Special to The Hays Daily News

Five Hays residents are among those recognized by the Kansas Head Start Association, Joan Dunn, P.A.T.H.S. coordinator, Joseph Jackson, bus driver with Hays Early Childhood Programs, Christine Weber, Head Start teacher, Casey Staab and Elyse Powell, Head Start parents, were presented with statewide awards for their work with young children and families.

Dunn received the Leadership Award. In her years with Hays Early Childhood Programs, Dunn has worked to expand and integrate the Parents As Teachers and Early Head Start programs. Dunn is passionate about early childhood education and shares that passion through her leadership with these programs.

Jackson received the Support Specialist of the Year Award, Jackson has worked as a bus driver with Hays Early Childhood Programs for 15 years. In that time, he has conducted more than 1,700 bus safety lessons with children.

Weber received the Teacher of the Year Award. In her seven years with Hays Early Childhood Programs, Weber has worked as an Early Head Start home visitor and a Head Start classroom teacher, She continues to participate in professional development opportunities and implement new ideas into her classroom, Weber also was chosen as a regional winner and will be considered for national honors,

Staab received the Beating the Odds Award. While Staab works as a cosmetologist and owns her own business, she finds time to play an active role in her child's education. Staab is a member of the Parent Policy Council and regularly volunteer's in her son's classroom at Hays Early Childhood Programs,

Powell received the Ann Phipps Memorial Scholarship for Head Start Parents Award. While remaining an active parent with Hays Early Childhood Programs, Powell is a student at Fort Hays State University. She plans to graduate next year with a degree in education. Powell also was chosen as a regional winner and will be considered for national honors.