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Submitted by: Louise Cardenzana
Awards Chairperson

In 1991 the OSPA Executive Board voted to establish the School Psychologist of the Year Award - an award that would honor a member of OSPA for current excellence in service delivery. It was required, therefore, that at least seventy-five percent of a candidate's time be spent providing school psychological services to students, teacher, and parents, typically in a school setting.

Nominations are made by the OSPA regional associations, with each region submitting one nomination. The selection committee is composed of the officers of OSPA, the elected regional representatives, and the Awards Committee members. This year three regions have chosen to nominate one of their members for this award. It is an honor to be nominated by a region and OSPA would like to recognize each of the nominees.

The School Psychologist of Central Ohio regional association nominated Mr. James Kline. Jim is employed by the Delaware City Schools. He was nominated because of the wide range of activities in which he was demonstrated the skills, both technical and interpersonal, that have resulted in commendable service to students, families, and staff. His experience and expertise in working with students with behavioral issues has been particularly appreciated and his belief in the development of other school psychologists has resulted in his continuing role as an intern supervisor, providing an excellent example of what is possible in our profession. He has been a leader in the implementation of IBMFE, helped in the development of district CBM norms, and has been committed to crisis intervention. He has been an invaluable support for the high school students and an advocate for all children.

The nominee of the Cleveland Area School Psychologists is Mrs. Gail Fadel. She is employed by the Warrensville Heights City Schools and was nominated because of her commitment to organizing and establishing an excellent educational climate with the students and staff. She is dedicated and determined. She has trained several staffs in the district on behavioral interventions and inclusion and has supervised practicum graduate students in the school opsychology program from Kent State. She willingly serves on building, district, and OSPA committees. Gail's integrity guides her towards the goal of helping all students, even the roughest and most disagreeable students are treated with compassion and sincerity. She demonstrates expertise and leadership in providing the best educational services for children.

The nominee of the NorthWest Ohio School Psychologists Association is Mr. Andy Higgins. He is employed by the Logan County Educational Service Center and was nominated because he exemplifies the professional characteristics needed to be an effective school psychologist. He is expanding the role of teachers, parents, and students in serving the educational needs of all students. He has served on local and OSPA committees, written articles for local newspapers, and participated in the training and implementation of IBMFE. He willingly shares his knowledge and expertise with others. He is described as a team player, good listener, a mediator, and problem-solver. He not only loves what he does but he excels at what he does.

We can take pride in being members of a profession which includes individuals such as these. They demonstrate the great variety of skills and qualities that we as a profession bring to the service of children and they call upon us to take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves every day.

Each year the committee is faced with the formidable task of choosing one of the candidates to receive the Ohio School Psychologist of the Year Award. This year was no exception and it is with pride that OSPA presents the 2000 Ohio School Psychologist of the Year award to Mr. James Kline.

The recipient of this award becomes Ohio's nominee for the National School Psychologist of the Year award which is presented by NASP at the annual conference in the spring.