Oakman Elementary Students Honored with 'Academic Excellence' Awards

Three Oakman Elementary School students were recognized for outstanding academic achievement by Rep. Harvey Santana, D-Detroit, on Monday.

Santana presented fifth graders Hussein Chami, Jehna Beydoun, and Maya Dabaja with the awards while visiting the school as a special guest reader for "March is Reading Month" activities.

"Reading is your foundation," Santana said.

The state representative said he was born with dyslexia, a learning disability that impairs a person's comprehension of text.

While studying as a student at Henry Ford Community College, however, Santana said a teacher helped him overcome the disability.

"I'm proof that you can conquer any obstacle with hard work," he told the students.

In addition to the student awards, Santana awarded 1st grade teacher Jacqueline Hespen with the "Excellence in Education" award.

Hespen has taught at Dearborn Public Schools for 14 years, and three years at Oakman Elementary.

"I love to teach, and I love children," she said. "First grade is such a year of growth. I like watching that sparkle in the students' eyes. Their honesty and enthusiasm is never ending."