T. Michael Lillis Youth Leadership Award for 2005 The Mayor’s Committee on Disabilities selected B.E.S.T. Network’s, Beyond the Evening Star Theater program, to receive the T. Michael Lillis Youth Leadership Award for 2005. The award was given in recognition of the work they have done to enrich the lives of people, especially youth, with and without disabilities through their inclusive performing arts experience. The event was held in the Grand Ballroom of the Marriott Hotel on the Plaza, on September 30th, 2005. Marlene and Audrey Wagnon, cofounders of the B.E.S.T. Network, graciously accepted the award. Audrey delivered a speech on diversity that touched, moved, and inspired the audience resulting in a rousing standing ovation. The troupe members then sang and danced their way into the hearts of the audience. The highlight of the day was the B.E.S.T. Troupe members getting to meet and have their picture taken with Mayor Kay Barnes. EP Maxwell J. Scheifer Award for Distinguished Services in the Disabilities Community Exceptional Parent Magazine, Legacy Financial and Mass Mutual selected Marlene Wagnon, B.E.S.T. Network founder, as the 2005 recipient of the EP Maxwell J. Schleifer Award for her exceptional work on behalf of the disability community. It was presented at the Royals Stadium as the B.E.S.T. troupe members sang and performed sign-language to the National Anthem.