Special Recognition Awards

The Texas Association of Parents and Educators for the Deaf (T.A.P.E.D.) continually strives to recognize all of the great people and organizations in Texas who give so much to the education of students who are deaf and hard of hearing.  The following is a list of those outstanding individuals and organizations who have received T.A.P.E.D. Special Recognition Achievement Awards in recent years.  These awards were first given in 1990 and are given to individuals/organizations for their contributions to the field of deaf education.

Special Awards Nominations - Nominate Someone for 2026!
  • Kristin Pfeiffer, ESC Region 4, 2024
  • Elaine Robertson, West 10 RDSPD, Susie Tiggs, ESC Region 11, 2022
  • Theresa Johnson, 2020
  • Brent Pitt, Claire Bugen, 2018
  • Sandy Chance, Connie Ferguson, Mindy LaCour, Dr. Diana Poeppelmeyer, 2016
  • Sandra Connatser, DiAnne Allison, Marcia Crouch, 2014
  • Dan Diffee,Cheryl Ferguson, Jean Matney, 2010
  • Sharon M. Parham, 2008
  • Dr. Shã Cowan, 2004
  • Lora Ouren, Conroe RDSPD, 2024
  • Rakia Musa, Ector County RDSPD, 2024
  • Patricia Garcia, Northeast RDSPD, 2022
  • Sharon Tallet, Mesquite RDSPD, 2010
  • Marina McCormick, Region 4 RDSPD, 2018
  • Angela Belding, Brazos River RDSPD, 2016
  • Kayla Hughes, Nacogdoches RDSPD, Kelley Watt, Tri-County East RDSPD, 2012
  • Erin Wollard, 2024
  • Jill Littleton, 2024
  • Laura Cothran, Region 4 RDSPD, 2022
  • Beatrice Garcia, McAllen RDSPD, 2022
  • Ami Cecil, Cindy Williams, Chandler Schoonover, 2018
  • Barbara Talamantez, 2016
  • Rachel Roson, 2014
  • Melinda Gandrud, Brazos Valley RDSPD, 2012
  • Vicky Alford, San Marcos ISD, Region XIII RDSPD, 2010
  • Amanda Artherholt Corpus Christi RDSPD, 2024
  • Pam Boyd, West 10 RDSPD, 2022
  • Tish Huddleston, Corsicana RDSPD, 2022
  • Christine Borel, Denton RDSPD, 2018
  • Melburn Bradley, Plano RDSPD, 2012
  • Julia Fleming, Plano RDSPD, 2010
  • Anita Zachariah, West 10 RDSPD, 2022
  • Nancy Sinclair, 2016
  • Mary Ceglio, El Paso RDSPD, 2010
  • Janice Wiggins, Houston RDSPD, 2012
  • Alice Martinez, Dallas ISD, 2010
  • Sybil Lincecum, Brazoria-Fort Bend RDSPD, 2022
  • Linda Gorton, Northwest Harris County Cooperative, 2018
  • Kristie Henry, 2014
  • Merrie Bonnette, Houston ISD, 2018
  • Kristin Bishop, 2016
  • Amy Clark, Bryan ISD, 2012
  • Andy Pool, Brazos River RDSPD, 2008
  • John Shea, MD
  • Andrew DeJong, MD
  • Herlinda Daniel, 2024
  • Hailey Blanco- Region 4, 2020
  • Margaret Guidry, Texas School for the Deaf, 2018
  • Shelly Higgins – Brazoria-Fort Bend, 2020
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