Holly Gilmour, of Crystal Beach public school, has been recognized for her support of students in and out of the classroom.

The 32-year-old Ridgeway resident simultaneously learned her fellow staff had nominated her for the Joan Crowe Award and that she had won on Friday. The Canadian Union of Public Employees annually gives the award to the top educational assistant in the District School Board of Niagara.

She assists a wide range of high-needs students, such as children with autism, speech delay or behavioural problems.

She often works one-on-one with students or with small groups and includes a range of activities beyond standard teaching.

"Often, autistic children don't like transition and change," said Gilmour. She carefully briefs autistic children on social situations, such as going to the zoo, to "set up a positive experience" by removing some of the anxiety from a new situation.

This year was the first in which special needs students were integrated into classrooms with children their own age, so Gilmour spent her ninth year as an educational assistant helping a Grade 1/2 split class by working closely with teacher Heather Sorensen.

Sorensen, who has taught for 25 years, said she and Gilmour worked as a team and hopes the school board will hire more educational assistants.

"Holly is really good at picking out the strategies for students to succeed," said Tom Reynolds, the school's principal. He said Gilmour's attentiveness to the needs of children extends beyond the classroom, citing her work with the school's sports teams, talent shows and her establishment of a school breakfast club for students who otherwise wouldn't eat a morning meal.

"I don't really see challenges in what I do. I see the rewards," she said, recalling the progress her students made this year.

The intangible rewards that come from working with children and an appreciative staff are so great Gilmour said she wouldn't want to work anywhere else, even for higher pay.