Carissa Carroll, School of Kinesiology adjunct instructor, was recently recognized as one of JCI Minnesota’s Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans in 2016.

The honor, which acknowledges the efforts of individuals and young adults who have contributed to the state through service, thought, influence, community and entrepreneurship, was awarded to Carroll for her work with founding Jack’s Basket.

Carroll founded Jack’s Basket in 2014, a year after she and her husband, Chris, had their son Jack, who was born with Down syndrome. Jack’s Basket is a welcome gift basket for families that have recently received a Down syndrome diagnosis for their child. The baskets are delivered by a parent volunteer, and are filled with gifts, resources and support for the new and expectant families. The mission of Jack’s Basket is to celebrate every child born with Down syndrome, and to congratulate their family. Along with delivering baskets to new families, Jack’s Basket strives to bridge the gap between families loving their lives raising children with Down syndrome and providers giving the Down syndrome diagnosis.