School Counselor Amy Hansen, Special Educator Erin Brackbill, and Third Grade Teacher Christine Eickhoff along with the award-winning class.

On the evening of January 25, while their peers were eating dinner or doing homework, 17 third graders from Deep Creek Elementary School were busy in Annapolis – mingling with Gov. Robert Ehrlich, Jr. and First Lady Kendel Ehrlich and receiving an award.

The award, second place in the Together We’re Better contest, was presented to Christine Eickhoff’s third grade class for its poster celebrating the benefits of educating children together regardless of disabilities. School Counselor Amy Hansen and Special Educator Erin Brackbill also helped to facilitate this class project.

Ms. Eickhoff’s students participated in the 3rd Annual “Together We’re Better” Awards Reception along with 14 parents and family members and four faculty members also representing Deep Creek. The reception was sponsored by The Arc of Maryland, Maryland State Department of Education, Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, and Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education. During the event, held in the Miller Senate Building, State Senator Delores Kelley presented a senatorial citation to the school.

The award-winning poster

To participate in the “Together We’re Better” contest, Maryland students in grades 1-6 in public, parochial, and private schools created class posters that explored why inclusive schools are important and how students with disabilities contribute to their schools and communities.

Deep Creek's winning entry was displayed in a Parade of Posters at the awards reception, and the class won a pizza party, compliments of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council.

By Amy Hansen, School Counselor, Deep Creek Elementary, and Diana Spencer, Communications Officer