For First Time, UA RISE Alum Receives Outstanding Volunteer Award

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Jake Craft of Aliceville, an alumnus of The University of Alabama RISE Program, the nationally renowned early intervention program for preschoolers with disabilities, received the Program’s Allison Harbin Outstanding Teenage Volunteer Award.

Craft is the first RISE alumnus to receive the award, named in memory of teenage volunteer Harbin who died in an automobile accident in 2001.

Craft, 16, graduated from RISE 12 years ago. He attended RISE because he has cerebral palsy.   He now attends Pickens Academy.

In November 2002, Jake suffered severe burns on 60 percent of his body in a house fire that ravaged his family’s home.

“He’s a profile in courage to me, and I think he’s an inspiration to everybody,” said Dr. Martha Cook, director of the RISE program.

“This is a wonderful place for any kid to grow up,” Jake said. “RISE is a special place, and I always plan to be a part of it.”

According to Cook, the program has helped prepare more than 2,000 children, both disabled and non-disabled, for public school classes during the past 30 years. In 1999, RISE received accreditation from The National Association for the Education of Young Children; a prestigious recognition only achieved by 7 percent of early childhood programs nationwide.