Each year, Empower Simcoe presents awards to individuals who promote and exemplify an inclusive school environment. This year, nine Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) staff are being recognized with Inclusion Excellence awards to acknowledge their ongoing efforts. The recipients are:
- Kim Burch, Work Experience Transition Coordinator, Special Education department
- Jennifer Case, principal, Worsley ES
- Luciana Flueras, teacher, Baxter Central PS
- Kelly Jarzylo, educational assistant, Bradford Transition Program, Bradford District HS
- Melissa McKeon, teacher, Alcona Glen ES
- Sara Jo Ottewell, principal, Connaught PS
- Greg Palka, Transition Facilitator, Special Education department
- Mona Parsram, educational assistant, Baxter Central PS
- Jennifer Vickruck, teacher, Pine River ES
“The 2025 Empower Simcoe Inclusion Excellence Award recipients from the SCDSB truly represent the values of inclusion and equity and demonstrate them in their work every day with students with intellectual disabilities and their families,” says Empower Simcoe Chief Executive Officer Dr. Claudine Cousins. “Their commitment to inclusion in education makes them most-deserving recipients of the 2025 Empower Simcoe Inclusion Excellence award.”
“These individuals have a daily impact on the lives of countless students throughout the SCDSB,” states Greg Jacobs, SCDSB Superintendent of Special Education. “Their contributions help ensure that every student is provided with the tools and support necessary to be successful on their education journey.”
This initiative links directly to the SCDSB Strategic Priorities in the areas of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Community.
Information:
Sarah Kekewich, Manager of Communications
[email protected]