Optimist Club names Nancy Dolehanty as Outstanding Educator of the Year

The Auburn Hills Morning Optimist Club honored educator, Nancy Dolehanty for her service to Avondale School District where she has spent most of her thirty-one years in education.

Dolehanty, who is retiring at the end of this school year, ends her career as a special education teacher consultant managing the testing and placement of the District’s special education students from elementary through high school. In addition, she is Avondale’s Program for All liaison serving out-of-district students who have special education needs. Her commitment to the students is evident beyond the classroom as she sat on many committees and task forces; coordinated the MI Access testing for the District; and chaired the annual Fourth Grade Disability Awareness event.

“The Disability Awareness event is a highlight of my career. It’s very special and important to me,” said Dolehanty. “We bring in equipment designed to simulate the environment of a person with a special condition so that the students without a disability can sort of walk in the shoes of someone with a disability. It builds awareness and understanding and most importantly empathy.”

Dolehanty also spearheaded efforts to consolidate special education student reporting to make the information easier for parents to wade through. In addition, when the State of Michigan changed the criteria for identifying students with special needs, Dolehanty immersed herself in the initiative so that she could understand the new regulations and assist teachers with their understanding. All in an effort to best serve some of the District’s most vulnerable students.

“Ensuring that our special education students receive the resources they need to be successful throughout their years at Avondale requires a strong knowledge base across all special education certifications,” said Avondale Superintendent, Dr. James Schwarz. “Nancy consistently demonstrates that she has that knowledge and that passion for the students. She wants every child to achieve success - it’s why she was nominated for this recognition.”

The award, presented annually by the Optimist Club recognizes educators for the contributions they have made to the students of the community. Club officers solicit nominations from the Avondale School District of people who mirror the principles of the organization which serves area youth. “Everything our Club does for young people is focused on their positive growth,” said Club President, Bill Johnson. ”To that end, we support the school district and staff because we know they share that focus. We’re partners with them in providing opportunities that develop every child’s potential. It’s a privilege to honor Ms. Dolehanty today” Johnson added.

Past winners of the award include Avondale staff members, George Cooper, Sada Spahich, Marcia Hudson, Daniel Burdette, Amy Price and Dr. George Heitsch.