Celebrating Paul: Empathy in Action

Teaching artist Paul McArdle stands alongside his student Deepesh—a meaningful moment honoring the connection that inspired the Empathy Award, initiated by Deepesh’s father.

Empathy is the quiet force that connects us—one caring action at a time. The Empathy Award was created to honor individuals who lead with compassion, cultivate meaningful relationships, and embody a true spirit of service. It’s more than a recognition of kindness; it’s a celebration of those who consistently show up for others, especially when it matters most.

Each year, this award shines a light on someone who goes above and beyond to listen, uplift, and advocate—particularly for individuals in vulnerable or underserved communities. Through mentorship, creative outreach, and a deep commitment to human connection, Empathy Award recipients remind us that real change often begins with a simple yet powerful act: caring.

This year, we are proud to present the Empathy Award to Paul McArdle, one of our dedicated music teachers, an educator, advocate, and tireless champion for inclusive communities. Paul’s work with youth and individuals with developmental disabilities has touched countless lives. His ability to truly see people, empower their voices, and foster a genuine sense of belonging leaves a lasting impact on everyone he meets.

Paul’s philosophy is deeply rooted in creativity, relationship-building, and the transformative power of the arts. Through music, he creates spaces where students feel valued, confident, and inspired spaces where empathy is not just taught, but lived.

Paul’s dedication, sincerity, and quiet leadership embody the very heart of the Empathy Award. As we celebrate him this year, we don’t just recognize his accomplishments—we honor the light he brings into our community every day.

Congratulations, Paul. Thank you for reminding us what empathy in action truly looks like.

Read about previous Empathy Award recipients: Emily and Bethany.