The Copper Country Intermediate School District's Parent Advisory Committee for Special Education hosted its 22nd annual awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 30th at the Continental Fire Company in downtown Houghton. The event celebrated individuals who have made exceptional contributions to special education across the Copper Country.
A packed house of family members, educators, and support staff gathered to recognize this year's honorees who demonstrate outstanding dedication to supporting students with special needs.
"These recognitions celebrate the incredible work happening in special education every day," said Jennifer Beaudette, Co-Chairperson of the Parent Advisory Committee, who was also honored as Administrator of the Year. "These individuals go above and beyond to ensure all students receive the support they need to succeed and achieve their limitless potential."
This year’s honored recipients included:
• Administrator Award: Jennifer Beaudette, Early Childhood Director, CCISD
• General Education Teacher Award: Christa Peterson, Baraga Area Schools
• Special Education Teacher Awards: Jennifer Gervais, Copper Island Academy; Naomi Michaelson, Houghton High School
• Ancillary Staff Award: Monica Aho, Physical Therapist, CCISD
• Support Staff Awards: Michael Datto, Paraprofessional, Houghton High School; Anne Polkinghorne, Paraprofessional, Houghton Elementary; Jennifer Schmitt, Paraprofessional, Lake Linden-Hubbell Schools
• Make A Difference Award: Janel Summers, Behavioral Health Coordinator, Houghton-Portage Township Schools
• Dream Team Award: 7th Grade Girls Basketball Team, CLK Washington Middle School (Abigail Anderson, Kayla Eskola, Quinn Goulette, Ellie Halonen, Alexa Hermanson, Pearl Loukus, Gwenyth Skoog, Elsie Sturos)
• Student Salute: Luke Hill, Student, Houghton High School
• Special Recognition (Retiring): Sandy Johnson, Instructional/Bus Aide, CCISD Learning Center; Wanda Kiiskila, Speech/Language Pathologist, CCISD; Trista Soumis, Resource Room Teacher, CLK Washington Middle School
“As both a parent and committee member, I’ve been fortunate to see firsthand how everyone here has made extraordinary differences in students' lives," said Zachary Halkola, Parent Advisory Committee Award Committee Member. "They've created classrooms and programs where differences are celebrated and every student knows they belong.”
The CCISD Parent Advisory Committee for Special Education consists of parents and leaders from school districts across the Copper Country who work to improve educational outcomes for students with special needs.
To learn more about the CCISD Parent Advisory Committee, visit: https://www.copperisd.org/page/parent-advisory-committee