Courtesy of Brandi Cooper
The Pennsylvania Tourette Syndrome Alliance (PATSA) has recognized Grandview Elementary School and Walnut Creek Middle School in the Millcreek Township School District with its 2026 Most Accommodating School Award, honoring the schools’ commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for a student living with Tourette syndrome.
The award was presented on July 22 and highlights the schools’ extraordinary efforts to meet the educational, social, and developmental needs of students with Tourette syndrome while fostering a culture of understanding and acceptance.
The Most Accommodating School Award is presented annually to a school that demonstrates exceptional acceptance and support for a student with Tourette syndrome. Schools are nominated by families, with the final recipient selected by PATSA’s Board of Directors.
This year’s award stems from a nomination submitted by Bethany Hurley, whose son Nolin attended Grandview Elementary before transitioning to Walnut Creek Middle School.
According to the Hurley family, support for Nolin began early in his educational journey. His first-grade teacher noticed that his tics were affecting his classroom experience and encouraged the family to seek medical evaluation. That recommendation ultimately led to a diagnosis and connected the family with valuable resources, including PATSA.
Throughout Nolin’s time in both schools, teachers, counselors, administrators, nurses, and support staff worked together to ensure he had the tools necessary to succeed. School counselors helped Nolin educate his classmates about Tourette syndrome each year, creating opportunities for awareness and understanding among his peers.
Rather than being defined by his diagnosis, Nolin became known for his personality, talents, and contributions to school life. His classmates, educators said, became allies and advocates who helped foster a welcoming and inclusive environment.
The Hurley family also praised both schools for their collaborative approach to developing and maintaining Nolin’s Section 504 Accommodation Plan. School officials welcomed input from Nolin, his parents, and PATSA representatives, recognizing that Nolin’s perspective was essential to understanding his individual needs.
Many accommodations were already being implemented by teachers before they were formally added to the plan, reflecting what the family described as a culture of proactive support and understanding.
As Nolin prepared to move from elementary school to middle school, staff at both schools worked together well in advance of the transition, ensuring supports were in place from day one. The schools also partnered with PATSA to host community educational presentations about Tourette syndrome, with Nolin playing an active role in helping educate others.
The impact of that support extended beyond the classroom. The Hurley family said that when they considered moving to a larger home, they limited their search to the Grandview attendance area so Nolin could remain in the school community that had become such an important part of their lives.
Now preparing to enter high school, Nolin recently experienced a moment that highlighted the success of those efforts. During a high school open house, a vice principal recognized him by name, not because of his Tourette syndrome, but because of his involvement in school musicals.
For his family, it was a powerful reminder that educators had helped ensure Nolin would be known first for his strengths, interests, and achievements.
PATSA congratulated the administrators, teachers, counselors, nurses, and support staff at both schools, saying their efforts serve as an example of how schools can help students with Tourette syndrome thrive while creating a more inclusive environment for all learners.