Sunnybeam School teacher Mary Ann Haney has been awarded the Mercer Island Preschool Association’s (MIPA) first-ever “Exceptional Educator Lifetime Achievement Award.

At a recent ceremony at the school, an emotional crowd gathered to honor their beloved teacher and her 28 years teaching Island children.

“We can’t imagine a more deserving individual for this award,” said Liz Carson, Sunnybeam Board President. “Mary Ann Haney is what Sunnybeam is all about. Her smile, warmth and kindness have touched the lives of everyone. She really is our sunshine!”

Haney also received MIPA’s Exceptional Educator Award in 2007.She and her husband Rick are longtime residents of Mercer Island.

Haney worked closely with Sunnybeam founder, Nuky Fellows, for many years creating the special traditions that are still enjoyed today at the school.

Haney has taken on many roles during her tenure at Sunnybeam. Prior to this year, she was the lead teacher in Sunnybeam’s Science Room for the previous 10 years. This year, Mary Ann is a teacher in the “Big Room,” where she teaches Sunnybeam’s Caterpillars (children ages 3-4) on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Haney will move into a Special Projects role for the 2015-16 school year – joining both the Caterpillar and Butterfly (children ages 4-5) classrooms for new discoveries and adventures.

“I have learned so much from Mary Ann over the years,” said fellow Sunnybeam teacher and 2012 MIPA Exceptional Educator Award winner David Weston. “She always considers the children’s needs first. From the room layout to lesson planning – it’s always all about the kids.”

Others also offered praise.

“Mrs. Haney is like a special little present each day. She comes excited and ready to see where the kids are, and take them to their next level,” said Sunnybeam Lead Teacher, Michele Saunders. “I feel so fortunate to be inspired by her, and learn from her every day.”

Haney’s extended family lives in the Seattle area.  She has recently become a grandmother.

Haney tutored children in math and reading at Thurgood Marshall Elementary in Seattle for nine years, and is also a volunteer tutor at Dunlap Elementary in Seattle. Prior to working at Sunnybeam, she worked at Patti’s Play Center for its first two years of existence.

The MIPA has awarded the Exceptional Educator annually to a teacher, assistant or administrator who has made exceptional contributions to our preschool community through their dedication to early childhood education since 2006.

To find out more, visit mipreschoolassociation.org. To find out more about Sunnybeam School and enrollment information, visit sunnybeamschool.org.

Mary Ann Haney, third from right, lower right corner, joins students and staff at Sunnybeam School for a group portrait last week (Lauren Gray/Contributed Photo).