The Vermont Council of Special Education Administrators (VCSEA) is pleased to sponsor our annual Golden Apple Award. The Golden Apple is presented each spring to an individual and/or team who, through professionalism and advocacy for students with disabilities:
Focuses on student strengths in the development of programs or activities that maximize students’ potential,
Actively creates opportunities for students with disabilities to be fully engaged as members of the school community,
Participates and contributes to a collaborative team process,
Demonstrates resourcefulness in meeting student needs, and
Demonstrates compassion and respect for students, family members and all members of the school community.
The 2020 Gail Lynk Administrator of the Year Award
Gail Lynk was a special education administrator for many years in Addison Northwest Supervisory Union. She had a tremendous, long lasting, positive impact on the students, families and professionals she worked with before her death.
Each year, Vermont Council of Special Education Administrators recognizes and celebrates the achievements of a Vermont Special Education Administrator through the presentation of the Gail Lynk Administrator of the Year Award. This award recognizes exemplary effort and achievement on behalf of Vermont children with special needs. This award is presented by VCSEA to a Special Education Administrator who demonstrates the pursuit of excellence in the field of Special Education.
PAST WINNERS
Gail Lynk Administrator of the Year
2019: Shirley Carlson, Franklin Northeast SU
2018: Vicki Wells,Addison Central School
2017: Erin Maguire, Chittenden South SU
2016: Marisa Duncan-Holley,Windham Southeast SU
2015: Meagan Roy,Chittenden South SU
2014: Beth Hemingway, Grand Isle SU
2013: Judith Eklund,Caledonia Central SU
2012: Eloise McGarry,Rutland City SD
2011: Joanne LeBlanc,Orleans Southwest SU
2010: Kristin Benway, Addison-Rutland SU
2009: Pamela Reed,Rutland High School
2008: Karen Woolsey, Windsor Northwest SU
2007: Nancy Thomas, Washington Central SU
2006: Steve Kinney, Orange Southwest SU
2005: Susan Cano, Lamoille North SU
2004: Jeanne Collins,Burlington SD
2003: Carlene Bellamy,Washington Northeast SU
2002: Kathleen Buck, Southwest VT SU
2001: Linda Chaim, Franklin Northwest SU
2000: Adrienne Fischer, Franklin West SU
1999: Diane Treadway, Addison Northeast SU
1998: Jo-Anne Unruh, Hartford SD
1997: Linda Redmond, Barre Town
1996: Joyce Duback, Springfield SD
1995: Michelle LaRouche, Rutland Northeast SU
1994: Vicki Hornus, Burlington SD
1993: Terry Hurlbert, Essex North SU
1992: Janice Keffer,Milton SD
1991: Daniel Kucij,Franklin Central SU
1990: Barbara Rocray, Windham Southeast SU
Golden Apple Award
Individual Winners
2019: Melinda Schmalz, Barre Supervisory Union
2018: Caitlin Fort, Lyndon Town School
2017: Bruce Whitman,Leland and Grey High School
2016: Heidi Mosher, Franklin Northwest Supervisory Union
2015: Jessica Kuzmich, Manchester Elementary School
2014: Linell Vilaseca,Champlain Valley Union High School
Team Winners
2018: Harwood Union Supervisory
Rachael Potts, Elizabeth King, Donna Mullins, Susan Whitehair, Brian Anderson, Kyla Allon, Ellen Bruneau & Shonna Hunter
Dave Goss, Lee Lichtenstein, Sally Conant, Chris Cichoski Kelly, Kristy Pigeon, Sheila Thurston & Amy Gates
2015: The North Country Academy Team
Andrew Bouchard, Anita Mayhew, Cheryl Bugbee, Colleen Fagan, Chris Murphy, Jessica Puckett, Meg Norman, Pam Wade, Ryan Anderson, Rachel Maxwell, Robyn Midi, Richard Szymanski, & Rob Wing
2014: The Riverside Middle School Team
Darlene Petke, Val Gasco, Jeff Vandivere, Franco Chiapperini, Tom Green, Mary Ellen Schofield & Meredith Jez
