Radnor Students, Teacher Honored For Making Differences

RADNOR, PA – Two Radnor Township School District students and one of its teachers were honored Monday at the 7th Annual Making a Difference Awards Ceremony for going out of their way through their work, support or friendship to be accepting, understanding and inclusive of children of all abilities.

The district announced Radnor High School Special Education and Science teacher Kathryn "Kate" Farnon, Ithan Elementary School fifth-grade student Decatur "Deke" James, and Wayne Elementary School fifth-grade student Cameron Mair were recently honored with 2018 Making a Difference Awards

The awards are presented by the Delaware County Right to Education Task Force and were given out at a ceremony on Monday, April 23 at Haverford Middle School.

Farnon was nominated by RHS parent Karen Gryga, according to the district.

"Kate's energy, caring, initiative and creativity have had a direct and meaningful impact on our son's success and happiness at Radnor," Gryga said. "Her dedication, persistence and support have been above and beyond what you would expect in a high school situation, even considering the fabulous teachers and administrators at RHS."

Deke James was nominated by his 5th-grade teacher Brooke Doyle, the district said.

"I am so proud of Deke," IES principal Tronya Boylan said. "His teacher, Mrs. Doyle, and I noticed that he takes pride in helping his classmates who have special needs. We are pleased that Deke is being honored for his kindness and willingness to include others during recess."

Cameron Mair was nominated by WES principal Nancy Ferguson.

"Cameron was nominated for many reasons," Ferguson said. "He is welcoming to all, polite and respectful and works diligently at his studies. He is involved in the school community as both a 5th-grade ambassador and bus safety. I am so proud that he is being recognized for all he does here at WES."

The Delaware County Right to Education Task Force is comprised of parents, agencies and district representatives and was established to assist in improving education for all school-age children with learning disabilities, physical handicaps, emotional difficulties, vision, speech, language and hearing impairments.

The Task Force makes recommendations to improve, strengthen, expand and monitor programs and services; speaks on behalf of special education students; and communicates their needs, problems and concerns to schools and other agencies providing special education programs.

Congratulations and keep up the good work, all!

IES student Deke James and 5th-grade teacher Brooke Doyle

WES principal Nancy Ferguson and student Cameron Mair

RHS teacher Kate Farnon

Images via Radnor Township School District