RECOGNIZING THE SEPTA EXCELLENCE AWARDS RECIPIENTS

On 2026-06-11, Representative James R. Walkinshaw (D-VA-11) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING THE SEPTA EXCELLENCE AWARDS RECIPIENTS" in the House.

RECOGNIZING THE SEPTA EXCELLENCE AWARDS RECIPIENTS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 99 (Thursday, June 11, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 99 (Thursday, June 11, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E568] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE SEPTA EXCELLENCE AWARDS RECIPIENTS ______ HON. JAMES R. WALKINSHAW of virginia in the house of representatives Thursday, June 11, 2026 Mr. WALKINSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 2026 recipients of the Fairfax County Special Education PTA Awards, an annual tradition that honors the extraordinary educators, students, staff, and community members who champion inclusion and excellence in special education across Fairfax County Public Schools. These individuals and teams exemplify dedication in supporting students of all abilities, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive. I include in the Record the following names of the 2026 SEPTA Award recipients: Kely Herrera and Samina Butt: Outstanding Instructional Support Staff Jae Lee: Outstanding Secondary Administrator James Racine: Outstanding Support Staff Jason Collazo and Jan Fisher: Outstanding Secondary Special Educators Claire Soyeon Lee and Malika Bougri: Outstanding Preschool Special Educators Patricia Rothweiler, Larissa Miller Pullam, Colleen O'Carroll, and Liz Smith: Mark Stewart Memorial Award for Outstanding Elementary Special Educators Nia Ravenstahl: Secondary Educator of the Year Katherine Charlotte ``Casey'' McLellan: Elementary Educator of the Year Liz Busch: Preschool Educator of the Year Courtney Kim and Beth Beal: Outstanding Elementary General Educators Alina Jimenez Rosa: Outstanding Secondary General Educator. Megan Pitts and Stephanie Schauder: Outstanding Related Services Providers Hunters Woods SACC Team and Scott Elliott: Community Champions for Special Education Cara Chaapel and Anne Hollis: Outstanding Co-Curricular Staff Evelyn Harocopos: Outstanding Central Office Staff. Becky Timm and Eric Kopacz: Outstanding Elementary Administrators Devansh Saraff: Outstanding Student Sheel Patel and Reema Patel: Abbie Bachmore Memorial Award for Students Most Supporting Inclusion Jenna Cook and Kathryn Guard: Outstanding Inclusive FCPS Program Cathy Adames, Anice Denton, and Laura Cerda: Outstanding Collaborative Team Stephanie Curb: Volunteer of the Year Avi Levy: Reflections: Silver Award of Excellence Ben Smith: Reflections: Bronze Award of Merit Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 2026 Fairfax County SEPTA Award recipients for their exceptional contributions to students, families, and schools. Their dedication to inclusion, equity, and excellence represents the very best of our community and serves as an inspiration across the Commonwealth and our Nation. ____________________