Notable CEOs, sportscasters, military leaders, a pro hockey player, a Pulitzer prize winner … and Tic Toc the Clown. These are all recipients of the Needham High School ‘Distinguished Career Award.’ 🏅 🎉
On October 25, Cheryl Lekousi, executive director of Hearts & Noses Hospital Clown Troupe, was honored by her former high school for the contributions she’s made to her community and her profession.
Lekousi was nominated by Kenny Raskin, the Hearts & Noses’ artistic director. As part of her nomination he wrote, “Cheryl has worked tirelessly to build this program, in order to give the clowns the best artistic training available and to build deep and lasting relationships with all the hospitals served.”
Looking back
Lekousi sees a sense of both irony and legacy in the award. “I was a terrible student. And I wasn’t even the class clown,” she jokes.
Lekousi had a learning disability and struggled academically. As part of an alternative learning experience, Lekousi volunteered in a resource room for students with disabilities.
With that formative experience, Lekousi went to college for special education and then worked in early education for students with special needs. Eventually she started an inclusive family daycare that welcomes children of all needs and abilities.
“Being with kids with special needs — the most important thing is being able to understand how they learn and where they’re comfortable,” she says. “That translates right into clowning and being aware of the child and what their needs are.”
This October also marks Lekousi’s 20-year anniversary as a Hearts & Noses clown.