The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
District recognized at awards ceremony
Ryan Budziak and Diane Pietrzak received a pleasant surprise just a few days into summer break.
The seventh-grade student, and educator, respectively, have both been announced as winners of the 2018 R. A. Horn and Franklin B. Walter Awards, according to a Perry Schools news release.
Each year, the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities recognizes a special educator or team, and one student from each of Ohio’s 16 State Support Teams (SST) for exemplary contributions and performance.
Perry is a member of Ohio’s Region 4 Support Teams, which serves school districts and families in Lake and Geauga counties.
State Support Teams are funded in part by the Ohio Department of Education for the express purpose of improving the achievement of children and youth, including those with disabilities and those at risk of being identified as disabled.
Chosen for his outstanding achievements in the classroom, school, home and community, Ryan Budziak was presented with this year’s R. A. Horn Outstanding Student Award. The release describes Ryan as extremely hardworking, kind and very helpful to all, displaying positive leadership qualities in the classroom, community and on the football field.
The award was established 25 years ago by the Ohio Department of Education in honor of the late Raymond A. Horn, assistant superintendent of public instruction emeritus. Horn devoted his life to improving the quality of life and learning for students, and to ensuring that every student with a disability be given the respect and the opportunities to which they are entitled.
The Franklin B. Walter Outstanding Educator Award is given to an educator or team, from each of the State Support Teams in Ohio, who have made extraordinary contributions to the education of students with disabilities, the release stated.
This award is given in honor of the late Franklin B. Walter, superintendent of public instruction from 1977 until 1991. Among Walter’s many educational initiatives and programs was the development of the nation’s first statewide plan for children with disabilities.
Diane Pietrzak is the Franklin B. Walter Outstanding Special Educator of the Year for the 2017-2018 academic year.
In her role as district psychologist, Pietrzak works with the highest degree of ethical integrity while displaying genuine compassion and professionalism throughout special education practices.
Though best known for
Each year, the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities recognizes a special educator or team, and one student from each of Ohio’s 16 State Support Teams (SST) for exemplary contributions and performance.
putting the needs of others above her own, she still manages to go beyond what is expected for all special education measures. Pietrzak consistently provides detailed, comprehensive evaluations and recommendations that assure success for all. She is naturally supportive, hardworking and is truly appreciated for all of her contributions at Perry.
“Although I certainly was not needing or expecting recognition, it was an honor to receive the Franklin B. Walter award,” said Pietrzak. “In my 16 years with Perry Schools, I have focused my efforts on making data-based decisions which will promote optimal social-emotional as well as academic outcomes for all of the students I work with. I look forward to coming to work every day, and I consider myself really fortunate to spend my time with so many wonderful students, families and coworkers.”