Special education committee presents CCAC —Shining Star— awards to six staff members
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Summary
The Allegany County Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (CCAC) gave six —Shining Star— awards recognizing special education staff across elementary, middle and high schools. CCAC chair Jill Fradiska outlined the committee—s mission, membership rules and meeting schedule.
Jill Fradiska, chair of the Allegany County Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (CCAC), presented the committee—s annual report and gave six —Shining Star— awards at the board—s Oct. 14 meeting.
Fradiska said the CCAC exists to help families, educators and community members develop knowledge and skills to enable students with disabilities to participate fully in school and community life. The committee meets virtually once a quarter and welcomes parents, students with special education needs, teachers, administrators and local advocates who live or work in Allegany County.
This year—s winners, selected from 62 nominations, were:
- Lisa Rowan, instructional assistant, Mount Savage School (elementary award) - Blake Hill, special education teacher, Cache Valley Elementary (elementary award) - Melanie Stevanes, special education teacher, Braddock Middle School (middle school award) - Fiona Perosis, school psychologist, Washington Middle School (middle school award) - Holly Itsoe, special education teacher, Mountain Ridge High School (high school award) - Raymond McCoy, special education teacher, restart program (high school award)
Nominees were recognized for individualized instruction, student advocacy, communication with families and above-and-beyond work on behalf of students.
Fradiska thanked CCAC volunteers, said the committee sent surveys to staff and parents each May to solicit nominations, and noted remaining CCAC meeting dates for the 2025—2026 school year are scheduled for December, March and June.
The board received the presentation and the awards during the regular meeting; no formal board action was required.
