BERRIEN SPRINGS — On Tuesday, March 13, the Berrien Regional Education Service Agency’s Special Education Parent Advisory Committee will host the 14th Annual Excellence in Education Award Banquet. 

The event will celebrate the dedicated work of area special education teachers, administrators or volunteers.  From the list of nominees, five finalists will be revealed during the banquet, with one of the finalists being chosen as the overall award winner.

The nominees are:

Brandywine Community Schools

• Toni Bruegmann, special education administrative assistant

• Patrick Weckel, principal, middle/high school

• Michelle Wruble, special education coordinator

Countryside Academy

• Donna Munchow, middle school interventionist

Lakeshore Public Schools

• Mari Maloney, special education teacher, high school

New Buffalo Area Schools

• Jennifer Bauer, special education teacher, high school

• Diana Chase, special education teacher, middle school

• Kathy Dohner, head cook, elementary school

River Valley School District

• Joy Ackerman, kindergarten teacher, Chikaming Elementary

Watervliet Public Schools

• Mark Isbrecht, director of transportation and maintenance

Berrien RESA – Administration

Center

• Bonny Dent, physical therapist

Berrien RESA – Blossomland Learning Center

• Julie Boyle, special education teacher

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

The Special Education Parents Advisory Committee 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.