Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/124458
Honoring our champions éCommunity Partner Awardsé Tawana and Shawn Riley, Espresso-N-Ice Coffee Shop, Dover Joann Conaway, volunteer with the Woodbridge School District Says Senator Connor, "What you have done with my name is important. Thank you." With her are Pam Ingram (right) and Connie Skinner, (left). "I am so honored to be recognized by Delaware's educators," says Senator Blevins. "It's important to have the right people at the table, and no one comes more prepared than DSEA." éLegislative Friends of Educationé Rep. John Kowalko Senator Emerita Dori Connor Senator Patti Blevins John Kowalko was unable to be present but was there in spirit thanks to a video thank-you message produced by Elizabeth Abell's students at Delcastle High School. Kowalko is now a two-time Legislative Friend of Education. He is committed to our legislative agenda, and is always ready to assist us in moving any initiative for the educators of Delaware. Dori Connor is also a two-time Legislative Friend of Education (2003). She served the 12th Senatorial District from 1997 to 2013. A moderate, she was an important voice in the Republican Senate Caucus. A former music teacher in Colonial, she was a dynamic, knowledgeable voice for students, schools and all public educators. Patti Blevins has been a state senator since 1990, rising to the position of Senate Pro Tempore this year, the first woman to hold that position in Delaware. Well-known for her advocacy for family issues, she is a staunch supporter of a strong public education system for all students. She is fearless when it comes to voicing her opinion on the adverse affects of the current charter school law. éHelen D. Wise Lifetime Achievement Awardé Howard M. Weinberg "Thank you for this honor. Helen is a hero of mine," Weinberg tells the audience. "She was a strong, dynamic, visionary leader whose will and determination held DSEA together through some difficult times." ominated by DSEA Pres. Frederika Jenner, Howard Weinberg retired this year N www.dsea.org after devoting 33 years to DSEA, culminating in his appointment as exec. director in 2001. Under his wise direction, DSEA moved from an organization that bargained contracts and processed grievances, to an organization that also has an upfront seat at education policy discussions. Weinberg worked hard on leadership development to empower members to find their voices, and organize to make a difference in their professional lives. Thanks to his wisdom and skillful leadership, his respect for all individuals, his belief that everyone working together can find the answer, DSEA is a respected organization whose influence on school policy will endure. Capital's Pamala Alfaro (left) with Shawn and Tawana Riley. Conaway with WEA's Roy Sockwriter. Nominated by the Capital Educators Assoc., Tawana and Shawn Riley provide work opportunities at their Dover coffee shop for the "transition" students attending Kent County Community School in Dover. The Riley's also mentor students and have hired one graduate. Nominated by the Woodbridge Education Assoc., Joann Conaway is a six-year volunteer in the Woodbridge schools. This year she is helping three middle school sisters from Haiti who are benefitting from her language instruction as well as her advocacy for them during the school day . éPresidential Citations 2013é he president of DSEA may consider making his/her own discretionary "Presidential Citations" to individuals and local associations for outstanding achievements. This year, President Jenner awarded citations to: T éShirley Redmond, long-time member and treasurer for DSEARetired (recipient of the 1996 ESP Person of the Year Award): for her dedication to political activism on behalf of DSEA and for her generous donations of time and outstanding cooking éJR Emanuele, president of Indian River Education Association BEA's Steve Rulon and NCCVT E.A.'s éMaureen Maureen Keeney Keeney, presiwith Jenner. dent of New Castle County Vo-Tech Education Association éNicole Markey, president of Colonial Education Association, and éSteve Rulon, president of Brandywine Education Association: for their service as critical union partners in October's BRINC Coalition (Brandywine, NCC Vo-Tech, Colonial, and Indian River). Says Jenner, "This group came together with their district officials to apply for a competitive national grant to integrate more technology in their classrooms. It was a unique situation of three NCC locals and one Sussex County local working together. In the end, the coalition did not win the grant, but it was a very worthwhile 'union moment.'" éZoe CecilKempski, daughter of long-time DSEA political activist and Christina Education Mike Kempski with President Association Jenner. leader, Mike Kempski (recipient of the 2009 Susan B. Roushey Advocacy Award): for her fortitude, stamina, determination, and staying power throughout the 2012 fall election season. March/April 2013 DSEA ACTION! 13