Shining Stars
DCSEAC co-chair and Shining Star, Kerri Tompkins (left) with DCSEAC treasurer and Shining Star, Jeni Cassidy (right) surprise two Rock Canyon High School Shining Star basket winners for their outstanding service. Occupational therapist Sara Zabor and special education teacher Scott Karzc were both pleasantly surprised and grateful for the recognition.
Each year, the Douglas County Special Education Advisory Committee (DCSEAC) acknowledges district shining stars who support a student receiving special education services. These individuals were nominated by parents and caregivers for making a difference in the lives of their students.
This year the DCSEAC received 374 individual Shining Star nominations that represented 72 schools. All Shining Stars nominees received a certificate personalized with the parent or caregiver quote, as well as recognition through district and school communication and the DCSEAC website and Facebook page. In addition, each nominee had a number assigned giving them a chance to win a $100 gift basket sponsored by Developmental Pathways. Twenty-two winning numbers were randomly drawn at the March meeting with district leaders and parents.
Congratulations to the following 2022-2023 community nominated Shining Stars:
American Academy: Kylee Miller, Sallie Callahan and Kelsey Hemp
Timber Trail Elementary: Nicole Mosley and Annie Braverman
Rocky Heights Middle School: Stephanie Mills
Rock Canyon High School: Julie Pederson, Jessica Bird, Jerome Price, Sarah Zabor, Scott Karcz, Elias Solis, Kristin Karnicki, Desiree Rozen, Nick Mahan, Peggy Ducharme and Payton Holloway.
In addition to the Shining Star award, there is the School Inclusion Award. DCSEAC received 52 School Inclusion nominations representing 37 schools. At random, four schools were selected to receive $250 toward their special education curriculum. The four schools include one elementary school, one middle school, one high school and one charter school.
Article and photo By Julie Matuszewski
