Preserving the memory of Cain Sczepanski, a Lewisville ISD student whose life touched all who knew him, while honoring LISD educators whose daily work changes children's lives, is what the Cain Sczepanski Award of Excellence in Special Education aims to do. Through the Lewisville ISD Education Foundation, six LISD special educators were honored this spring.
The Cain Sczepanski Foundation in Special Education was created by Bill, Carolyn and Cara Sczepanski in memorial to their son and brother, Cain. Cain lived for 24 years with Down syndrome and heart defects. He died on March 7, 2011 of a heart attack. Cain spent 18 years under the guidance of dedicated LISD instructors and para-professionals. The Award of Excellence was created by the Cain Sczepanski Foundation in Special Education to annually recognize special educators who demonstrate classroom excellence. This spring LEF honored six teachers with awards.
"Thank you for honoring our educators with this award," former Highland Village Elementary Principal Shawna Miller said. "You could not have chosen more deserving recipients. What an extra special treat for them to be honored with an award in memory of Cain!"
The 2014 honorees are:
Lisa Cranfill, Highland Village Elementary Lisa, who has been teaching special education for six years has a three-fold philosophy: build relationships to benefit the student, every student can learn, and allow yourself and your student to have fun in the process.
Kristen Crenshaw, The Colony High School Kristen, with two years of special education experience, started the Bravo4Brian initiative. That initiative is one of many ways she demonstrates her passion for her students inside and outside of the classroom.
Juli Foreman, Flower Mound High School Juli is an 11-year special educator whose long term commitment to the students in the Academic Life Skills class at FMHS inspires parents and fellow educators alike.
Marcia Gackle, Focus on the Future Inspired by her own son who has a form of muscular dystrophy, Marcia has spent the last 18 years working in special education. Her personal experience and professional expertise combined to benefit many LISD students and their families.
Galen Hoffert, Arbor Creek Middle School Galen, who has taught special education for six years, creates an inviting learning environment for all students and accepts every student for who they are.
Leslie McReynolds, Donald Elementary Leslie is a 21-year art teacher who believes every child deserves a chance to let their soul communicate and celebrates what makes students extraordinary.
LEF is proud to partner with the Sczepanski family to honor these outstanding special educators and keep Cain's memory alive. More photos are available on our Facebook page!