Paraeducator Award Presented By The Zoellner Family

Aria Freeman

4 min read

Post on May 29, 2025

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The Zoellner Family's Commitment to Education

The Zoellner family has a long and distinguished history of philanthropic involvement, particularly within the education sector. Their commitment stems from a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of education and a profound respect for those who dedicate their lives to shaping young minds. The establishment of the Zoellner Family Paraeducator Award reflects their understanding of the invaluable contributions made by paraeducators.

Their motivation behind creating this award is multifaceted:

• Long-standing support for local schools: The Zoellner family has a proven track record of supporting local schools through various initiatives, demonstrating their consistent commitment to educational excellence.
• Belief in the power of paraeducators in student success: They recognize that paraeducators are integral to student success, providing crucial support and individualized attention that enhances learning outcomes.
• Desire to recognize and reward exceptional dedication: The award serves as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the exceptional dedication and hard work of paraeducators who often go above and beyond.

Criteria for the Zoellner Family Paraeducator Award

The selection process for the Zoellner Family Paraeducator Award is rigorous, ensuring that the recipient truly embodies the qualities and skills valued by the selection committee. The criteria are designed to identify paraeducators who have demonstrably impacted the lives of their students and the broader school community.

The key selection criteria include:

• Years of experience: While experience is valued, the award prioritizes impact over tenure.
• Impact on student learning and development: Measurable positive impacts on student achievement and overall well-being are crucial.
• Commitment to collaboration with teachers and families: Effective collaboration with teachers and families is essential for holistic student support.
• Innovation and creativity in educational support: Paraeducators who demonstrate innovative and creative approaches to support are highly regarded.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentorship: Leadership qualities and mentoring of fellow paraeducators or students are significant assets.

This Year's Recipient of the Zoellner Family Paraeducator Award

This year's recipient of the Zoellner Family Paraeducator Award is Ms. Sarah Chen from Oakwood Elementary School. Ms. Chen has dedicated 15 years to supporting students with diverse learning needs, consistently demonstrating exceptional dedication and expertise.

• Recipient's name and school: Ms. Sarah Chen, Oakwood Elementary School
• Number of years of service: 15 years
• Specific examples of their impactful work: Ms. Chen developed an innovative tutoring program that significantly improved reading comprehension scores among struggling students. She also spearheaded a school-wide initiative promoting inclusivity and understanding among students with diverse learning styles.
• Testimonials from colleagues, students, or parents: "Ms. Chen is an inspiration," says Principal David Lee. "Her dedication and creativity have transformed the learning environment for countless students."

The Award Ceremony and Celebration

The award ceremony, held on October 26th at the City Hall Auditorium, was a truly inspiring event. The atmosphere was filled with warmth, appreciation, and a shared sense of pride in Ms. Chen's accomplishments. Numerous colleagues, students, parents, and members of the Zoellner family attended the celebration.

• Date and location of the ceremony: October 26th, City Hall Auditorium
• Key speakers and attendees: Mr. and Mrs. Zoellner, Principal David Lee, School Board members, and numerous teachers, students, and parents.
• Description of the ceremony atmosphere: The ceremony was a heartwarming celebration, filled with genuine emotion and heartfelt appreciation for Ms. Chen's contributions.
• Details about any special performances or presentations: Students from Oakwood Elementary performed a special musical tribute in honor of Ms. Chen.

Conclusion

The Zoellner Family Paraeducator Award stands as a powerful symbol of the vital role paraeducators play in shaping the future of our students. This year’s ceremony beautifully celebrated the extraordinary contributions of Ms. Sarah Chen, perfectly embodying the dedication and excellence the award aims to recognize. Her commitment serves as an inspiration to all.

Call to Action: Learn more about the Zoellner Family Paraeducator Award and how you can support paraeducators in your community. Nominate an outstanding paraeducator for next year's Zoellner Family Paraeducator Award and help us celebrate their invaluable contributions to education! Let's continue to recognize and reward the exceptional dedication of our paraeducators.