First-Class Awards
An annual celebration of individuals who support, design, and implement inclusion activities that result in positive outcomes for students.
First-Class Awards are presented each year at our Special Education Conference, to recognize and celebrate the efforts of educators, administrators, support staff, and students who demonstrate excellence in all facets of education related to disability.
2023 Winners
Category | Winners |
---|---|
Elementary School Teacher |
Melissa DeStefano |
Elementary School Administrator |
Sharyn Prindle |
Elementary Support Staff |
Shawna Peterson |
Middle/High School Teacher |
Jae Lee |
Middle/High School Administrator |
Briana Kodadek |
Central Office |
Mary Beth Harrison-Cunningham |
Specialty Program Staff (Two Awards) |
Ann Smith Emily Kaltenmark |
Specialists (Two Awards) |
Leslie Leisey Ashley Kiley |
Community Contributor |
Unlimited Potential (“UP”) |
Students |
Culinary Arts Program |
Winners from Previous Years
2022 Winners
Category | Winner |
---|---|
Secondary Administrator |
Dr. Ellen Reilly |
Elementary Administrator |
Scott Reeder |
Central Office |
Mike Bloom |
Elementary School Support Staff |
Katie Lacroix |
Secondary School Support Staff |
Alma Ortiz-Tellez |
Elementary Student |
Jackson Allen |
Secondary Student |
Lila Jones |
Secondary Student Club |
Assistive Technology Club, TJHSST |
Elementary Teacher |
Amy LaCrosse |
Elementary Teacher |
Kenzie Bergh |
Secondary Teacher |
Victoria Robinson |
2021 Winners
- Michael Chierichella, 5th Grade Teacher, Coates Elementary School
- Keely Norris, Special Education Teacher, Glasgow Middle School
- Julie Tiss, Special Education Teacher, Rocky Run Middle School
- Allie Ojjeh, Special Education Teacher, Herndon Middle School
- Mark Thompson, Special Education Teacher, McLean High School
- Deb Opalesky, Speech and Language Pathologist, McLean High School
- Anna Southworth, Career and Transition Teacher, McLean High School
- Mary Beth and Eric Fleming, Assistive Technology Resource Teachers, Assistive Technology Services
2019 Winners
- Kerry Peerman, Principal, Halley Elementary School
- Sarah Chawki, Student, Bush Hill Elementary School
- Jordan Bristol, Kindergarten Teacher, Canterbury Woods Elementary School
- Nancy Lucas-Heck, Multiple Disabilities Teacher, Lake Braddock Secondary School
- Debra Opalesky, Speech-Language Pathologist, McLean High School