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The awards committee was pleased to select the recipients of the 2009 LDA of Indiana Awards
from the nominations received. During our awards luncheon, the recipients were honored
for their hard work and perseverance in achieving their academic, professional, and life goals.
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Teacher of the Year: Jason Spear
Central Middle School, Kokomo, IN
The following are quotations from some of the teachers and administrators who wrote nomination letters for
Jason Spear: “I can’t say enough positive things about Jason. He is amazing!” “Mr. Jason Spear is an
angel walking the face of the earth.” “I believe teachers are capable of miracles. Mr. Spear is one of the reasons I
have this belief.” “He is an inspiration to all who have the honor of working with and knowing him.” “ My life
has been enriched because of working with Jason Spear.” “When Mr. Spear walks into the room, there is an
understanding of respect for all and a willingness to help no matter what the circumstances.” “Jason may be the
most caring teacher and coach I have come across in my 20 years of coaching.” Since Jason’s students can be
some of the most challenging in the school, academically and behaviorally, he works diligently to craft
meaningful and authentic lessons that promote learning. His relaxed but structured learning environment allows
students to find success. He helps students believe they can learn, and he offers daily doses of
self-esteem, helping them feel valued, safe and secure. Jason models patience and kindness, always has a smile
and a positive comment, and his enthusiasm is contagious. His dedication far exceeds what is typically expected of
teachers, whether it is working with his students on the weekend to review a new skill, bringing dinner to a
student’s home to develop a relationship with the family, or accompanying a student to the high school weight room
to work with him before a team try-out. When parents have concerns about their child, Jason will often make a
home visit to talk with them. Jason was a scholarship football player at Indiana University and a finalist for
Indiana’s Mr. Football. He uses his love of sports to interact positively with kids by serving as the
middle school head track coach and as the high school assistant football coach. He is able to get many of our
special ed kids interested in sports who wouldn’t otherwise be involved. LDA of Indiana was pleased to present
Jason with the Teacher of the Year Award and a check for $500.00.
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Parent of the Year: Kathryn Holden
Bloomington, IN
Kathryn is a wife and mother of two children. She has a 14 year old son with ADHD and a 23 year old
daughter who is a recent college graduate. Her son was diagnosed with ADHD when he was in kindergarten; and
the family has supported him academically and behaviorally ever since. Kathryn is a member of
LDA and of CHADD, where she is on the board and has been active as a volunteer coordinator of her chapter.
She has worked on planning speakers each month who can address local concerns of parents.
She has also volunteered as a Parent to Parent class teacher. In a matter of 5 and ½ years she has transitioned
from a parent seeking help to a parent resource for others experiencing the same frustrations she and her
husband experienced in the beginning. Kathryn is also working with the Director of Special Education in her district
to explore the development of programs for teachers to learn strategies for helping students with LD and ADHD.
LDA of Indiana was pleased to present Kathryn with the Parent of the Year Award and a check for $100.00.
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College Scholarship Award Winner: Eddie Peterson
19 years old; Freshman at Indiana State University
Hometown: Danville, IN
Parents: John and Theresa Peterson
Eddie has had difficulty with reading and written expression, making it hard for him to put his great ideas on paper.
His younger brother nominated him for this award because he looks up to Eddie for many reasons. Eddie also has
a twin brother who is able to do well in school with little effort, but this has not made Eddie bitter because he has a
“can do” attitude. When a teacher assigns a project, Eddie starts on it that day, even if it is not due for weeks.
He would go into school early for tutoring in Math when having trouble because earning good grades is important
to him. Eddie mentored a lower functioning student at school through the Best Buddies program, taking his buddy
to Pacer games, horseback riding, and to the movies, even though some of his friends questioned why he
would want to do that. At age 16, Eddie completed work to become an Eagle Scout, a rank which only 2% of
Boy Scouts achieve. He is also on the varsity track team, the boys’ glee club, the Rugby team, the
Ultimate Frisbee team, and is in Air Force ROTC. His goal is to join the Air Force and become a pilot. Eddie’s
Scout Leader, Mrs. Newlin, stated, “I truly have never seen a more determined young man in all my
years as a scout leader. He sets out his goals and perseveres.” LDA of Indiana was pleased to
present Eddie with the College Scholarship Award and a check for $1,000.00.
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Middle School Student of the Year: Alexandra Hanover
13 years old; 7th grade
Riverside Jr. High School, Fishers, Indiana
Parents: Beth and Geoff Hanover
Ale’s teacher, Mrs. Auger, states that Ale suffered some neurological mishaps at birth and has also been
diagnosed with ADHD, both of which affect her short and long term memory skills. Ale requires several
repetitions and continuous practice to learn and transfer new skills and concepts into long term memory,
especially those with abstract ideas and figurative meanings. This does not affect her efforts, however. Ale does
not let anything prevent her from trying her best in all that she does. She has a “never give up” attitude, which is
why she continues to improve in academics. Her positive attitude is contagious to those around her.
By the end of last year, she was helping her peers and demonstrating how to “do Math.” Her smile and gentle
ways remind her teacher to have patience and understanding for those who struggle and do not “get it” the
first time. Ale loves dance and has a passion for performing on stage in dance recitals. She has
begun playing in the band, babysits, and is active in church activities. LDA of Indiana was pleased to
present Ale with the Middle School Student of the Year Award and a check for $200.00.
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Elementary Student of the Year: Donnie Cardwell
9 years old; 3rd grade
Carl G. Fisher Elementary School, Speedway, IN
Mother: Amanda Cardwell
Donnie was diagnosed with a learning disability in Reading when he was in 1st grade. His Special Education
teacher, Mrs. McAffee, states that in her 16 years of teaching special education, she has not had a student try
so hard to overcome everything that comes in his path. Mrs. McAffee has worked with him on Reading since he
was in Kindergarten, and he has never once refused to work with her or said that he did not need help.
He is learning great advocacy and self help skills, especially for someone so young. He asks for help only after
trying every avenue he knows to do it himself. He is always very polite and appreciative. He has a
positive attitude, wants to do the right thing, and does not give up when work gets hard. Donnie is willing to
help and just recently worked after school with his teacher’s husband to pull weeds and trim grass around the
school. Donnie would like to go to college and become a police officer when he grows up. LDA of Indiana
was pleased to present the Elementary Student of the Year Award and a Toys R Us gift certificate for $100.00.
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High School Student of the Year: Erica Adams
18 years old; 12th grade
Brownstown Central High School, Brownstown, Indiana
Parents: Linda Toppe and Bryan Lockman
Erica has struggled in school since Kindergarten and was a nonreader in 1st grade when she was diagnosed
with a Learning Disability in reading. Her special education teacher, Mrs. DeHart, states that Erica has always
worked hard to achieve and has never used her disability as an excuse. She displays persistence, dedication,
and discipline, and encourages those around her to work hard and never give up. She is not afraid to seek
assistance when she needs it, and is quick to offer support to someone else who is struggling. Erica will
graduate in May with an Academic Honors diploma. Earlier this year she was diagnosed with Khron’s disease,
which caused her to miss a lot of school and made it difficult to keep up. She was determined not to get
behind in her classes and with the assistance of highlighted materials, extra time, understanding teachers,
and a determined work ethic, Erica was able to get through it. Erica has been a Competition Cheerleader
for 3 years, has held a part time job at Steak and Shake, is a runner, and stays physically fit. She plans to
pursue a career in Special Education at Indiana University Southeast. Erica’s mother was inspired by
Erica to complete a Master’s Degree in Special Education, leaving her job in the food service industry
to help struggling students like Erica. Erica has spoken to her Mom’s middle school students and to
her college classes about what it is like to have a Learning Disability. LDA of Indiana was pleased to
present erica with the High School Student of the Year Award and a Acer Aspire Mini Laptop.
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Outstanding Service Award: Samantha Abeel
School Social Worker, School Counselor, and Private Practice Therapist
Muncie, Indiana
Samantha has grown up with a severe Learning Disability, affecting her social emotional development and
academic achievement.. No matter how dark some of her life experiences have been, she has not only found the
reserve to push through them but has openly shared her journey in hopes of helping others to feel less alone and
helpless. School has not come easily for Sam. Her identification as a student with a Learning Disability in 8th
grade when she began receiving services in special education marked a turning point for her. It would have
been easy to walk away, but she persevered through high school, college, and a Master’ Degree in Social Work.
She is a licensed clinical therapist and reaches out to help others. Samantha is an extremely creative and
talented writer, but she still has difficulty with any tasks involving numbers, spelling, and grammar. Besides
her academic accomplishments she is a published author. Samantha’s autobiography entitled
My Thirteenth Winter chronicles her struggle with learning disabilities and her incredible drive to
succeed and make a difference. Her ability to share her story has inspired others to cope with their
own difficulties. Sam has recently moved back to Michigan after four years in Indiana, where she worked
at a juvenile detention center and later as a private practice therapist working with children and families.
We were honored to have Samantha as our luncheon speaker and afternoon workshops presenter.
LDA of Indiana was pleased to present Samantha with the Outstanding Service Award.
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Administrator of the Year Award: Amanda Eller
Principal at Yorktown Elementary School, Yorktown
Mrs. Eller’s nomination letter states that “Amanda’s leadership to our staff, parents, and students is phenomenal.”
She leads by example to create a safe place for children with special needs and to help students with
LD and ADHD. She believes that every child can learn when given additional supports and works to assure
that students in special education are driven, accepted, and celebrated. She is often seen in the hallways,
classrooms, and at after school activities, and she looks for ways to recognize students who are
behaving and performing well. Amanda participates in all case conferences and serves as mediator
between parents and the general ed and special ed teachers, ensuring that all involved work as a team to
provide the best support for each student. Amanda encourages special education teachers to receive further
training and provides professional development opportunities. She stays abreast of current programs, laws,
and instructional techniques. She is open and willing to listen to ideas, values opinions of the staff, and
provides teachers with time for planning together. She is quick to recognize and validate all
staff for the work they do with children. LDA of Indiana was pleased to
present Amanda with the Administrator of the Year Award and a check for $100.00.
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