Harlem Elementary Teacher and Student receive State Awards in Missoula
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Harlem Elementary sixth grader, Asher Piapot, poses with Mr. Lowell Long after receiving his 'Yes I Can!" Academic MCEC award.
The Montana Council for Exceptional Children (MCEC) held their annual conference in Missoula, MT on February 19th, 20th, and 21st. Each year, children with disabilities are recognized for their accomplishments through the 'Yes I Can!' International Awards Program. Students are nominated in several categories, including Academics, School Community Service, and Self-Advocacy.
Five students from the State of Montana were chosen to receive the 'Yes I Can!" award. Harlem Elementary Special Education teacher, Mr. Lowell Long, nominated his student, Asher Piapot, under the category of Academics. According to Mr. Long, "Asher was chosen because when given an assignment, he tries his best to complete it. He works hard, making the Honor Roll by achieving A's on his work. It is also a pleasure watching Asher interact with other students."
Mrs. Shiloh Seymour, Harlem Elementary Principal, wrote, "I strongly recommend Asher Piapot for the 'Yes I Can!' award. He truly represents the characteristics this award is designed to acknowledge, and Asher exemplifies the highest level of student character and how we should treat other human beings."
Harlem Elementary teacher, Mr. Long, displays his beautiful Star Quilt with Asher Piapot at the Missoula MCEC conference. The quilt was given with great gratitude as a thank you from Asher and his family.
Ms. Landre, Asher's sixth grade teacher, also added, "We are over half-way through the school year, and Asher continues to impress me daily. He works hard independently, as well as in groups with his peers. Asher is neat, organized, and gets his work completed on time. Asher takes accountability for his actions, and continues to be a great classmate."
Asher received his 'Yes I Can!' award on February 20th during the MCEC Awards Luncheon. He was presented this award by his teacher, and immediate past president of MCEC, Mr. Lowell Long.
During this same conference, Mr. Long was also recognized for his many years of teaching Harlem Elementary Special Education students. He was nominated by Principal Shiloh Seymour for the Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is given to an individual who has made continued and sustained contributions to the education of children and youths with exceptionalities.
Along with this prestigious award, Mr. Long was also honored by Asher and his family, as they presented him with a beautiful Star Quilt. Both of these awards were befitting at this time, as Mr. Long will be retiring at the end of this school year after teaching Harlem Elementary Special Education for 25 years.
