Jeni Pepper was shocked upon hearing that she had won the “Excellence in Education” award handed out by Berrien RESA’s Special Education Advisory Committee.

“I didn’t anticipate being in the top five, so I didn’t think much about it, so it was a huge shock,” she said. “I am very, very flattered. I am just proud to be part of Niles because they really support me and what I do.”

The award was handed out during Berrien RESA’s 11th annual Excellence in Education Awards Banquet March 11 in Berrien Springs.

Pepper is a speech and language pathologist at Northside Child Development Center in Niles where she helps young students with communication. She teaches all types of young children, from kindergarteners who just need help with sounds and letters to students with special needs.

“I love everything about my job — except the paperwork,” she said. “I love the kids, their parents and I love that my job is different every single day.”

Pepper has been teaching for 15 years, including 11 years in Niles and four at Brandywine Community Schools.

She was nominated by fellow Niles teacher Dawn Sparks and by Amy Stier, an occupational therapist for Berrien RESA.

“It was just very special because it came from my colleagues,”

Pepper said.

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

• Berrien Springs Public Schools — Shelley Pero, School Counselor, Middle School

• Brandywine Community Schools — Diana Curran, Special Education Resource and Inclusion Staff, Middle/High School

• Bridgman Public Schools — Sue Boyd, Special Education Paraprofessional, Elementary School; Erik Haskins, Special Education Coordinator; Melissa Payne, Special Education Teacher, Elementary School; Jean Tuszynski, Special Education Paraprofessional, High School

• Buchanan Community Schools — Karla Hurlbutt, Assistant Principal, Middle School

• Niles Community Schools — Daphne Carter, Instructional Assistant, Northside Child Development Center

• River Valley School District — Pamela Kaniuga, Teacher, Middle School

• Watervliet Public Schools — Tracy Sheffer, Special Education Secretary

• Berrien RESA — Blossomland Learning Center — Delynn Bushouse-Williams, Special Education Teacher; Jan Chaudoir, School Nurse; Karen Elsheikhi, Special Education Teacher; Brian Kelly, Physical Education Teacher, Special Education

• Berrien RESA — Lighthouse Education Center; Hilda Montey, Secretary

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

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.