On Friday, May 15, 2026 The State Support Team Region 3 (SST3), in partnership with the Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio, recognized and celebrated the accomplishments and achievements of students with disabilities, peers who have built meaningful, inclusive, and welcoming relationships with them; and educators who have eliminated or reduced barriers, created welcoming environments and established a sense of belonging through academic instruction and social-emotional support.
This year’s theme was My Story, My Strength. It honored children whose journeys are unique, powerful, and inspiring, as well as the educators and peers who guide and accompany them on that journey. Each nominee carries a story shaped by courage, resilience, and creativity. Their stories are not defined by limitations, but by strength—strength to grow, to learn, to express themselves, and to shine in their own remarkable way.
This year’s keynote speaker was Karyssa Kestranek. Karyssa is a traumatic brain injury survivor and an inspiring motivational speaker who has transformed a near-fatal motorcycle crash into a mission to empower others. As a Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities Good Life Ambassador, she shared her story of resilience and her message of overcoming adversity.
Lori Oxley, an educator at Lewis F. Mayer Middle School and Fairview High School in the Fairview Park City School District, was recognized with the Franklin B. Walter Outstanding Educator Award. This award is presented to one educator from each of Ohio’s 16 State Support Team regions who has made extraordinary contributions to the education of students with disabilities.
Sabastian Riccio, a senior at Olmsted Falls High School in the Olmsted Falls City School District, was recognized with the R.A. Horn Outstanding Achievement Award for a Student. This award is presented to one exemplary special education student from each of Ohio’s 16 State Support Team regions.
Both Lori and Sabastian will be honored at the state level in Columbus on June 9, 2026
Congratulations to all those who were recognized.
Berea City Schools
Teri Grimm – Educator – Grindstone Elementary
Brecksville-Broadview Heights City Schools
Jennifer Burke – Educator – Brecksville-Broadview Heights Elementary
Chase Tuskan – Peer – Brecksville Broadview Heights Middle School
Brooklyn City Schools
Deborah Heatwole – Educator – Brooklyn High School
Parker Kerpics – Peer – Brooklyn School
Logan Westfall – Student – Brooklyn High School
Cuyahoga Heights Local Schools
Lisa Meyer – Educator – Cuyahoga Heights Elementary School
Aiden Marvel – Student – Cuyahoga Heights High School
East Cleveland City Schools
Karen Edwards – Educator – Shaw High School
Renee Klump-Thompson – Student – W.H. Kirk Middle School
Fairview Park City Schools
Lori Oxley – Educator – Lewis F. Mayer Middle School / Fairview High School - Franklin B. Walter Award Winner
Lakewood City Schools
Beth Byrne – Educator – Lakewood High School
Finley Dowell - Peer - Horace Mann Elementary
Avery Gibbons - Student- Horace Mann Elementary
North Olmsted City Schools
Heather DeMain – Educator – North Olmsted High School
Janeen Hajjaj – Peer – North Olmsted High School
Jason Shear – Student – North Olmsted High School
North Royalton City Schools
Josie Postma – Peer – North Royalton Middle School
Olmsted Falls City Schools
Emma Roberts – Educator – Olmsted Falls Intermediate School
Mae Simon – Peer – Olmsted Falls Middle School
Sabastian Riccio – Student – Olmsted Falls High School - R.A. Horn Award Winner
Shaker Heights City Schools
Lori Murphy – Educator – Mercer Elementary
Arewyn Van Ness – Student – Mercer Elementary
Warrensville Heights City Schools
Janie Lewis-Gaines – Educator – Warrensville Heights Middle School
Candice Stoudermire – Student – Warrensville Heights High School