Recognizing Hurdling Life's Challenges

Albert Sheffer had places to go and things to do.

He left the plaque honoring him as the Outstanding Student in Transition with dad and stopping only long enough for a couple of quick comments to a reporter, Scheffer was off to work.

Be that the lunch room, physical education class, an athletic coaching job or whatever is needed, Scheffer keeps busy and he wasn’t going to let any recognition ceremony slow him down.

“It feels good, it makes me feel good,” Scheffer said of the award, which was handed out by Rusty Holmes of the Panhandle Area Education Consortium. Does it make all the work worth it? “Yes, sir,” Scheffer replied emphatically.

Scheffer was recognized at the PAEC Outstanding Student in Transition of the quarter, an award program PAEC initiated roughly two years ago to honor students with special challenges who are making the transition from student to adulthood and the workplace.

“In our office we try to eliminate barriers for students with disabilities,” said Holmes, director of PAEC’s Regional Transition Council. “One of our goals is to showcase students who are outstanding, motivated, capable and are out in the community getting things done.”

That description is a tailored fit for Scheffer. He is all over Port St. Joe Elementary School performing a host of tasks and helping wherever needed. He is also deeply involved with Port St. Joe scholastic athletics, serving as a middle school assistant coach and working the sidelines with the varsity.

If one doesn’t see Scheffer at any given game – and he is at most of them – then he can surely be heard because if there is a bigger booster of Port St. Joe athletics, well they haven’t met Scheffer.

“We find ways for students like this to transition to work,” said Tracy Browning, an ESE aide who works with Scheffer. “His parents have done a great job with him. He’s a good kid.”

Linda Tschudi, another ESE aide who works with Scheffer, marvels at his recall, especially when it comes to challenges in life or challenges on the athletic fields.

She has watched Scheffer grow and helped nurture this young man of 20 with the huge heart that bleeds purple and gold.

“He comes in every day ready to go,” Tschudi said. “Albert can sit down and perform any number of tasks. He is ready (for the transition to the workplace).

“His parents have a right to be proud.”

In addition to Scheffer, Browning and Tschudi, Holmes and PAEC recognized Coach Chuck Gannon and Principal Melissa Ramsey at the elementary school as Spotlight on Transition award winners for the quarter.

They were honored for their commitment to extending a helping hand to students with special challenges, whether mental, physical or learning.

“We are recognizing their commitment to make these young people be all they can be,” Holmes said.