The Special Education Foundation’s Starfish Awards celebrate those who go above and beyond for students with disabilities. This year’s surprise reveals have been nothing short of extraordinary, and we are ready to share two of our incredible winners with you, with even more to come!
Jamee Heidmann
Speech-Language Pathologist Westridge Elementary School, Rockwood School District
Jamee Heidmann, a dedicated speech-language pathologist at Westridge Elementary, was greeted with cheers and heartfelt emotion as she returned to her classroom to find school leadership, Rockwood district leaders, her coworkers, friends, and family waiting to surprise her. The moment Jamee realized she was a Starfish Award winner was truly unforgettable, and her emotional reaction captured the immense passion she brings to her students every day. Watch the touching video and hear Jamee’s incredible story!
Heidmann with family, Westridge staff, and SEF staff and SEF board members
Heidmann with Westridge staff and Rockwood staff
Heidmann with family
Amanda Moran
Teacher’s Assistant Dressel Elementary School, Lindbergh School District
Amanda Moran, a compassionate and hardworking teacher’s assistant at Dressel Elementary, was met with an outpouring of love as her school’s principal, leadership team, Lindbergh district representatives, coworkers, friends, and family gathered to celebrate her. The Dressel team went all out—creating a fun and celebratory sash for Amanda, custom t-shirts featuring her radiant smile for students, and tote bags printed with the Starfish Parable. This surprise was filled with joy, gratitude, and quite a few happy tears! Don’t miss the heartwarming moment captured in Amanda’s video.
Moran with family
T-shirts to celebrate!
Tote with the Starfish Story
Moran with Dressel Staff, SEF staff, and SEF board members
These incredible and inspiring celebrations are just a glimpse of what’s to come at the 2nd Annual Starfish Awards on June 12, where our winners will be presented with their awards.
Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable evening as we honor more incredible educators and support staff making a difference in the lives of students with disabilities.
Join Us for the Starfish Awards
Do you work for the Special School District?
This year, we are excited to offer a special Educator General Ticket for just $50—a wonderful opportunity to celebrate alongside fellow award winners, families, and supporters of SSD and SEF. Register your ticket with your SSD email address and take advantage of this great offer.
Click Here for Sponsorship and Ticket Registration
Stay tuned for more Starfish Award surprises, and thank you for supporting those who make a difference—one student at a time!
For more information about the 2nd Annual Starfish Awards, contact SEF Events Manager Jill Salinas jill@sef-stl.org | 865.405.4420
