HOME2003 Award Recipients
Abram (Abe) Piper will be using the monies from the 2003 NAVESNP/Piney Mountain Press, Inc. Student Award to continue working toward a degree in Communications Media at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Abe is a 2003 graduate of the Digital Media Technology program at Indiana County Technology Center (ICTC) and Indiana Area Senior High School. In 2003 Abe was the recipient of the PAVESNP Life/Work Challenge Award, was named the Indiana County Transition Council’s Student of the Year. He was awarded scholarships by the Rotary Club of Indiana, the White Township Lions Club, and the ICTC Teachers’ Education Association. In May of 2003, Abe received a Digital Media Technology Award of Excellence Certificate. In addition to his studies at IUP, Abe works part time in the field to develop and refine his vocational skills. His goal is to complete his degree at IUP and then open his own web design studio.
Lu Ann Tauer, who works diligently to provide and secure the transition services her students require, is the NAVESNP Outstanding Vocational Special Needs Teacher of the Year. Lu Ann is a Transition Plus work experience coordinator and teacher the Richfield (MN) School District. As a member of Lincoln Hills Center’s special education team, LuAnn empowers her students by creating opportunities for them to be active participants in their education programs. Students, agency representatives and parents all speak highly of LuAnn. One parent shared: “The best thing about LuAnn is she allows young people to feel their true value and realize their potential!” Her hard work and dedication are evident when talking to graduates of her program and, in all that she does, her enthusiasm and positive attitude are evident.
ADA Coordinator/Special Needs Advisor Eric Sime is the 2003 recipient of the NAVESNP Direct Vocational Special Needs Support Person of the Year. Eric has worked for the Minnesota State College and University System for 12 years. During this time, he has guided students with disabilities through their college experiences. Eric challenges students to believe in themselves and accomplish their goals. In the words of one student: “Eric helped me to see that as long as I believe in myself then nothing can stop me from becoming the person I want to be and succeeding in anything I put my mind to.”
This year we had two outstanding candidates for this award. We chose to recognize both people and all of their achievements.
Sue Bittel-Krampe is the Coordinator of the Youth Services Center at Apollo High School in Owensboro, KY. While she works with all students, her largest number of clients is special needs students. No matter what she is doing – working with Key Club, connecting students/families with community service agencies, making home visits, etc. – she gives 110%. Sue’s nonstop dedication to special needs student and all students make her one of the 2003 recipients of the NAVESNP Indirect Provider of Major Support Services and Contributions to the Field of Vocational Special Needs Education Award.
John Hamilton who has gone above and beyond to help students of the Richfield (MN) School District for more than 20 years is one of the 2003 NAVESNP Indirect Provider of Major Support Services and Contributions to the Field of Vocational Special Needs Education Award. Since his days as a school board member in the late 70s and early 80s, John has served on the Richfield Schools Work Experience Advisory Committee. As Mayor of Richfield (1981-1987), John remained a strong supporter of the work experience program. Today, he remains instrumental in raising the scholarship money work experience students need to pursue their vocational goals.
Donnalie Stratton’s commitment to helping students with special needs and her commitment to the profession make her the VRI (Vocational Research Institute) Outstanding Special Needs Educator Award recipient for 2003. Donnalie, Consultant with the Division of Career & Technical Education, Kentucky Department of Education has dedicated her career and life to helping students with special needs succeed in career/technical education. She helped to establish SND and NAVESNP and she continues to work for students in CTE who have special needs. She has been active in governance of SND, NAVESNP, KACTE, and ACTE. She has guided and mentored, served on boards and committees, and worked in many ways to help students with special needs so that they might achieve success. Donnalie’s work with Kentucky’s students with special needs and their teachers have earned her awards including the Carl Perkins Humanitarian Award and the Outstanding Service Award from ACTE/AVA. In addition, two Stratton-Tipton Scholarships are awarded to deserving students each year by KAVESNP.