The Forbes Elementary School principal will receive a Scott E. Folmer Memorial Student, Teacher and Exemplary Practices or Partnering (STEPP) Award from Local Task Force on the Right to Education in Allegheny County.

Kristin Brown is being recognized for supporting children receiving special education services at Forbes. She is the first-place winner in the STEPP Awards-School District Program category. Nominees came from numerous Allegheny County school districts.

"Mrs. Brown has always been a champion for students with disabilities in the general education setting," said parent Cindy Duch.

"From my own experience, she has supported not only the children, but families as well," Brown and other STEPP Award winners will be honored at an awards banquet on May 7 at Carlynton High School.

Brown led Inclusive Schools Week at Forbes in December, a first for her school. The week included a book reading, classroom activities, a diversity bulletin board sponsored by Forbes PTA and an event that explained daily challenges faced by students to families and community members.

For more information on Local Task Force for the Right to Education in Allegheny County, call 412-394-5930.

Student finalist

Tracy Nanthavong, a Penn Hills High School senior, is a finalist for the 2008 Outstanding Laotian-American Student of the Year Award.

The annual award is sponsored by Asian American Heritage Committee of Federal Executive Board of Pittsburgh.

Tracy, who will receive an honor award at a May 2 luncheon at Sheraton Station Square Hotel in Pittsburgh, was selected as a finalist for her academic, extracurricular and community service work and for setting an example of excellence in the school system.