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DAWN CHASE - HOLLAND
As a special education teacher, Ms. Chase has worked in the Holland Central School District for the past 31 years. Through positive collaboration with her students' teachers and constant communication with parents, she has effectively created a teamwork model that has motivated her students to be the best they can be. Within the high school community, she serves as Student Council advisor, and she is involved in virtually all school activities throughout the year. "My experience in the field of education enriched my life by exposing me to a myriad of opportunities to work with youth in a variety of capacities. My job is humbling in that I realize as a teacher I have the opportunity to influence adolescents and the responsibility to lead them toward graduation from high school."
BONNIE KAJDASZ - CHEEKTOWAGA CENTRAL
Ms. Kajdasz has worked with children for the past 35 years. She has a particular penchant for working with children who are behaviorally challenged. She has been a team leader for a number of years and has performed exceptionally well in the role of student advocate. "My experience in the field of education enriched my life by allowing me to develop an expertise in educating children and allowing me to grow as a person in a diverse society."
NANCY NELSON - PIONEER
Ms. Nelson has been a special education teacher for the past 35 years. She has continued to provide invaluable service to students and the district. For several years she has also served in a consistently effective and admirable manner as the high school's CSE chairperson. "My experience in the field of education enriched my life by allowing me to fulfill my lifelong dream of helping students succeed when they believed they could not."
AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN SUPPORT STAFF SERVICES
DEBORAH ACQUISTO - CHEEKTOWAGA CENTRAL
Ms. Acquisto has served as a teacher aide in the Cheektowaga Central School District for approximately 16 years. She is presently working in an inclusion setting. One of her truly daunting responsibilities is her organization and overseeing of all the testing modifications for the state assessments. "My experience in the field of education enriched my life by giving me a sense of accomplishment. My success in education is due to facing everyday challenges and the rewards that follow when a student achieves. Just knowing you touched a child's life in a positive way is quite fulfilling."
DEBORAH DOUGHERTY - LOCKPORT
Mrs. Dougherty serves as a secretary at Lockport High School. She has demonstrated a true spirit of leadership over the years by: (a) learning all the secretarial jobs in the building, (b) teaching and orienting new employees, (c) volunteering to accept new challenges and take on more responsibilities. "My experience in the field of education enriched my life by allowing me to interact with teachers, students, and staff. I particularly enjoy the diversities that are encountered on a day to day basis in the education field. I enjoy the interaction and the ability to assist when and where it is needed."
JIM HEIMBURG - WEST SENECA
Mr. Heimburg has been employed as the Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds in the West Seneca Central School District for the past 17 years. He supervises over 100 staff members and presently is the "lead manager" for the implementation of a 38 million dollar capital project. "My experience in the field of education enriched my life by allowing me to work with many wonderful people. Students are our driving force, and as we all know, kids bring enthusiasm and desire to all that they do. They inspire us to bring passion and joy each and every day. Working in the field of Education has given me the greatest opportunity of all, to be surrounded by competent and caring people, and be in a position to support the noble profession of educating children. It has made my work and my life very rewarding."
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