2008 Annie Sullivan Award Winner: Sandy Murray

The person who nominated this Annie Sullivan Award winner stated, "the future of education in Pennsylvania requires individuals who have a sound educational foundation and provide the necessary support that children with special needs require. This nominee is qualified to do this and more, and does it on a regular basis in the classroom. Her dedication to her job, the community, education, and the needs of the students is admirable.

This person also states that this nominee approaches her work with a diversity of enthusiasm and interest, and has become an integral part of the school. She demonstrates a true understanding of the word "team". She has helped to improve student achievement which is only one of many things that validates her effectiveness. This nominee is committed to meeting the social, emotional and academic needs of each student. Her dedication, compassion, love for children, and sensitivity to the needs of the students are just a few of her skills that sets her apart from others. She relates to the students and brings out the best in each of them on a daily basis.

This nominee is actively involved in all of the events in the school. She initiated, organized, and supervised the first Autism Speaks Walk-A-Thon. This year's walk raised $1,000 and the goal is to continue this activity annually.

In the community, this nominee organizes, directs and teaches vacation bible school every summer for her church. Making this more admirable, she invites the students in the school where she works to attend VBS, and even provides transportation for one of the students who otherwise would not be able to attend.

She is a member of the KARE (Kommittee for Autism and Research and Education) group and actively participates in their activities.

Prior to her employment with Intermediate Unit 1, this nominee graduated with high honors from Brownsville High School and then went on to earn her Cosmetology License from Uniontown Beauty Academy in 1987. She moved out of the area due to her husband's military assignment and worked for one year as a computer aide at Cape May City Elementary School in New Jersey. She was then assigned as a one-on-one aide for a student with autism in the same school. While at Cape May City Elementary, this nominee attended several programs and workshops that dealt with autism and other topics to further her knowledge and skills that helped her become more effective in her assignment.

In May 2005, this nominee began working as a one-on-one aide for Intermediate Unit 1 at Menallen Elementary School in the Uniontown Area School District. In December 2005, this nominee earned her Highly Qualified Status by passing the ACT with scores well above the required levels. When her position was eliminated in August 2006, she was transferred to Central Elementary School in the Brownsville Area School District as a two-on-one aide. This nominee has certainly demonstrated her resiliency by accepting this change and excelling in the performance of her duties. This is evidenced by the fact that the principal at Central Elementary was the person who nominated her.

She is a true asset to education and is most deserving of this award. It is without further ado that I announce the 2008 Annie Sullivan Award winner for the Support Staff: Mrs. Sandy Murray.