Lancaster-Lebanon IU 13 has announced the recipient of the 2019 Annie Sullivan Award. The honoree is Alisha Fitzwater of Ephrata, a teacher of special education at John R. Bonfield Elementary.
The Annie Sullivan Award, named after Helen Keller's lifelong teacher and companion, is awarded to a professional who portrays exemplary care to students with disabilities while going beyond the classroom to help those in the community at large. The recognized professional is nominated by his or her peers and selected by a committee of past award recipients. It is considered one of the highest honors given to special education professionals.
Friends and colleagues spoke highly of Fitzwater, noting her warmth, knowledgeability, dedication, kindness, and humility both inside and outside the classroom. They said that, in the classroom, Fitzwater is compassionate and supportive of students, pushing for inclusion for all individuals, and with families, she is both approachable and compassionate while creating plans for students' continued success.
Outside the classroom, she volunteers with Gigi's Playhouse, a center that empowers persons with Down syndrome while working to promote positive awareness of these individuals. Fitzwater also volunteers with the Good Samaritan Shelter, CURE Zambia, and the Tim Tebow Foundation's Night to Shine, and she serves as the Buddy Captain for students with disabilities at LCBC Ephrata campus.
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