Group photo of 2023 Excellence in Education Award Recipients

The Excellence in Education Awards are sponsored by the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) of Van Buren County to honor those persons who have played a vital role in educating and supporting students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

2023 PAC Excellence in Education Award Recipients were honored during a reception hosted on May 4, 2023 at the Van Buren ISD Conference Center.

Congratulations to this year's recipients!

Award Category: Administrator

  • Tracy Derhammer, Paw Paw Public Schools

  • Bill Dygert, Bloomingdale Public Schools

Award Category: General Educator

  • Amy Klein, Hartford Public Schools

  • Nicole Stenman, South Haven Public Schools

  • Ben Tomlinson, Paw Paw Public Schools

Award Category: Special Educator (ISD Program)

  • Lashonia Leonard, Van Buren Intermediate School District

  • Bill Nelson, Van Buren Intermediate School District

  • Lisa Stephayn, Van Buren Intermediate School District

Award Category: Special Educator (Local District):

  • Chelsea Embury, Bangor Public Schools

  • Michelle Olsen, Paw Paw Public Schools

  • Betsi Verseput, South Haven Public Schools

Award Category: Transportation/Support Staff Personnel

  • Mindy Carlsen, Paw Paw Public Schools

  • Julie Dolezan, Paw Paw Public Schools

  • Jessie Goodrode, Van Buren Intermediate School District

Award Category: Ancillary Staff

  • Katie Potts, Van Buren Intermediate School District

  • Leslie Rafferty, Van Buren Intermediate School District

  • Deb Kollar, Van Buren Intermediate School District

Award Category: School District Team

  • Bloomingdale Elementary Special Education Team, Bloomingdale Public Schools