Last week, Matt Kraemer, Idyllwild School principal, and Andrea Sanborn, Idyllwild resident, were recognized for their long-standing commitment to special education.

The Riverside County Special Education Local Plan Area’s (SELPA) Community Advisory Committee (CAC) honored people from throughout the county for their contribution to special education.

“Every year in May, we ask the districts to nominate the people who do exceptional things for the schools with special needs,” said Delores Hartin, secretary for administrative support for the advisory committee. “These people have made a difference.”

Kraemer received plaudits for his efforts organizing and producing the Hemet School District Super Kids Bowl. This event has become a winter tradition and is held at one of the district’s high schools every year. Every student in the severely handicapped and autism programs gets a chance to make a touchdown with the football team while the band plays and cheerleaders cheer.

Sanborn has represented Hemet on the advisory committee for three years, including serving as president of HUSD’s Special Education Resource Committee for the past two years.

Kay Timpson of Hemet was also recognized for her contributions to the program. Both she and Sanborn have been involved on this committee for more than 10 years.

SELPA includes 22 school districts within Riverside County. “The SELPA is responsible for supporting member districts in the implementation of the legal requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA), the federal law for special education.” (www.rcselpa.org).