Niko Antonellos ’13 and Executive Director of College Engagement Mark Clapper ’96 (L-R)
Elizabethtown College recognized alumnus with the Niko Antonellos ’13 Distinguished Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award for 2022.
Presented on behalf of the College and the Etown Alumni Association by Executive Director of College Engagement Mark Clapper ’96 during Homecoming and Family Weekend, the honor is reserved for a graduate who, within 10 years of graduation, has demonstrated noteworthy and distinctive achievements, strong evidence of effective leadership, and the College’s spirit and legacy of using education as a foundation from which to serve others.
Antonellos, who majored in Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship, started his business Sidekicks Support Services while a student at Etown. The company provides personalized, consistent, and comprehensive one-on-one support services for individuals with disabilities and their families.
“At the forefront of our mind, we want to provide quality services that help people grow, whether it’s socially, independently, academically, or behaviorally,” Antonellos said.
He first formed the idea for Sidekicks Support Services for an assignment in Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship and Management Petru Sandu’s entrepreneurship class. After he and his classmates pitched their ideas, the students voted on their favorite business plans. When the entire class raised their hand to vote for Sidekicks, Antonellos knew it could grow into something more.
Sidekick’s main goal is to enable individuals to achieve goals, overcome daily obstacles, enhance social skills, and obtain greater independence. The company employs over 80 individuals and has provided services to hundreds of individuals and families across the central New Jersey area since 2013.
Services are offered to individuals ages four and older, including ABA Therapy, Speech Therapy, Individual Support Services, and Direct Support Services with the goal to continue to grow their purpose of enriching lives through value-driven support services.