Outstanding contributions to special education recognized at annual You Light The Way awards

The community recently came together to celebrate our special education change makers. The San Juan Unified School District celebrated its 35th annual You Light The Way awards ceremony on April 10 at San Juan High School. The event honored outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to San Juan Unified’s special education programs.

This year's awards recognized six individuals and one group for their exceptional commitment to students and friends with disabilities.

Out of around 50 total nominations, the recipients of this year's You Light The Way awards were:

• Carrie Estberg - Bus Driver, Transportation 

• Matthew Costa - Teacher at Mesa Verde High School

• Charity Acosta - Sign Language Interpreter at Will Rogers Middle School

• Emily Graham - Teacher at Cameron Ranch Elementary School

• Jennifer Morgan - Parent, Cameron Ranch Elementary and Winston Churchill Middle School

• Paulette Bickel - Teacher at Mission Avenue Open Elementary School

• Carriage Drive Elementary School Special Education Team: Elizabeth Nelsen, Elisha Reed, Gerardo Leon, Melissa Watts, Sara Larian, Carolyn Chapman, Lori Scobee, Ashely Davis Rachel Piccardo, Shoko Iwakiri, Shauna Gatlin, Anne Nunez, Lanesia Foster and Kelsey Bartels.

Each of the recipients was honored at the event and featured in a video that highlighted their contributions. Laurel Ruff Transitional School Teacher Arnold Klaphek and students Nicole Van Allen and Alonson Garcia developed the video spotlight. 

Watch the video below.