Become a Northeast district unsung hero
2023 hALL OF fAME hEROeS aWARD
About Hero
Gary Martin has serviced as the Associate Director for the Ohio Association of Public School Employee for over 32 years "No single individual has been more important to our union's success than Gary Martin. We have seen the breadth of the nation's labor movement and Gary is unequaled for his steadiness, strength, empathy and leadership. Through challenge after challenge, Gary's presence has both inspired and calmed our more than 30,000 members, staff and elected leaders across Ohio. Gary volunteer on many nation, state and local campaigns and school leveies. He is, to put it simply, indispensable. Gary Martin is our 2023 OAPSE'S Northeast Hero.
Submitted, Davida Russell, Northeast District President
2023 UNSUNG hEROeS aWARD
Julie Sisunik
Unsung Hero isn't quite the phrase we would give to this amazing woman as she is the self-proclaimed Queen of Parma. In royal fashion, she dutifully takes on tasks needing that regal touch.
As our treasurer, she works hard to keep us balanced. Working with our employer, Julie has gallantly assisted with any payroll or insurance issue that may arise. She is the queen of our hearts and a crusader for our members. We humbly name Julie as our unsung hero.
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Submitted, Parma City School District, Local 160
Maureen Albeitz
Maureen Albeitz has been driving for the city of Strongsville for the past 44 years. The first six of those years she drove a station wagon with special needs children - lifting the wheelchairs in and out of the back.
Over 15 of those years she has dedicated thousands of hours volunteering as a union officer, and on dozens of committees. Can't is not part of her vocabulary. She makes herself available day and night, on the clock and off, to help anyone who needs her - friend or foe.
Need advice? Find Maureen. Questions about the contract? Find Maureen. Just need support or a shoulder to lean on? Maureen is always there.
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Strongsville City Schools is beyond lucky, they are blessed to have Maureen Albeitz.
Nancy Laria
Nancy Laria has worked with Akron Public Schools for over 20 years. Nancy as a MD, MH, and ISS Paraprofessional. Working with students running the school store and selling gift baskets. Nancy has also worked with the past superintendent David James on many find raiser for our school system. Past president of the PTA and PTO.
Nancy served as Vice President of Local 689 for many years. A dedicated member, attending rallies in Columbus. Many OAPSE trainings. As she closes the book on this chapter of her life, we felt to honor her with the Un Sung Hero award from the OAPSE Northeast District. A strong union voice for the members of Akron Public Schools.
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Submitted by Sheila Dawkins-Flinn
Theresa Snyder
Theresa Snyder (also) known as my partner in crime) has been a bus driver fro North Olmsted City Schools since 1999. She is our "Transportation Contract Enforcer" and thank goodness because to be honest, that part of our contract scares the heck out of me!
Ask yourself "what makes a person a hero?" You'll find it describes Theresa to a "T"! She's selfless, helpful, determined, passionate and she perseveres through all challenges that she faces (kind of like a dog with a bone.)
Thresa is retiring which saddens me to no end! North Olmsted City
Schools is lucky to have had her in their employ and I am lucky to know her - not only as a co-worker, not only as my V.P., but also as a friend. Thank you for all you have done! You are my hero and I'll see you in the 'hood my friend!'
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Submitted, Leslie Turner
Gwen Climpson
I would like to introduce to you Gwen Climpson. I met Gwen when I became vice president. Gwen kindness was appreciated in any area that needed her help. Gwen have given to local 128 her support for them in different situations that came up on the job. Gwen Climpson was the Northeast District Election Chairperson, also the president and treasurer of Local 128.. Gwen Climpson start a news letter for local 128, I ask Gwen can we give an appreciation to unions members whose does an out standing job at work every day, Gwen thought about it and said OK. This was put in the news letter of the union member who received flowers and a gift card, and their picture in the news letter. Gwen came to all the Northeast District Meetings. Gwen Climpson
came to the annual conference and bi- conference to bring back information to share with local 128 unions members. Gwen Climpson kept the leadership of the OAPSE Constitution, even if she had to fight to uphold the dignity of the OAPSE Constitution as Election Chairperson. Thank you Gwen Climpson for all you have done for the Northeast District and OAPSE Local 128.
Submitted, Moranna Jones
Annette Washington
Annette Washington worked for the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities Transportation Department as a bus driver and was a member of OAPSE Local 744 for thirty-five years.
During her service, she was a dedicated member and servant to the union members of local 744 and OAPSE NorthEast District.
Annette was the president of the Entertainment Committee, where she organized different events, retirement parties, birthday parties, summer picnics, and the end of the year dinners to mention a few.
These events were not average. She really put her all into these events, her best. There was plenty of food, drinks, 50/50 raffles, we raffled off bikes and televisions.
The awesome thing about these events was that the committee members under Annette's leadership was willing workers. There was never a lack of participation. We had fun working together as well as, raising the funds needed to finance these different events. The committee never had to ask our local for any money.
In addition, Annette also worked on the phone bank for the Fitzgerald campaign, she walked door to door passing out literature, and gave out voter registration information.
If there was ever an un-song hero, Annette Washington would be the person. Annette, I give you your flowers.
Wanda Dean
Wanda Dean is a Library Assistant at Warrensville City Schools, and is a member of OAPSE of Local 318. Mrs. Dean has been OAPSE member since 2003, when she secured full-time employment with the School system. She has worked for Warrensville City School for 32 years, and she still blesses the scholars and staff with her pleasant hello and her smile. Mrs. Dean goes above and beyond when there is something that needs to be done for OAPSE Local 318. She has worked endlessly to make our union a better place and to encourage all members to participate to make our union stronger. She has never missed a meeting without a good reason. She is an Example of what a Strong Union member should be.
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Submitted, Sheryl Henderson, President Local
Toni Kamerer
Toni Kamerer. Although she has passed she still lives on in all of us at the Bedford City SchoolDistrict. Toni was a compassionate person who was willing to listen to everyone's concerns and she took those concerns very seriously. Her dedication to her job as security and custodian was exemplary. Her passion as the Local's President set forth a continuing strength of the Union and it's members. She was always available to volunteer when anyone needed a lending hand. And That same passion propeller her into a district office as the OAPSE Northeast District Vice President where she supported local school districts throughout northeast Ohio. Toni was a true advocate for OAPSE.
