The Special Education Foundation (SEF) is still accepting nominations for the 2nd Annual Starfish Awards, and we need your help to honor the incredible individuals who make a difference in the lives of students with disabilities. Whether they teach, guide, support, or simply show up with kindness every day, these difference-makers deserve to be celebrated!
The nomination deadline is Friday, December 20, so don’t wait to share their story.
Who Can Be Nominated?
The Starfish Awards recognize individuals who go above and beyond to support students with disabilities in meaningful ways. These nominees can include:
- Special Education Teachers who create innovative ways to engage and inspire students.
- General Education Teachers who foster inclusion and ensure every student feels valued in their classroom.
- Paraprofessionals and Classroom Support Staff who provide critical daily support to students and teachers.
- School Resource Officers who help create a safe, respectful environment for learning.
- Lunchroom Staff who offer smiles and encouragement during meals.
- Custodians who go out of their way to support students and keep schools running smoothly.
- Administrators who champion programs and policies to support students with disabilities.
- Bus Drivers who ensure students arrive safely and start their day with a friendly greeting.
- Other Unsung Heroes in the school community whose efforts may not always be noticed but whose impact is undeniable.
Why Your Nomination Matters
Every student has a story, and behind those stories are individuals who make a real difference. From small acts of kindness to transformative support, the Starfish Awards aim to honor those who exemplify care, dedication, and compassion.
Whether it’s a teacher who inspired a student to dream bigger, a paraprofessional who helped a student achieve a new goal, or a bus driver who made mornings brighter, these heroes deserve recognition.
SEF invites nominations not only from the Special School District schools, but also from across St. Louis County’s school districts, where so many individuals work tirelessly to make a difference every day.
These schools serve diverse communities, and within each district, countless people dedicate their time and energy to students with disabilities. Your nomination helps us spotlight their invaluable contributions and highlight the extraordinary impact they have on students, families, and the entire community.
Take a look at where a few of our winners came to us from last year:
Marsha Davison
SSD Substitute Paraprofessional - Green Pines Elementary
Marsha was chosen from Subdistrict Seven. This subdistrict includes Clayton and Rockwood.
Kerry Bennett
Teacher – Ladue Horton Watkins High
Kerry’s submission was entered for Subdistrict Six which includes Ladue, Normandy, Ritenour, and University City.
Mallory Hurt
Teacher - Walker Elementary
Mallory was nominated from Subdistrict One. This subdistrict holds Hazelwood, Jennings, and Maplewood-Richmond Heights districts.
How to Nominate
Submitting a nomination is simple! Share the story of your nominee and why they deserve to be recognized. Tell us how they’ve impacted students with disabilities and the difference they’ve made. Every story matters, and your submission could help shine a well-deserved spotlight on a true difference-maker in the Special Education community.
The deadline for nominations is Friday, December 20. Don’t miss the opportunity to recognize someone who embodies the spirit of the Starfish Story and uplifts students through their dedication and hard work.
For assistance with submitting a nomination or general questions about the 2nd Annual Starfish Awards, contact SEF Events Manager Jill Salinas
jill@sef-stl.org | (865) 405-4420
