NEWS AND UPDATES

2007 CEC Outstanding Student Member of the Year—Undergraduate Award

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Standing Committee on Students is pleased to present the 2007 CEC Outstanding Student Member of the Year—Undergraduate Award to James E. Williams, Jr.

James is a dedicated, hard working undergraduate student at Sam Houston State University (SHSU). While juggling 15 hours of course work and his leadership role in Project Sunshine, he keeps the SHSU CEC Student Chapter running swiftly with new and exciting events each month. He keeps the chapter meetings engaging and encourages the members to become more active in their communities. James is a student with special needs himself. He has done a phenomenal job as President of the CEC Student Chapter at SHSU while overcoming his challenges with Asperger’s Syndrome.

James is the Buddy Program Coordinator for the SHSU chapter of Project Sunshine. He has been a keynote speaker on special education and Asperger’s Syndrome for conferences held by the Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education, Katy ISD, Gold Stars Youth Leadership, and the Texas Conference on Autism. He has supervised children with Autism, and worked with economically disadvantaged students to improve their Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills.

James is a Dean’s List recipient at Sam Houston State University, a member of the national collegiate honor society Alpha Lambda Delta, a National Honor Roll recipient, and a recipient of the SHUS Program Council Participation Award. He is also on the Board of Directors of the Asperger’s Syndrome Parent-Professional Exchange Support Group, a member of the SHSU Chapter of the Texas State Teachers Association, and the Association of Texas Professional Educators. James is the current President and former Secretary of the Sam Houston State University CEC Student Chapter.

James will receive his award at the Opening General Session of the CEC Annual Convention & Expo in Louisville, KY, on Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. We hope a large contingent from Texas CEC will be on hand to cheer as James receives his award!