As a mother of a 4th grader at West Blvd. Elementary in Boardman, Ohio who is finishing his last two months of school, I look back and reflect with both sadness and joy over the past 5 years my son has had the privilege of attending West Blvd. The sadness is only due to the fact that this incredible chapter in our lives, that we have been so fortunate to experience is coming to an end. The joy comes in seeing how not just my son but every student, staff and faculty member at West Blvd. has been blessed beyond measure to have Al Cervello as their principal the past 7 years. I have never met a man more dedicated to each and every person that passes the threshold of his school. Our school motto is, "I AM Important" and as he so eloquently stated on the school website, "We love all of our students and when the parents and the school community know and believe this to be true, there is nothing that is unattainable." These are words that can be taken to heart as the amount of love, respect and pride that is passed on to each and every student has allowed them, my son included to blossom into responsible young adults under his guidance. He has been the corner stone of his students educational foundation and created a strong and unshakable foundation that has allowed each of these students; regardless of who they are or where they have come from to believe nothing is unattainable if the apply themselves 110%. He doesn't ask anymore of anyone than he asks of himself.

It takes a person that truly loves what he does and that dedicates him self 110% to his job to make others care as deeply as well. Even as a volunteer member of PTA, I have felt part of a family, developing lasting friendships, learning invaluable lessons and wanting to continually give of my time to help meet his vision of excellence. He allows PTA to be an interactive, fun and rewarding part of the students educational experience through numerous programs year around.

Through his outstanding leadership skills and that of his staff as well, their tireless work is reflected in the numerous awards our school has been honored with, beyond being named a school of academic excellence, we were named the number one elementary school in the state of Ohio, we received the Hall of Fame Award and the National Blue Ribbon Award from the US Dept. of Education.

Al strongly believes in the importance of involving students not just academically but socially as well. The students are involved in a number of different programs during the school day, as well as after school that further promote positive climate and expectations. The programs allow each and every student to shine to their fullest potential. There are too many to mention, but included among these are, karate, Spanish, chorus, bowling, skating, recycling, big brothers/big sisters, math mentors, garden club and academic involvements that encourage students to bring up or maintain good grades(BUG club- Bring Up Grades,honors recognition, perfect attendance,accelerated readers. These programs offer opportunities the students may not have otherwise while continuing to promote self-confidence and making them more socially responsible as well. His programs not only create a strong learning environment in the school they also encourage socialization, generate respect for others and go beyond the walls of the school to the community. Al's commitment to community involvement is best noted on our school website when he says, "We place a strong emphasis on improving student achievement,as well as their social and emotional needs, by involving the community in our school". Our school is an Ohio Partnership school and as such, we take a vigorous approach to encourage the active participation of outside resources in our school."

In addition, Al also blends the need for academics beautifully with the needs for arts and self expression and he encourages every child to show their talents through musical programs at the school including K.I.S.S. Day-Kids Invite Someone Special, our Annual Veteran's Day Program, and seasonal holiday musical programs in every grade throughout the school year. He also stresses participation in community art contests such as those sponsored by the Mahoning County Juvenile Justice Dept.,Cultural Arts and the NOAA to name a few.

Al is highly involved in the community and makes sure that West Blvd. participates in supporting the community in as many ways as is possible. The school offers support to the local food bank, Akron's Children's Hospital, the Lions Club, Toys for Tots, Big Brothers and Sisters and the American Cancer Society plus several other local charities and community organizations.

Al always makes sure along with his staff that the students feel safe, cared for and are receiving the best education possible. He sets the highest expectations in how his school is perceived by the students and their families under his care and the community as well. He is an advocate for each of his students and believes they deserve nothing but the very best education possible and will settle for nothing less. He strongly believes in open communication and makes it as much a responsibility of the students and parents to have good open communication outside the walls of his school as he demands inside them. He uses daily agenda books, the school websites, parent teacher conferences, TEC and PTA meetings to keep the communication flowing.

He has set the bar so high in so many ways it will be difficult to say good bye to West this year and to move on. He invests himself heart and soul, well beyond what most school principals may do. He will speak truthfully and not be afraid to tell you what he thinks, he speaks with commitment, and determination. He believes in winning, excelling and has a true passions for what he does, you see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice. As he said, "Love is what drives our school to high expectations, love is what fosters our school culture and love is what makes our school stand out above the rest." We wouldn't want it any other way we only hope we will find as good a leader in our next school, but he is in our eyes one of a kind. It is for these reasons and so many more why he would be an excellent choice, the only choice to receive the Bammy Award and the Educator's Voice Award.