VCASE Awards
Mary Lou Wall Award
Early Career Special Education Leadership
VCASE established the Mary Lou Wall Award in honor of our former VCASE Executive Director and Virginia special education leader, Mary Lou Wall. Our aim is to recognize those exemplary early career leaders who are in their first 3 years of leading local division’s special education services. VCASE developed this award to also promote our award winners to be considered nationally at the CASE annual conference, competing for the Gersch Award. The Gersch award recognizes early career special education leaders who exemplify five values:
1. Heart- the passion to serve, nurture, and care
2. Leadership by example
3. Honesty
4. Creative thinking
5. Collaboration
2016- Sandy Thorpe, Harrisonburg City Public Schools
*CASE Gersch Award Winner*
2017- Jennifer Waggener, Goochland County Public Schools
2018- Dr. Sandra Hedrick, Richmond County Public Schools
2019- Kristina Williams, Charles City County Schools
2020- Dr. Michelle Roper, Prince William County Public Schools
2021- Dr. George Hummer, Stafford County Public Schools
Friends Of VCASE Award
The Friend of VCASE Award was created in 2005 to recognize and express appreciation to those individuals who have consistently provided extraordinary support in furthering the work of VCASE.
2005 - Dr. Pat Abrams, VDOE; H. Douglas Cox, VDOE; Kathy Mehfoud, ReedSmith
2006 - Dr. Judy Douglas, VDOE; Paul Raskopf, VDOE
2007 - Dr. Lori Korinek, The College of William and Mary; Dr. Lissa Power-deFur, Longwood University
2008 - Dr. James Brashears, VDOE; Dr. Kerry Lambert, Old Dominion University
2009 - Gerald Mathews, VDOE
2010 - Marie Ireland, VDOE; Tom Nash, Past President of VCASE
2011 - Melissa Smith, VDOE
2012 - Amy Edwards, VDOE; Dr. Sandra Ruffin, VDOE
2013 - Sally Chapel, James Madison T/TAC; Sue Land, William and Mary T/TAC
2014 - Patrick Adriano, Esq.; Jason Ballum, Esq
2015- John Eisenberg, VDOE
2016- Pat Haynes, Esq., VDOE
2017- Kathy Harley, ReedSmith
2018- Dr. Thomas Smith, VASS
2019- Sandra Wilberger, VCU T/TAC
James T. Micklem Award of Outstanding Excellence
The award, initially called the VCASE Award of Excellence, was established in 1978 to recognize efforts made on behalf of exceptional children. In 1988 it was renamed for James Micklem, the first State Director of Special Education, in recognition of his outstanding service and leadership. The recipient must be a member in VCASE for a minimum of three years; hold a special education administrative or supervisory position within a Virginia public school; contributed to VCASE either through elected office or appointed position and activities; and made an impact on the education of exceptional children on the local, state or regional level.
1978 - James Micklem, Virginia Department of Education
1980 - Kurt Schleicher, Louisa County, Charlottesville, Virginia Beach Schools
1981 - Robert Roebuck, Virginia Department of Education
1982 - Sammy Shelton, Pittsylvania County Schools
1984 - Frank Sparks, Roanoke Schools
1987 - Ken Robinson, Prince George’s County Public Schools
1995 - Shirley Underwood, Norfolk Public Schools
1997 - In Memory of Gail Mayfield, Autism Specialist, Grafton School
2001 - Dr. Thomas Smith, Fluvanna County Public Schools
2002 - Linda Bradford, Virginia Department of Education
2004 - Dr. Mary Mehaffey, Newport News Schools
2005 - Judy Sorrell, Shenandoah Valley Regional Program
2006 - Marylou Wall, Alexandria City Public Schools
2007 - Dr. Sheila Bailey, Hopewell City Public Schools
2008 - Dr. Patricia Addison, Fairfax County Public Schools
*Harry M. Selznick CASE Distinguished Service Award Winner*
2009 - Mary Kearney, Loudoun County Public Schools
2010 - Robert “Chip” Beylea, Shenandoah County Public Schools
2011 - Cindee Pletke, Campbell County Public Schools
2012 - Fran Goforth, Gloucester County Public Schools
2013 - Wyllys VanDerwerder, Lynchburg City Public Schools
2014 - Dr. Sheila Carr, King William County Public Schools
*CASE Outstanding Special Education Administrator Award Winner*
2016- Sara Staton, Bedford County Public Schools
*CASE Outstanding Special Education Administrator Award Winner*
2017- Dr. Sue Clark, Stafford County Public Schools
2018- Dr. Suzanne Jimenez, Loudoun County Public Schools
2019- Ann Bueche, King George County Public Schools
2020- Julie Baker, Botetourt County Public Schools
2021- Dr. Craig Pinello, Chesapeake City Public Schools
