A pair of Niles educators were among several recognized during the 10th Annual Excellence in Education Awards Banquet put on Tuesday by the Berrien Regional Education Service Agency’s (Berrien RESA) Special Education Parent Advisory Committee in Berrien Springs.

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

Joanne Carlin, a teacher consultant at Northside Child Development Center was recognized along with Lisa Smith, an instructional assistant at Oak Manor Sixth Grade Center.

The top award went to Francis Kasper, a teacher at Lakeshore High School. He was nominated by one of his students, Connor Caple.

Also recognized for their contributions to the special education community were:

• Heidi Cuthbert, Student Data Coordinator, Berrien RESA

• Cathy Klaer, Transition Coordinator, Berrien RESA

• Katy Foster, Early On Infant/Toddler Teacher, Berrien RESA

• Amy Stier, Occupational Therapist, Berrien RESA

• Mark Cudanin, Physical Therapist, Berrien RESA’s Blossomland Learning Center

• Nancy Fredricks, Paraprofessional, Berrien RESA’s Blossomland Learning Center

• Mary Peterson, Special Education Teacher, Berrien RESA’s Blossomland Learning Center

• Edith Townsley, Secretary, Berrien RESA’s Blossomland Learning Center

• Matthew Rappette, Special Education Teacher, Berrien RESA’s Lighthouse Education Center (at St. Joseph High School)

• Kris Seiko, Special Education Teacher, New Buffalo Elementary School

• Carolyn Shuler, Special Education Teacher, River Valley Middle School

• Rich Fairchild, Support Staff, Upton Middle School (St. Joseph Public Schools)

The Special Education Parents Advisory Committee (PAC) 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.