Marilyn Tennessen – Speech Pathologist, 20 years, McAuliffe Elementary

In the season of giving our children enjoy the gift of friendship, courtesy of a Marilyn McAuliffe tradition since 1989. Sprinkles and candy canes can motivate a child, especially when the cookies are shared with pride.

Fifty children in four special education classes get the once a year privilege of bringing a friend to class to bake and decorate holiday cookies and candies. "Our students work very hard all year to meet individual goals," Marilyn says. "This holiday tradition brings a smile and a topic of conversation as students work and look forward to this day."

Each year, Marilyn hopes to maintain this tradition. In 2004, the Hastings Public Schools Foundation provided the funding and in 2005, the Foundation took the initiative to help find another funding source.

"I so appreciate the Foundation," Marilyn explains, "We do fundamental lessons with our students, and it's important that they are learning in a caring and supportive environment." The Hastings Public Schools Foundation has provided for this important tradition, but has also shown children that their community cares about them.

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