EAST PROVIDENCE — The East Providence Local Advisory Committee for Special Education held its annual Special Needs Recognition Program Reception for 2016 on Thursday, May 5, at Martin Middle School.

The recognition program is designed to identify those individuals or programs that are providing consistently outstanding services for Special Education students, especially in the area of inclusion. Through their hard work and dedication, students are provided with opportunities that promote self-determination, interdependence and meaningful learning. It is our honor to share their story with others and celebrate their commitment to the students of the East Providence School Department.

In addition to plaques, those recognized received citations from Governor Gina Raimondo, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Representative David Cicilline.

The 2016 recipients were:
Amy Resnick-Teacher, General Education, Whiteknact Elementary School
Ben Rose-Teacher, General Education, Whiteknact Elementary School
Sharon Cabral-Teacher, English Language Learner, Orlo Elementary School
Kristin Carreiro-Teacher, Special Education, East Providence High School
Joanne Tortolani-Teacher, Resource, Myron J Francis Elementary School
Crystal White-Teacher, Resource, Martin Middle School
Tarah Wilson-Teacher Assistant, Whiteknact Elementary School
Amanda Lord-Teacher Assistant, Martin Middle School
Jennifer Malafronte-Speech/Language Therapist, Silver Spring Elementary School
Jackie John-Social Worker,, Orlo Elementary School
East Providence Early Learning Program, Waddington Elementary School
Keishla Aponte-Student, East Providence High School
Marcelena Pereira-Student, East Providence High School
Shannon Simmons-Student,, East Providence High School
Qwandell Stewart-Student, Orlo Elementary School
Sandy Gorham, Jay Monteiro, Angelo Pizzi-Football Coaches East Providence High School
Tom Galligan, Glen Salgueiro-Wrestling Coaches, East Providence High School
Bob Rodericks, Chris Kennedy-Baseball Coaches, East Providence High School
Marc Bergin, Skyla Bergin-Student Coaches, Out of Control All Stars
Hailey Hosburgh, Deirdre Sullivan-Student Coaches Out of Control All Stars,
Tracy Johnson-Carousel Care’s Coordinator, Crescent Park Looff Carousel
John Asermly and Carl Sahady-Life Skills Experience, Diamond Cleaners