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It
was truly an honor to announce Ann Marie Ball as this year’s winner
of the C. David Anderson award. Ann Marie was presented with a
commemorative plaque and many accolades during the awards ceremony
at this year’s MTSA Annual Conference on March 19th. Her
husband Tim and several colleagues were able to surprise Ann Marie
and join us in honoring her contributions to the field of
Transition.
Ann
Marie has been the Transition Coordinator at Tuscola ISD for more
than 13 years. She provides guidance, training, and resources to
staff within the ISD and those in the professional community in
Michigan. She is responsible for the coordination of Transition
activities including work-based learning sites, student
entrepreneurships, student transition council, family nights student
transition conferences and summer programs. Ann Marie is directly
responsible for the development and supervision of two off-campus
Transition programs whose goals are employment and independent
living. She also helped to establish a post-secondary program based
in a home built specifically for the program.
James Walker, Assistant Superintendent of Special Education at
Tuscola ISD wrote a moving testament of Ann Marie in his nomination
letter; “Ann Marie takes the position as Transition Coordinator
as much more than a job. She believes this is a chance to make a
difference in the lives of children. Her vision of individual
independence focuses on the needs of the individual child. Having
known David Anderson, I know he would have been proud to know her as
a friend and colleague. He probably would break out a nice, new
cigar and say something like, “Jimmy, that transition gal of yours
does one heck of a good job for you. You better take care of her.”
Mr. Walker’s letter ends with; “On behalf of all our young adults
...Tuscola ISD is truly blessed to have Ann Marie Ball.”
We
in MTSA agree, and are proud to have named Ann Marie Ball as the
2009 winner of the C. David Anderson award.
Julia Flowerday, MTSA President 2008-2009
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