C. F. “Cliff” Spanier 2012 Award

Written By: Ann Agerton

 I feel privileged to be presenting the 2012 Spanier Award to a very unique and caring educator. She has a special way of putting everyone at ease...comfortable as they interact with her. As I thought about what to say, I began considering this recipient’s impact on our students, parents, and teachers.

 Our students could not ask for a better advocate. This person has an uncanny ability to figure out a child’s needs and the tenacity to find the best resources to meet those needs. She reaches out to provide our parents with information, advice and strategies that are real life. She willingly shares her knowledge, ideas, her time, and guidance with our teachers. She does all of this with what is best for the child in mind.

 I have yet to find a subject where her experience and expertise runs shallow. I appreciate, as I know you do, her openness and her dedication.

 The Spanier Award is about heart. It is her heart and love of children that bring her to Fairhope Elementary each day. It is her heart that won’t let her give up on one single child. It is her heart that keeps her up late at night, her brain running on overtime trying to figure out a new way to reach our students, to help her colleagues, to make our school the best place for children to learn...to make a difference.

 I want to thank this year’s recipient, Diana Yeager, for all the lessons she has taught us over the years, all the advice so freely given with patience, and for each child whose life she has touched.

 In appreciation of her commitment to nurture and mold young lives, it is my honor to present the 2012 C. F. “Cliff” Spanier Award to…

Diana Yeager!