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The Mequon-Thiensville School District (MTSD) is proud to announce that Lauren Byrne, school psychologist at Wilson Elementary School, and Homestead High School senior and special needs advocate, Lily Oberneder, have received honorary awards from the Wisconsin Council of Administrators of Special Services (WCASS). WCASS is a professional organization of over 350 members who administer and support special education programs throughout the state of Wisconsin. The WCASS awards recognize outstanding contributions made every day to enhance the lives of students with special needs. Ms. Byrne has served MTSD for six years, working with students at both Donges Bay and Wilson elementary schools.
The Mequon-Thiensville School District (MTSD) is proud to announce that Lauren Byrne, school psychologist at Wilson Elementary School, and Homestead High School senior and special needs advocate, Lily Oberneder, have received honorary awards from the Wisconsin Council of Administrators of Special Services (WCASS). WCASS is a professional organization of over 350 members who administer and support special education programs throughout the state of Wisconsin. The WCASS awards recognize outstanding contributions made every day to enhance the lives of students with special needs. Ms. Byrne has served MTSD for six years, working with students at both Donges Bay and Wilson elementary schools.
“Lauren is a meticulous, independent worker who is able to efficiently utilize her problem-solving and critical thinking skills to make data-based decisions that positively impact students, colleagues, and families,” said nominator Natalie Beckwith, MTSD’s Multi-level Systems of Support Coordinator. “As a result, Lauren is highly sought after as a problem-solver, thought partner, and collaborator. She uses her extensive knowledge in these areas to develop equitable plans of support for students in academic, social, emotional, and even executive functioning areas of concern. Thanks to Lauren’s efforts, we are able to create collaborative, data-based plans that ensure student access to high-quality instruction and intervention practices.”
Lily is a strong advocate for people with disabilities and channels this passion to do respite for families who have loved ones with disabilities. Notably, Lily has been incredibly successful as the president of Best Buddies, an organization that celebrates leadership, friendship, and inclusion for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. Lily has established Inclusion Nights, which partners the Best Buddies program with various sports events throughout the school year. This has been not only a great fundraising opportunity but also created awareness for inclusion across the district.
“Lily consistently demonstrates the traits of a highly effective leader. She leads with the adept skills of confidence, organization, and passion. She is a joy to work with and she will be missed by all once she graduates,” said Lily’s nominators, Sara Boeck-Cunningham, Homestead special education teacher, and Diane Waddington, special education paraprofessional. “The Mequon-Thiensville School District has been lucky to have her as a student, a leader, and an advocate throughout her student career. With her new ideas, energy for advocacy, and unparalleled dedication, she has left a lasting impression on the students, staff, and community at large!”
Both individuals were presented with their awards by WCASS representative Kaari Olson during brief surprise ceremonies on Tuesday, April 30.