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Silver Lake/Salem school district student is first Kickoff Kid of the season
Posted: 8/27/2010 9:44:41 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Christina Brey, (608) 298-2519
Riverview Elementary student Ian Peterson, whose teacher says he bravely faces any obstacle and comes through like a champion, has been selected to be the Wisconsin Education Association Council’s first Kickoff Kid for the 2010 Badger football season.
Through the University of Wisconsin-WEAC partnership, one Wisconsin public school student will be selected as the WEAC Kickoff Kid for each Wisconsin Badgers home football game this season. The youngster will attend a game at Camp Randall in Madison and retrieve the tee after the opening kickoff.
Ian will be featured after the 11 a.m. opening kickoff at the Sept. 11 UW Badger game against San Jose State.
“Our union of teachers and education support professionals is proud to sponsor Kickoff Kids because it celebrates the connection between students, parents and educators,” said WEAC President Mary Bell. “When we team up for high-quality schools for students like Ian, we build strong communities too.”
Julie Horn, a teacher in the Silver Lake/Salem Joint School District #1, nominated Ian.
In her nomination, Horn said Ian stays positive and perseveres, despite medical changes. He is paralyzed on his left side, has had brain surgery, and has undergone painful therapy.
“I am humbled by Ian’s positive spirit,” Horn said. “He never complains, never has a bad thing to say about anyone or anything, and he has been through more in his nine years than I can begin to imagine.
“I cannot think of a child in my 20 years of teaching who would be more worthy of the honor than Ian. He is a living example of our Wisconsin motto Forward, as he is always bravely facing the next obstacle ahead of him and coming through the challenge like a champion.”
Ian’s mom, Jeanette, credited her son’s teachers and other educators for helping him reach his potential. “The partnership with his teachers and his education has made all the difference in the world for him and us,” she said.
“Ian's team of educators and therapists has given Ian the tools to find success and gain confidence in his school environment,” she continued. “From the very beginning I have always felt that we all have the same goal in mind and that is to make sure Ian has success and enjoyment in his learning environment. I have always felt that we are all on the same team, and that can make all the difference in the world to a child with disabilities and their family.”
WEAC invites families, teachers and school staff from across the state to nominate a student, age 8-13, to be a WEAC Kickoff Kid. For more information, go to www.weac.org/kickoffkids.
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The Wisconsin Education Association Council unites 98,000 educators for strong schools & communities.
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