The Mercer Island Preschool Association (MIPA) recently recognized Sunnybeam School teacher, Mary Ann Haney, with its first Exceptional Educator Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was presented at a special ceremony on May 19, 2015, attended by students, parents, and MIPA representatives.
MIPA Exceptional Educator Chair, Jessica Apodaca, presents Lifetime Achievement award to Mary Ann Haney
“We can’t imagine a more deserving individual for this award,” said Liz Carson, Sunnybeam Board President. “Mary Ann Haney is what Sunnybeam is all about. Her smile, warmth, and kindness have touched the lives of everyone. She really is our sunshine.”
Sunnybeam students with teacher Mary Ann Haney (bottom right)
A Sunnybeam teacher for the past 28 years, Haney worked with the original school founder, Nuky Fellows, in helping develop the school programs and establish of tradition of exceptional preschool education. She also received MIPA’s Exceptional Educator Award in 2007.
“I have learned so much from Mary Ann over the years,” said fellow Sunnybeam teacher and 2012 MIPA Exceptional Educator Award winner David Weston. “She always considers the children’s needs first. From the room layout to lesson planning, it’s always all about the kids.”
Sunnybeam teacher Mary Ann Haney helps student with handprint art
This year, Haney is a teacher of Sunnybeam’s “caterpillars,” children ages three to four. Prior to this year, she was the lead teacher in Sunnybeam’s Science Room for the previous 10 years. Haney will move into a Special Projects role for the 2015-16 school year, joining both the Caterpillar and Butterfly (children ages four to five) classrooms for new discoveries and adventures. Prior to joining at Sunnybeam, she taught at Patti’s Play Center for its first two years as a new school on the island.
“Mrs. Haney is like a special little present each day. She comes excited and ready to see where the kids are, and take them to their next level,” said Michelle Saunders, Sunnybeam Lead Teacher. “I feel so fortunate to be inspired by her, and learn from her every day.”
Sunnybeam teacher Mary Ann Haney with two of her first students
Haney and her husband Rick are long-time Mercer Island residents. Haney has also spent the past nine years tutoring children in math and reading at Thurgood Marshall Elementary in Seattle and is currently a volunteer tutor at Dunlap Elementary in Seattle. The Haneys are also new grandparents and enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren who live in Seattle.
MIPA, established in 1937, is a private non-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to enhancing the lives of children from newborn through kindergarten in Mercer Island and the community at large. MIPA has awarded the Exceptional Educator annually to a teacher, assistant or administrator who has made exceptional contributions to our preschool community through their dedication to early childhood education since 2006.
The Sunnybeam School was established in 1957 and is located in the historic Lakeview School building, a school house built in 1918. In 1988, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The school offers two classes for preschool students, a Caterpillars class for three and four-year-olds, and a Butterflies class for four and five-year-olds. It also offers a popular summer camp program. Learn more about Sunnybeam School at sunnybeamschool.org.
