Annual EPLAC Recognition Night

The 2015 East Providence Local Advisory Committee recognition awards were announced at a dinner ceremony in May held at Martin Middle School. The committee seeks nominations every year for those educators, teacher assistants, therapists, programs, students, parents or community resources that "have provided consistently outstanding services for Special Education students, especially in the area of inclusion."

The program this year was attended by over 150 guests including RI State Senator Daniel DaPonte and representatives from Governor Raimondo and Congressman Cicilline. Refreshments were prepared and served by students at the EP Career and Tech Center. "The goal of the program is to increase awareness and recognize those who are providing best practices in inclusive education," said event organizers.

The award recipients are: Karen Rebello, Special Education Teacher, Orlo Ave. School; Marlene Walmsley, Teacher Assistant, Whiteknact; Carla Midgley, Special Education Teacher, Hennessey; Mary Snow, Special Education Teacher, Martin Middle School; Ana Martins, Teacher Assistant, Martin Middle School; Tony Ferreira, School Committee Member, Special Recognition; Karen Higbie, Transitional, Life Skills teacher, EPHS and Nick Faella, 2015 Inclusion Success Student, EPHS.

Other recipients were Betsey Knott, Lorraine Mendillo, Kristen Cobb and Principal Yanaiza Gallant, all from Orlo Avenue school. Sarah Gossler and Linda Pace from Whiteknact School. Rosalyn Parker from the Early Learning Center and Paul Aguiar from AYSO/VIP soccer. Also honored was former EPLAC Co-Chair and Parent Advocate, Laurie Brown.