Special awards for some special people

By JANE NORDBERG, DMG Writer
HANCOCK — It’s not easy, but being involved in special education does have its benefits.

“It’s always rewarding in the long-term, if not always immediately so,” said Toni Waara, one of seven individuals honored Tuesday during the Sixth Annual Parent Advisory Committee for Special Education awards dinner.

Waara, a social worker for the Copper Country Intermediate School District, was nominated by Lake Linden High School Principal Craig Sundblad, who called her “exceptionally dedicated and compassionate.” Waara was honored as the PAC’s choice for ancillary staff person.

The PAC awards recognize special administrators, students and others in Houghton, Baraga and Keweenaw counties who have made outstanding contributions to special education during the 2007-08 school year.

One of the most rewarding things they do, said PAC President Cindy Figures, is host the annual awards ceremony.

“It’s not flashy or long,” she said. “It’s just a very heartfelt thanks from those of us involved in special education.”

The PAC Administrator award was given to George Stockero, principal of Chassell High School, from a pair of students and elementary school Special Education Aide Denise Daavettila.

“His zero tolerance for bullying makes CHS a safe haven for all students,” Daavettila said.

L’Anse Middle School’s Matt Dennis was chosen as the general education teacher of the year, nominated by principal Rob Willman.

“He screams, he shrieks, he smashes things, he’s alive,” said an animated Willman of his colleague. “There is an incredible amount of learning going on in his classroom.”

Lisa Sporbert of the CCISD and Jennifer Beaudette of Lake Linden-Hubbell Elementary tied as the PAC’s choice for special education teacher of the year.

For Figures, herself a parent of a child with special needs, Sporbert’s nomination was a long time coming.

“Being on the PAC, I couldn’t nominate her, even though I knew how special she was,” Figures said. “I almost got off the PAC to do it, but fortunately she was nominated this year by others who also saw how special she is.”

Another parent honored Beaudette’s skills in helping their son develop friendships with other students, something he had not been able to do before working with Beaudette.

CCISD Paraprofessional Kim Tunstall was chosen as support staff person of the year with no fewer than five nominations, with accolades ranging from “creative and caring,” to “she does more than is asked for every kid, even the tough ones.”

Chris Stein, a L’Anse High School student, was nominated by special education teacher John Jacobson, who praised Stein’s work ethic and change of attitude from a freshman struggling with algebra to a sophomore who now assists others in the math class.

“We knew it was more a question of attitude than aptitude,” Jacobson said to the crowd. To Stein, his message was more personal.

“I am thankful for your confidence, your good attitude, and for your willingness to help others,” Jacobson said. “Your future is very bright.”

Stein closed the evening with resolve and appreciation.

“Thank you for seeing how hard I worked and thanks for the reward,” he said.

For more information about the CCISD Parent Advisory Committee for Special Education, go to www.copperisd.org



Jane Nordberg can be reached at jnordberg@mininggazette.com