Pictured left to right: George Stockero, Jessica Mills, Kassandra Huhta, Matt Frantti, Jane Anderson, Student Kade, April Lantto, Joe Dorvinen, James Guzek, Emily Palosaari, Student Genaveve, Maria Horner, Darice Taylor & Jesse Kentala

HANCOCK — The CCISD Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) for Special Education held its’ annual awards night on Tuesday at the Hancock High School Auditorium. The is the 18th annual recognition night.

The PAC is a volunteer group of parents with children with disabilities. They represent local school districts in Houghton, Baraga, and Keweenaw Counties, and the Copper County Intermediate School District. This is the group’s highlight of the year. They honored those who have made outstanding contributions to the education and understanding of students with disabilities in the 2020-2021 school year. Winners were chosen by nominations submitted to the committee from parents, guardians, students and co-workers. Some compliments included being proactive, caring, calming, positive, dedicated, making sincere connections to students, increasing student confidence and safety, reducing anxiety and maneuvering through all the challenges of this past school year. Each winner has gone above and beyond creating a successful, positive atmosphere not only for their students, but interactions with all around them.

This year’s winners include:

— Administrator: Jennifer Peters, Principal, CLK High School

— General Education Teacher: Matt Frantti, Baraga High School

— Special Education Teachers: Maria Horner, Social Skills Teaching Program, CCISD; Kassandra Huhta, CLK Middle School

— Ancillary Staff: Jane Anderson, Speech Therapist, CCISD

— Support Staff: Joe Dorvinen, Bus Driver, CCISD; Jessica Mills, Para-Professional, Lake Linden-Hubbell Elem. School; Emily Palosaari, Secretary, Houghton High School

— COVID “Above and Beyond” Award: April Lantto, Para-Professional, Social Skills Teaching Program, CCISD

— Make A Difference Awards: Elliot and Kade, CCISD Students; Genaveve, Barkell Elementary Student

— Student Salutes: Jesse Kentala, Principal, Hancock Middle School; Darice Taylor, Special Education Teacher, Hancock High School; James Guzek, Para-Professional, Hancock High School

— Special Recognition (Retiring): George Stockero, Superintendent, CCISD