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The R.A. Horn Outstanding Student Achievement Award
SST6 is proud to announce the winners of this year’s Horn Walter awards. The R.A. Horn Outstanding Student Achievement Award is presented to one exemplary special education student from each of Ohio’s sixteen State Support Team Regions. This award was established thirty-five years ago by the Ohio Department of Education. This year’s winner is Michael Gipson from Lima City Schools. Michael was nominated by his teacher, Mrs. Jill Radler. Michael has Autism and is nonverbal; however, he has an AAC device that he has become proficient in using throughout his day. The device has now assisted him in using his own words and is trying to speak. He never gives up and almost always has a smile on his face.
This award is named in honor of the late Dr. Raymond A. Horn, Assistant Superintendent of Public Instruction Emeritus. This prestigious award recognizes students’ remarkable performance. Acknowledged as a national leader in the field of special education, Dr. Horn devoted more than 60 years of service to improving the quality of life and learning for students with disabilities. Dr. Horn left behind a legacy and a challenge to all of us to ensure that every student with a disability be given the respect and the opportunities to which they are entitled.
Other students who were nominated for this award in our region were Jess Holdheide from St. Henry High School and Sydney Suever from Bath Middle School. All students were excellent candidates!
Franklin B. Walter Outstanding Educator Award
The Franklin B. Walter Outstanding Educator Award is presented to one educator or team from each of Ohio’s sixteen State Support Team regions who have made extraordinary contributions to the education of students with disabilities. This year’s winner is Tevyn Gronas from Apollo Career Center. Tevyn was nominated by Intervention Specialist, Michael Gegel. Tevyn goes above and beyond in assisting our students with disabilities. She is usually the first face they see when they come to us for additional support. Tevyn speaks with the students on their level. She quickly forms a relationship with them, and they trust her to walk with them in a moment of need. They confide in her, and she is uniquely able to help them realize the best path forward. Our teachers also rely on Tevyn to help our students after they have left their classrooms. Frequently, Tevyn is asked to help students catch up with missing assignments or to sit with them and explain things to them from a different perspective. She efficiently organizes materials and makes arrangements so that students can get back on track. Not all of our students have somebody in their life that they can depend on. Tevyn has become that person for many of our students. Students have credited Tevyn for being the reason that they've chosen to make a positive change in their lives.
This award is named in honor of the late Dr. Franklin B. Walter, Superintendent of Public Instruction from 1977 until 1991, a post held longer than any other state superintendent in Ohio’s history. With over 50 years of service as a teacher and administrator, Dr. Walter’s leadership is evident in many of Ohio’s quality educational initiatives and programs. Among these is the development of the nation’s first statewide plan for children with disabilities. This is the 33rd year that this award has been given.
SST6 would also like to congratulate Emily Peck from Bath Local Schools, who was a nominee for this award. Congratulations to all award winners!
View all of our Professional Learning opportunities at the SST6 Google Site. Registration closes 24 hours before training or two weeks before a book study to send materials and links to participants.
