Mrs. Sealy receives her award!

C. F. "Cliff" Spanier Award 2008

Most of us here today have no idea what it's like to truly "need something." Nor do we know what it's like to "do without." If we ever have experienced a need, it's been so long ago that we've forgotten what it was like. We might have had moments recently  when we didn't get what we wanted or may not have had what we thought we needed; but for the most part, we've lived "the good life."

Because of the "good life" we've led, we often don't have the patience required to make a difference in the life of a child that has "real needs" and who daily "does without." You know the children I'm talking about...too often refer to them as "those kids."

But it is always refreshing to see a good-hearted, conscientious, hard-working teacher go the "extra mile" to help "those less fortunate." This year's Spanier Award Winner is just such a person.

All of you have heard me say annually that this award is about recognizing individual teachers who have moved outside of their comfort zone - beyond the easy - to meet the needs of students from all "walks of life" and who give tons of emotional, physical, and mental energy to our children.

This award winner provides an abundance of compassion and a wealth of support to our children. She works endless hours, and inspires children to reach goals they never thought possible. She sees potential where there seems to be none and reaches out in a loving and caring way. She holds lots of hands and gives lots of hugs to children. She sees the wonder in a child and doing whatever is necessary to help that child discover that wonder for themselves.

Our C. F. "Cliff" Spanier Award Winner for 2008 is...Mrs. Kiki Sealy