Annual Sweetheart Awards Celebrate Caring Palo Alto Youth, Staff, Community Members

Information submitted from the Palo Alto Unified School District:

The Palo Alto Sub-Committee of SELPA 1 Community Advisory Committee (CAC) and the Palo Alto PTA Council will host their 11th Annual Sweetheart Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, March 4, to honor local PAUSD youth, employees, and community members who have made a positive difference in the lives of special needs students.

“Sweethearts” are nominated by students, families, and teachers for their exemplary service, friendship, and for helping students feel connected and competent in their respective areas. The nomination letter describing their kindness is read for the audience at the awards where they are publicly recognized for going above and beyond.

“It is rare that we get a chance like this to make public the gratitude we feel for exceptional people in our lives. The experience of giving an award, of receiving an award, and simply witnessing others’ stories touches your heart. No one leaves with dry eyes,” a Walter Hays parent shared.

“Each year, parents, teachers, and students have the opportunity to honor the people who provide support to students in our schools and community. The Sweetheart Awards are an annual celebration of the dedicated people who support our students every day and are a way to express our gratitude for their important work,” described Special Education Director Holly Wade.

Another PAUSD parent described their decision to nominate this way, “Our kid has severe difficulties establishing relationships with peers. It takes a lot of patience and perseverance to keep him engaged. The student we are nominating has been giving him both with great success. We are grateful to her and wanted to publicly recognize the positive impact her efforts are making for our child. The Sweetheart Awards give us the perfect way to do this.”

Nominations have been collected from the PAUSD community for the past few months, and more than 100 nominees will be recognized at the ceremony. Each nominee will receive flowers and a certificate.

The event will be held in the Jordan Middle School Multipurpose Room from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Community members are welcome to join this wonderful celebration.

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