Southern Westchester BOCES’ Center for Special Services will honor and thank community and school partners at a May 15 luncheon for their efforts that have supported and made a difference in the lives of our students.
The Annual American Dreamer Achievement Awards Luncheon will take place at the Southern Westchester BOCES Valhalla campus, 65 Grasslands Road, on Wednesday, May 15, 2019. The luncheon begins at noon and will feature remarks by officials from Southern Westchester BOCES and its Center for Special Services.
This year’s nine honored guests and awardees are school district leaders and staff members, community organization leaders and local business employees as well as members of our own staff and student body. They were nominated by faculty and leadership of SWBOCES’ Special Services programs.
“Each of these people, in their own unique way, has gone above and beyond the call to perform outstanding works of service that enrich the educational experience of our students in lasting ways. We thank them for their service and look forward to celebrating their contributions to our school community,” said Southern Westchester BOCES Director of Special Services Frank Alvarez.
This year’s American Dreamer Achievement Awards recipients are:
This year’s American Dreamer Achievement Awards recipients are:
Steve Clark
Store Manager, CVS, White Plains
Steve Clark always has a smile and a kind word to welcome our students and takes the time to personally assist with their bottle recycling. He also helps them with shopping and at the self-checkout. Mr. Clark works with the teacher, staff and students to ensure a positive experience.
Patricia Colombo
Manager, RISE Program Manager, Volunteer New York!
Through RISE: Readiness thru Integrated Service Engagement Program, Patti Colombo connects young adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to meaningful, integrated volunteer opportunities. As such, she is an exceptional contributor to our pre-vocational skills class.
Carol Conklin-Spillane
Superintendent, Pocantico Hills School District
Carol Conklin-Spillane has welcomed SWBOCES students who attend our programs at her school, integrating them into the Pocantico Hills community. Ms. Conklin-Spillane has been a collaborative partner in developing meaningful opportunities to mainstream our students, both academically and socially.
Jo-Anne Dobbins & Rachel Newman
Elmsford Schools
Jo-Anne Dobbins, Director of Special Education & Pupil Personnel Services, and Rachel Newman, Special Education Teacher at Alice E. Grady Elementary School, were instrumental in advocating and planning a wonderful inclusion opportunity for our elementary AIIM students. This was the first such collaboration with the Grady School. Their enthusiasm, dedication and inclusive attitude provided our students with a unique learning and social experience. Visits are now monthly, and students participate in classroom activities and physical education.
Fran Lauer
Cafeteria Staff, Irvington High School
Fran Lauer always goes out of her way to support our students, buying them lunch if they forget their money, talking to them about their days or complimenting them on their manners. She makes each student feel special and connected to Irvington. Her instincts and observations provide valuable insights, and Ms. Lauer is part of the extended SWBOCES team.
Caroline Letendre
Director for Special Education, Yonkers Public Schools
Caroline Letendre’s passion for her students is characterized by her deep personal knowledge of and care for each one of them. She is a steadfast advocate who partners with SWBOCES to ensure that students receive the services and supports they need to succeed.
Marcos Montiel
Head of Maintenance, St. Matthew’s Educational Building
Marcos Montiel is always a help and a support to our St. Matthew’s programs. He is responsive to any need that arises and caring and understanding toward our students. He has been a mentor, assisting them in acquiring building maintenance and gardening skills they apply in the community. At the same time, he provides them with a model of kindness and focus.
Asia O’Kane
Student, Rye Lake High School
Asia O’Kane entered our program in middle school and is now a senior. She has matured and overcome adversity to embrace her dreams of applying to college and pursuing a career in graphic design. She has excelled in Commercial Art at SWBOCES’ Center for Career Services and developed a portfolio. One of her original works is displayed at the school’s entrance.
The American Dreamer Achievement Awards were established in 1991 to recognize students as well as those outside Southern Westchester BOCES who are our allies and partners in our mission to provide quality education services.
