Community gathers for the 23rd year to recognize educators, staff, and students dedicated to success for all students

HOUGHTON, Mich. - The Copper Country Intermediate School District's Special Education Parent Advisory Committee hosted its 23rd annual awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 22nd at the Continental Fire Company in downtown Houghton. The event celebrated individuals who have made exceptional contributions to students with disabilities  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.

“This is one of my favorite nights of the year. Everyone here is dedicated to making a difference in our students' lives," said Zachary Halkola, Parent Advisory Committee Member. "I’m honored to be part of a community that recognizes the incredible heart and hard work these individuals bring to our schools every day.”

This year’s honored recipients included:

• Administrator Award: Jesse Kentala, MS/HS Principal Dollar Bay Schools

• General Education Teacher Award: Beth Crouch & Kathy Kumpala - Lake Linden-Hubbell Public Schools

• Special Education Teacher Awards: Mandy Crouch, Early On Provider/EC Special Education Teacher - CCISD

• Ancillary Staff Award: Laurie Christiansen, Special Education Teacher Consultant - CCISD; Jordan Jarvi, Special Education Compliance/Monitoring Specialist - CCISD

•  Support Staff Awards: Jason Goulette, Paraprofessional - CLK Elementary School; Michelle Larson, Paraprofessional - Copper Island Academy; Noelle Pinar, Paraprofessional - Barkell Elementary School; Shana Ruotsala, Paraprofessional - Houghton Middle School; Kylie Veriha, Paraprofessional - Baraga Area Schools.

• Make A Difference Award: Marco Guidotti and Tricia Tervo, Administrators - Chassell Township Schools

•  Heart in Motion Award: Stacy Bussiere and Joan Kero, K-12 PE Department - Hancock Public Schools

• Serving with Love Award: Judy  Klutts and Shelby Turnquist, Food Service - Houghton-Portage Township School District

• Make a Difference Award: Tara Carlson, Student - Dollar Bay High School & Henrik Hampton, Student - CLK Elementary School

•  Special Recognition (Retiring): Joann Feeley, Special Education Teacher - South Range Elementary School

“These (awards) are something that we all share to support all of our students," said Tricia Tervo, Administrator at Chassell Township Schools and co-recipient of the Make A Difference Award. ”I feel like everyone who works with those students makes us better educators and teachers and I am so grateful that I get to work with them every day. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

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