CHRISTINA EICHELKRAUT / PVT Heather Kubinski, peer professional for Rosemary Clarke Middle School, accepts a certificate of appreciation from Robert Winn, father of Sedona Winn, a student in the class. Kubinski is also Sedona's one-on-one aide. In the background, School Board President Dennis Keating looks on. Advertisement

The special education teachers and class at Rosemary Clarke Middle School received a special surprise Friday morning when Robert Winn, student Sedona Winn's father, walked in with a cake and special thanks for all the staff.

"I want to thank you all so much for all that you do for my daughter," Robert Winn told the surprised peer professionals. "I'm so grateful to have this group, the whole bunch of them."

Sedona Winn was born with seven heart defects, and although those were successfully treated, her last surgery caused anoxia, a condition resulting in a lack of oxygen to organ tissue that has limited her mobility and speech and left her in a wheelchair.

"Before this she was a normal, horseback-riding kid," the elder Winn explained.

Slowly but surely, however, Sedona Winn is making progress in regaining mobility and speech.

"It's truly remarkable to see the progress Sedona has made," School Board President Dennis Keating said at the impromptu ceremony.

In addition to a cake which read "In recognition of those who care," the peer professionals also received certificates of appreciation: "We're thankful for all of your hard work and dedication."

Keating was joined by Nye County Superintendent Rob Roberts and Principal Joe Peters, who also expressed his gratitude for all the staff did.

But as far as the teachers and peer professionals were concerned, they were the ones who were thankful.

"It's flattering to be honored, but we're the ones who get to do this," Tonia Petrie, classroom teacher, said. "The kids touch our lives and make us smile and laugh a hundred times a day."

Heather Kubinski, peer professional and Sedona Winn's one-on-one aide, was also surprised by the show of thanks.

"I love working with her, she's an awesome little girl," Kubinski said.

Fellow Peer Professional Stacy Means added that "Sedona's a ball to have in class, she always keeps us laughing."

"We love the program, and all these kids are just wonderful," Natalie Sanchez, peer professional added.

Other staff recognized for their efforts included school psychologist Diana Thompson-Sorric and Cindy Walker, licensed practical nurse, and peer professional Cindy Small.

Small summed up the feelings of the entire group succinctly when she said simply: "We love it. We wouldn't do it if we didn't love it."