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Neeta Elementary School Principal named 2015 NJCTS Educator of the Year

Nominated by Jen Heicklen and her daughters, Anna and Ava, Carole Ramage was chosen as this year’s winner by the NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome

Neeta Elementary School Principal Carol Ramage accepting the NJCTS Educator of the Year Award from NJCTS Executive Director Faith W. Rice at NJ Walks for TS in Medford Lakes on September 20.

Neeta Elementary School Principal Carole Ramage accepting the NJCTS Educator of the Year Award from NJCTS Executive Director Faith W. Rice at NJ Walks for TS in Medford Lakes on September 20.

Principal Carole Ramage of Neeta Elementary School in Medford Lakes, NJ continues to be a source of support and compassion in Anna and Ava Heicklen’s lives. She has taken the girls under her wing, going above and beyond her responsibilities as a school administrator.

Ramage comforted Anna and her mother, Jen, early in Anna’s 3rd grade school year when she noticed Anna’s hesitation to enter school. Often, Ramage would approach the car and ask Anna to be her helper, easing Anna into her morning routine.

In fifth grade, Anna’s tics were becoming more noticeable to her peers and Ramage encouraged her to make a presentation to her class about Tourette Syndrome (TS). The presentation changed Anna’s life and she now feels comfortable knowing that everyone knows about TS and supports her.

Anna Heicklen now enters the school with the confidence Ramage helped her find within herself. For that Principal Ramage was nominated by Jen Heicklen to be the NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome & Associated Disorders (NJCTS) Educator of the Year. The Heicklen family recognized Ramage on the last day of school and the award was presented to her at the NJ Walks for TS at Medford Lakes on September 20. NJCTS annually recognizes teachers, guidance counselors, administrators, and other education professionals who are making a difference in the lives of a student with TS—an inherited, misdiagnosed, misunderstood neurological disorder that affects 1 in 100 school-age children.

“If it weren’t for Mrs. Ramage advocating for my child, she would not have presented to her class,” said Heicklen. “The presentation changed my daughter’s life. From that day on she has not been upset one day about attending school. She feels comfortable. Without Mrs. Ramageʼs influence on our family, this would not have happened.”

Anna’s younger sister Ava, who also has TS, was encouraged by Ramage to make a presentation to her third grade class. Ramage continues to update the Heicklen family with how well Anna and Ava are doing in school.

“She would send me texts during the day letting me know that Ava was doing well,” said Heicklen. “This information allowed me to relax and worry less about my kids. It is time for this unsung hero to be acknowledged and rewarded for her dedication to the kids for her selfless acts.”

NJCTS has granted Educator of the Year awards since 2001. More information about the Educator of the Year award is available by calling 908-575-7350 or visiting www.njcts.org.

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