue a relationship with God, being a Christian will be about more than church attendance and religious acts. God expects us to give a voice to those who have none, and to love the people around us who suffer needlessly. When we see the depth of love God has towards us, it should compel us into action to give that same love to other people.

Lauren Marquez, a senior at Lincoln High School in San Francisco, has done just that. At her school, Lauren saw the level of exclusion her classmates with disabilities experienced, and decided to do something about it. In her freshman year, she started a club called “Inclutitude,” a fully inclusive club that allows general and special education students to interact and learn from one another.

Throughout her time at Lincoln, she has facilitated activities for the students and and even started a small business on campus called Abe Café. But most importantly, she teaches all students that though those with disabilities may be different, they most certainly are not less.

Because her efforts to give these students a voice had such a huge impact, Lauren was recognized by CBS and was granted the Jefferson Award in March.

Be sure to check out the whole story on CBS SF Bay Area to read all about Lauren and her inspiring drive for inclusion.