Gallery: EPLAC names annual Recognition Awards recipients

Walmsley is chosen as inaugural Midgley Award winner

Photos by Julie Furtado
Posted 6/9/21

EAST PROVIDENCE — The East Providence Local Advisory Committee (EPLAC), which focuses on the inclusion of Special Needs students in the city and the betterment of their education, held its 2021 …

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Gallery: EPLAC names annual Recognition Awards recipients

Walmsley is chosen as inaugural Midgley Award winner

Posted

EAST PROVIDENCE — The East Providence Local Advisory Committee (EPLAC), which focuses on the inclusion of Special Needs students in the city and the betterment of their education, held its 2021 Recognition Awards ceremony Thursday night, June 3, at the Riviera Restaurant.

East Providence native Steve Brosnihan, who spoke of his founding and dedication to Good Night Lights, was invited to speak about his role as cartoonist in the Healing Arts program at Hasbro Children’s Hospital, and working as an art educator at the Spurwink School. East Providence school district alumna Abigail Beaudry spoke of growing up with autism, and her book that tells her story called “The Rising Butterfly.”

A special highlight of the evening was the announcement of the first annual Carla Midgley Award chosen by the committee. Marlene Walmsley, a paraprofessional for many years, was named the inaugural recipient. Ms. Midgley, a Special Needs educator in the district, passed away last year unrelated to the pandemic,

In addition, the committee announced the creation of “EPLAC Wall Of Fame,” featuring the names of those who have been nominated multiple times over the years for their outstanding work. It will hang in the school department offices and be added to yearly with those that are continually nominated.

The 2021 EPLAC Recognition Award recipients included:

  • Carol Rego, Educator, Hennessy Elementary
  • Kara Roberson, Para Professional, Orlo Avenue Elementary
  • Donna Rapoza, Educator, Riverside Middle School
  • Marissa Braga, Para Professional, Martin Middle School
  • Laura Moretti, Educator, EPHS
  • Sarah Travis, Educator, Riverside Middle School
  • Best Buddies, Kent Heights Elementary, Donna Ferrucci, Leader
  • Outstanding Inclusion Distant Learning Educators: Kimberly Cunningham, Educator, Myron Francis; Laura Elson, Educator, Myron Francis; Orlo Team Educators, Lisa Pita, Casey DoVale, Jacqui Barker, Matthew DeAngelis and Jacqueline McCabe
  • Student Award: Jaden Hamrouni, Martin Middle School
  • Carla Midgley Award: Marlene Walmsley, Whiteknact Elementary

— East Providence Post and eastbayri.com contributing photographer Julie Furtado shot the accompanying gallery of photos.

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