1998 Annie Sullivan Award Winner: Dennis Mattei

Dennis James Mattei was raised in the small coal mining town of Crucible where he attended Crucible Elementary School. Dennis was a member of a family with 2 brothers and 2 sisters. As a resident of Crucible, he was a member of the Boy Scouts of America for a year and a half where he attained the rank of Star Scout; being the youngest in his troop to do this. Besides being a scout, he was also a member of the Crucible Braves, a little league team. In his spare time Dennis served as an altar boy and news carrier. When the coal mine closed down in Crucible, Dennis's family moved to nearby Nemacolin. He attended the Nemacolin Elementary school for one year where he received a third prize award in the local science fair, as well as receiving a certificate for perfect attendance. Upon graduation from Nemacolin, he then attended Carmichaels Area High School where he graduated in 1965. He was very active in sports while attending high school. He was a member of the basketball team and received a letter for his first year efforts; track team where he participated in the county meet as well as a representative for Carmichaels High School in the WPIAL state track finals. He was elected to Student Congress as both a sophomore and junior representative; Future Teachers of America where he served as the vice president, Spanish Club, Speech Club, Conservation Club, Library Club, Camera Club and Literary Club. He was the sports editor of the school newspaper and business manager of the yearbook. During his senior year, Dennis was voted Most Courteous and Most Extra Curricular student of the year, named to Who's Who Among American High School seniors; as well as being a nominee for the Most Outstanding Student of the Year award. May Day is the most elaborate and prestigious event of the year at Carmichaels High School and to be a member of the court is indeed an honor. Only ten seniors are chosen and from these ten a king and queen are elected. Dennis was the first runner-up for the title of king. This was especially important to Dennis because just two years earlier his sister was elected the May Queen. Dennis felt his high school years were very fruitful and when he looks back on them, it brings back many fond memories.

Upon graduation from high school, Dennis entered California State College. He began as a History major, but then switched to Special Education. While in college, Dennis worked as a student aide at the Albert Reed Library; member of the Council for Exceptional Children; a volunteer worker for Voices in Vital America, which was an organization working for the release of POWs in Vietnam. In his spare time to help make some extra money Dennis operated a "do it all" service which involved everything from sweeping leaves off roofs, to dusting furniture. His interest in the almighty buck will stop at nothing. He sold Avon products, Amway merchandise and while on vacation in New Hampshire acquired a job with the Exodus Clothing Company as a model. In the past, Dennis taught catechism to 4th, 5th and 6th grade students. He always jumped at the opportunity to teach and help people. He taught basic basketball skills to disadvantaged youths and also modern dancing. Incidentally dancing is one of Dennis' favorite hobbies. As the song goes "I could of danced all night", Dennis danced all night and was awarded a trophy as first runner up in the Kesack's M.G.M. Dance Tournament. When not dancing, Dennis could be found either in the Monongahela or Cheat Rivers boating in his home-made canoe. He loved to swim and had set a goal to swim in every ocean but has only made it to the Atlantic and Pacific.

Upon graduation from California State College, Dennis began teaching with the Intermediate Unit, September, 1973. His first assignment was as an Elementary TMR teacher at St. Ann's in Waynesburg, under the supervision of Mr. Anthony Merendino. He taught there for six years. In 1979, he was transferred to the Multiple Disabilities Support class at the Margaret Bell Miller School in Waynesburg where he is still teaching.

As a teacher, Dennis has many accomplishments that he is very proud of. He was named one of the top ten yearbook advisors in the country; he sponsored the very first hardback yearbook in the history of Margaret Bell. This yearbook received national recognition in three separate areas including "outstanding overall yearbook design." Dennis made it possible for every student to have their own personal copy of the yearbook. As a result he was responsible for organizing fundraising drives, which over four years have raised $50,000 for yearbook publication. He sponsors the Helping Hands Club which is a club designed to encourage and provide the opportunity for regular ed students to interact with the special needs classmates.

Dennis is one of the strongest supporters of inclusion. His students are among the most severely handicapped serviced by the Intermediate Unit but Dennis makes sure these students attend as many of the classes and functions at Margaret Bell Miller as possible. He also recognizes the importance of the community as an instructional environment and provides his students the opportunity to swim, shop and socialize on a weekly basis.

Dennis is and always has been a champion for the under dog. He has gone out of his way to make special occasions for many of his students. As an example, for one of his students, he arranged for her to graduate in front of the student body at Margaret Bell at a special ceremony. Next, two musicians were hired who sang a special song in her honor. This student spent the entire morning at a local beauty salon and received a complete makeover. To make this event even more memorable, Dennis contacted a number of celebrities and informed them of this student's story. They all responded with gifts and congratulatory letters. Among those wishing her well were Reba McIntire, Barbara Mandrell, Representative Bill DeWeeese, Governor Tom Ridge and President Bill Clinton. Even though this student was non-verbal, she was able to thank all those who made her years at Margaret Bell something to remember and cherish. She presented a rose to all her teachers and they came on stage and showered her with hugs and kisses. It was truly a great day. In another occasion, Dennis drove through a blizzard to take a student and his mother to a hospital. This student had an ilcostomy device which malfunctioned and the student became incoherent. Luckily they got to the hospital in time. Doctors there said this student may have died had it not been for Dennis getting him to the hospital.

Over the years, Dennis has also received many awards. The Waynesburg Area Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award; WTAE Suzy McConnell Gold Medal Recipient for promoting a more positive image of handicapped or disenfranchised individuals; KDKA Thanks to Teachers Honoree and the National Scholastic Press Association Honoree.

He is currently in the process of adopting one of his students and is anxiously awaiting the day he becomes a father.

Dennis has served as a role model of good character, respectability and professionalism and by having receive recognition from his peers and associates to receive this prestigious Annie Sullivan Award for 1998.