Broadmoor School Presents Prestigious Awards – Congratulations Sara, Elizabeth, and Mason!
At the May 2026 Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities / Deepwood’s Board meeting, Broadmoor School Principal Liz Miller announced the winners of three notable and highly regarded annual awards. Teachers Sara Jones and Elizabeth Turcovsky, as well as student Mason, received the following recognition from Broadmoor School.
Nominee for Ohio Teacher of the Year: Sara Jones
“Sara Jones has brought exceptional expertise, compassion, and innovation to her role as the Adapted Physical Education Instructor for the Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Sara is an expert in her field, designing individualized, developmentally appropriate opportunities for students from integrated preschool programs to those with medically complex needs. Her instruction opens doors for students and families who once believed certain milestones were impossible,” said Miller.
Liz Miller added that Sarah Corsaro (a parent) shared that several years ago, she was grieving what felt like another loss for her son. While other children moved on with typical activities, they were stuck in therapy and hospital visits. She accepted that sports would be another ‘no.’ But here they are today, adding basketball to his world. Sara turned sadness into happiness and gave her son access to play. It may look different, but they are more than okay with that.
Liz highlighted that Sara helps students achieve not only skills, but dignity, joy, and belonging. She added that Sara is deeply collaborative, working daily with others to ensure that each student receives coordinated support. Her impact extends far beyond the classroom –Sara organizes and hosts hundreds of volunteers each school year, who assist with adapted basketball games and learning opportunities. Through these experiences, volunteers gain firsthand understanding of inclusive education, and many have gone on to become intervention specialists or educators, returning years later to play alongside the Broadmoor Bobcats. This full‑circle transformation illustrates how Sara’s influence shapes not only students, but the future of education in the region.
“Sara’s commitment to lifelong learning and innovation is evident in her recent expansion of community‑based recreation, taking older students to parks, bowling alleys, and fitness spaces so they can apply their skills in inclusive environments and build healthy lifelong habits. Sara Jones transforms lives, one student, one family, one volunteer, and one community at a time. Her leadership, expertise, and unwavering dedication make her an exceptional candidate for the Ohio Teacher of the Year Award,” concluded Miller.
The Franklin B Walter Outstanding Educator Award: Elizabeth Turcovsky
This award is named in the honor of the late Dr. Franklin B. Walker, Superintendent of Public Instruction from 1977-1991. His post was longer than any other state superintendent in Ohio’s history. With over 50 years of service as a teacher and administrator, Dr. Walter’s leadership is evident in many of Ohio’s quality educational initiatives and programs. Among these is the development of the nation’s first statewide plan for children who have disabilities.
Liz presented Elizabeth with this prestigious award and shared the following insights:
“It is my honor to nominate Elizabeth Turcovsky for the Outstanding Educator Award, as she exemplifies what it truly means to educate the whole child. She leads her classroom with patience, warmth, and high expectations, creating a safe and loving environment where every student is believed in and inspired to reach their fullest potential. Elizabeth’s passion for teaching comes from who she is, and her belief in her students is contagious, influencing both learners and colleagues to strive for excellence,” said Miller.
“This year, her classroom community experienced an unexpected and heartbreaking loss of a student, and during this unimaginable time, Elizabeth showed extraordinary strength, grace, and compassion. Even while carrying her own grief, she remained a steady and supportive presence for her students, their family, and the staff who worked alongside her. She consistently puts the needs of others before her own, not out of obligation, but because giving her whole heart to her work is simply who she is. Elizabeth’s kindness, resilience, leadership, and unwavering dedication make her an exceptional educator and an extraordinary human being who deeply enriches our school community,”
Raymond A. Horn Outstanding Achievement Award: Mason
Named in honor of the late Dr. Raymond A. Horn, Assistant Superintendent of Public Instruction Emeritus, this prestigious award recognizes a student’s remarkable performance. Acknowledged as a national leader in the field of special education, Dr. Horn devoted more than 60 years of service to improving the quality of life and learning for students who have disabilities. Dr. Horn left behind a legacy and a challenge to all to ensure that every student be given the respect and opportunities to which they are entitled.
Mason, a student at Broadmoor School, was presented with this award and Liz Miller shared the following insights.
“Mason is a high school student in the Lake Education and Employment Program (LEEP) at Broadmoor School. He has been part of the Broadmoor community since he was in the Early Intervention Program, through the Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities. This year, in particular, Mason has shown tremendous growth and achievement. He arrives at school each day with a positive attitude, a smile on his face and a strong readiness to work and learn. Mason is successfully completing tasks that involve up to five steps and has taken on the responsibility of assisting with our weekly pizza sales,” said Miller.
“In addition, he has made meaningful progress in communication this year by using his communication device to interact with both peers and staff members. During our weekly basketball games, Mason demonstrates teamwork and leadership by actively passing the ball to his friends and encouraging everyone’s participation on the court. Mason’s mom Anne stated that his growth is also evident at home as he packs his lunch each day in anticipation of the school day. Mason’s enthusiasm, growth and positive presence make him a valued member of our school community.”
Congratulations!
