Labeled diabled

Stephanie Pierre receives an award in tobacco prevention from Patti Henley of the Massachusetts Tobacco Control Program.

As a first-grade teacher at Cambridge Friends School, Maggie Doben talks to her students about stereotypes and discrimination imposed on those with disabilities.

And she brings other people into the classroom to address the issue. "From doctors and hip-hop artists to parents and disability advocates, volunteers speak about what it is like to use a wheelchair, have a guide dog, or experience life as a little person," said Doben, a native of Swampscott. "As children meet people with disabilities, their comfort level deepens and they understand more about a subject that most adults are afraid to discuss."

Now she has produced a documentary film, "Labeled Disabled," which provides a glimpse into the everyday lives of challenged members of the community.

The film will be screened at CinemaSalem, One East India Square in Salem, tonight at 7. A panel discussion with people who appear in the film will follow.

Tickets are $10 and proceeds benefit the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation and Helping Hands Foundation. Call 781-581-5511.

YOUNG THESPIANS: High school actors from Marblehead and Salem took top honors at the third annual Spotlight Awards at North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly last week.

Ariana Conte won best lead actress for her role of Sally Bowles in "Cabaret" at Marblehead High School. Owen Grover was named best lead actor for his performance as Bobby Child in "Crazy for You" at Salem High School.

Lara Finn of Salem High School was recognized for best choreography for "Crazy for You."

Twenty-four high schools and more than 1,000 students competed for the awards.

Trophies were presented in 15 categories, including best overall musical, which was won by Framingham High School, a recipient of seven awards for its production "Once On This Island."

The program is designed to honor the accomplishments of high school students and teachers, as well as to encourage them to achieve the highest levels of excellence in musical theater.

"Spotlight Awards have become a wonderful and exciting tradition at North Shore Music Theatre and a perfect way to celebrate and showcase the immense talent and commitment of all the students, teachers, and parents," said Barry Ivan, the theater's artistic director and executive producer. "These students are our future and as theater educators and enthusiasts, it is our privilege to honor them and encourage their growth."

VOLUNTEERS HONORED: The Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center in Newburyport recently honored its volunteers for dedication and commitment to advocating for victims of domestic violence.

This year's Ellie Crestin Award was presented to former board member Wendy West, who is a child advocate volunteer. The Community Hero Award was given to attorney Donna Malgeri for her pro bono work with victims of abuse.

Also recognized were volunteers Diane Harper and Anita Rossi for their 25 years of service to the center.

The mission of the Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center is to empower members of the community to live free of fear, intimidation, violence, or the threat of abuse by providing support, advocacy, and education.

The center is seeking new board members, as well as pro bono panelists for legal and therapeutic services.

Call Cintra Warden, coordination of volunteer services, at 978-465-0999, ext. 13.

WHO'S WHAT WHERE: David Chuckran, a science teacher at Malden Catholic High School, has received a grant to participate in a summer food science development program offered by the US Food and Drug Administration. The program is designed to train educators how to present topical and relevant lessons in food science to their students. The grant was awarded by the FDA, in partnership with the National Science Teachers Association. . . . Stephanie Pierre of Malden received a youth leadership award for her work in preventing tobacco use during a statewide gathering celebrating World No Tobacco Day.

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