2017 hALL OF fAME hEROS aWARD
About Hero
Don Hill - Don, President of Springfield APSE Local 530,
has been a die-hard union advocate for over a decade. In the
early fall of 1992, a fight between OAPSE Local 530 and the
Springfield school district began over privatization of the
school bus drivers and mechanics right before the contract
negotiations of APSE Local 530. When Dr. Tucker Self, the new
Superintendent, decided to wage this war, he had no idea who
he was messing with. Don and the members of OAPSE Local
530 went to war. They organized their members, reached out
to other OAPSE local and the community; they rallied, went on
strike, and packed every special and school board meeting the
district had. This fight continued for some years, to the appellate
court and to the Supreme Court. Don and members grew tired, felt whooped and discouraged and some of his members began to leave. But Don held on to the members he had left, and, with his tireless effort and determination, remained until the battle was Won! Many OAPSE locals have gone through many fights with their school districts, but not many have gone on for years as well as to the Supreme Court. Don Hill continues to fight and remain the President of OAPSE Local 530. For his dedication and sacrifice Don Hill is our OAPSE Northeast District Hero.
2017 UNSUNG hEROS aWARD
Treleen Canganelli
She is head custodian at Heskett Middle School. She keeps her building and co-workers in tip top shape. She is always willing to help with no questions asked. She listens to your problems and helps solve them. If she doesn't know the answer, she will find it. She has always been a great
union leader. She started 15 years ago as a trustee, then a tem years later Secretary of APSE Local 136 and has been ever, since. Treleen is a great asset and sunshine to Local 136 Bedford City Schools. Submitted, Judy Mauser Treasurer Local 136
Cornelia Black
Worked in the Cleveland Heights- University Heights Schools District for 20 years as an assistant cook. She was an active union member in two locals in our district; APSE Local 100 (Treasurer) and APSE Local 102 members. Cornelia Black regularly attended union meetings over the years and always provided words of wisdom for other
members. She always volunteered a helping hand and is a faithful union team worker. Cornelia has a glowing personality, and is just an all-around wonderful person. She believes in unions and the work that unions provide to help fellow members. Submitted, Cleveland Heights-University Heights Schools District OAPSE Local 102 Brenda Watts, President
Fannie P. Dean
Is a member of Local 318 and has been since January 27, 1981. She is a dedicated Secretary for Warrensville City Schools. Not only does she know all there is to know about her job as well as others, administrators included, Mrs. Dean can do it all! She starts her day at Warrensville Heights High School's recreation department at 5:00 a.m. Why so early? She ensures the daily walkers are greeted with a friendly smile
and warm cups of coffee every morning. She then moves to the
High School's main office, where she is the attendance secretary,
and she supposed to get off at 3:00p.m., but Mrs. Dean will
not leave a job undone, not on her watch. In her words, once she commits, she follows through. She is always willing to give a helping hand, be it professional or personal. Submitted, DeLorean Griffin, Local 318 Vice President
Sharyn Ficyk
Is a special education assistant for the Parma City School District. Sharyn serves as the building representative for the preschool program, recruits new members and regularly attends monthly union meetings and keeps her colleagues updated with important union information. Sharyn has volunteered to serve on many district committees and attends most board of education meetings, acting as an advocate for our students and keeping the district accountable to the taxpayers. Submitted, Stacy Dunning, Local 160 President
Tim Lupton
Hero Tim has been with Bedford City Schools for 5 years. He works as a night shift custodian at Bedford High School. Tim goes beyond what is expected of him. He will always help anybody with no questions asked. He always looks at the positive side of everything and he is a great moral booster. He is a great union supporter, and is thankful every day for his job and his co-workers. Tim Lupton is a great asset to Bedford City Schools and Local 136. Submitted, Toni Kamerer Local 136 President
Judy Payor
Works as a special education assistant in a multiple handicapped classroom. She does her job with much patience and truly cares for the high needs students she works with. Judy
is one of the first to volunteer when help is needed from the union. She has served on the scholarship committee and on our picnic committee. Judy is the building representative, attends monthly union meetings and assists building employees with contract language and concerns. Judy goes above and beyond as a union member and a special education assistant. Humbly Submitted, Stacy Dunning Local 160 President
Fred Wenzel Fritz
A retired mechanic from the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities who was a dedicated OAPSE Local 744 member and officer, was the treasurer and overseer of all the finances of OAPSE Local 744 until his retirement in 2012. Most treasurers have one account to oversee but Fritz had four to maintain - the local due account, fundraiser account, vending machine account and the local's CD. He was never off by a penny. Fritz, the money man!, we called him, who never wrote a check Without a receipt and the members knew it! If the receipt did not come with the presidents initial, you could forget it. If you lost your receipt he would think about it. When Fritz became the treasurer of OAPSE Local 744, he was the blessing that the local needed. He not only worked the money he worked on four out of 27 committees that the local had. He was the cook, he barbecued and he was the first one at every event. He was confidant. Fritz helped wherever help was needed. Fritz served on the OAPSE state budget committee, attended all the Northeast District meetings and still attends and support the Northeast District as a retiree. Submitted, Lisa Shumpert Local 744 member.
