[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.

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