Toronto’s Chester receives Sibling of the Year Award

A SPECIAL SIBLING — Toronto resident Kiah Chester has been named the recipient of the Dr. Tom Fish Sibling of the Year Award. A special ceremony was held in Columbus Nov. 2 for Chester to recognize her dedication to her older brother, Ronnie, at left. Ronnie has Down syndrome, is autistic and non-verbal.
— Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Kiah Chester has looked out for her brother Ronnie since childhood. That devotion earned her the accolade of receiving this year’s Dr. Tom Fish Sibling of the Year Award.

Chester is the 24-year-old daughter of Iyrhonn and Stephanie Chester of Toronto. A special ceremony was held at the African Event Center at the Columbus Zoo Nov. 2, sponsored by the Ohio Special Initiatives by Brothers and Sisters.

Chester was among more than a half-dozen nominees across the state, having been nominated by her mother, a board member of the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

“It feels like a true honor to be recognized,” Chester said. “You never think you are going to win an award for anything, but I think that’s a great award to win.”

Her mother’s nomination letter detailed the impact her daughter has made in her brother’s life. Each and every day.

Kiah Chester received her award from Tom Fish

Ronnie is 31. He has Down syndrome, autism and is nonverbal.

“While she is younger than her brother, she has always looked out for him” the letter reads. “As children, she would keep him near her while they played and let other kids know, with no uncertain terms, that he was not to be made fun of or messed with or they would have to deal with her. Kiah has always been an advocate, looking out for Ronnie’s best interest, while ensuring he receive equal and fair treatment.”

Chester’s mother said when her job required long hours and periods of travel, her daughter went above and beyond the typical sibling role, sacrificing her time to assist with doctor’s visits, emergency care and activities of daily living. That compassion and caring has carried over into her post as a children’s librarian at the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County, where she regularly invites local special needs classrooms and adult day programs for visits. She assists them with books, reads to them and designs programs geared toward different abilities and interests.

“Kiah has a genuine love for people of all abilities and exhibits empathy, kindness and compassion with the special needs population,” the letter concluded. “She deserves to be recognized for the wonderful person she is.”

Nominations were viewed by a board of representatives for Ohio SIBS, selected on the basis of various criteria. Out of the eight entries for consideration, officials chose Chester as this year’s winner.

During a gala in her honor, she was presented with the Dr. Tom Fish award, named for the founder of Ohio SIBS. Fish described Chester as a lynch pin who greatly impacted her brother’s life.

“What is a lynch pin?” Fish asked the audience. “It’s a steel pin that passes through the end of an axle to keep the wheels of a car or truck in position. It’s not very big, but it’s solid, reliable and critical to the function of the wheel. One might describe Kiah Chester as a ‘lynch pin.’ We suspect that not only will she advocate for her students of all abilities, but are confident she’ll be uniquely qualified to support young sibs. Kiah is a lynch pin. Her empathy, compassion and unwavering support of her brother and family make her the perfect 2024 winner of the Dr. Fish Sibling of the Year Award.”

Chester’s mother said the recognition was well-deserving because siblings tend to be overlooked when they should be valued for all they do.

“I’m just pleased she received the award,” she stated. “She’s very deserving and does a lot. I think siblings feel left out and it’s important they are appreciated. The path Kiah’s life has followed has led her to help the special needs community.”

Chester is a graduate of Steubenville High School pursuing her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education online through Liberty University.

She hopes to become an elementary teacher and attributes her ability to help others from being connected to Ronnie.

“My degree is for grades preschool through sixth grade,” she said. “I was studying public relations but have always been really good with kids. I have a passion for it.”

Chester said her brother is the one who inspired the move. She may even consider a role in special education. Time will tell. For now, she continues her studies and works at the library while helping her brother, when needed.

“He felt pretty good about my winning, and I definitely think caring for him puts an emphasis on the award,” she concluded. “It means being an advocate for people with disabilities.”