The Berrien Regional Education Service Agency’s Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) will host the 8^th Annual Excellence in Education Award Banquet at 6:30 p.m. March 13.

At the Berrien RESA Conference Center, Berrien Springs.

The event will celebrate the dedicated work of a 17 area special education teachers, administrators or volunteers.

From the 17 nominees, five finalists will be revealed during the banquet, with one of the finalists being chosen as the overall award winner.

The nominees are:

Margo Pierce, parent advocate, St. Joseph

Kathy Hickok, autism consultant, Berrien RESA

Linda Shannon-Chaillet, volunteer, Blossomland Learning Center, Berrien RESA,

coordinator of 4-H Best Friends Canine Club of Berrien County

Kathleen Barton, special education teacher, Blossomland Learning Center, Berrien RESA

Autumn Zick, speech therapist, Blossomland Learning Center, Berrien RESA

Leanna Sysak, special education teacher, Lighthouse Education Center, Berrien RESA

Wynne Baumgartner, special education teacher, middle/senior high school, Brandywine

Caley Coleman, teacher, Merritt Elementary School, Brandywine

Cassandra Weglowski, teacher, elementary school, Brandywine

Cindy Drew, paraprofessional, F. C. Reed Middle School, Bridgman

Melissa Payne, special education teacher, elementary school, Bridgman

Margaret “Peggy” Brinnehl, kindergarten teacher, Washington Elementary School, Coloma

Jennifer Bauer, special education teacher, middle school, New Buffalo

Kim Magro, special education teacher, Elementary School, New Buffalo

Nancy Mrozek, speech therapist, New Buffalo Area Schools

Lisa Donahue, paraprofessional, Upton Middle School, St. Joseph

Robert Silver, director of special education, St. Joseph

Individuals were nominated from across school districts in Berrien County for their contributions to the education and success of students with impairments.

The PAC is comprised of two representatives from each school district in Berrien County. The committee works with Berrien RESA to discuss special education issues and creates an additional link between the Berrien RESA’s services and the local school districts.