10News honors Dan Marshall with Leadership Award

Television 10News recently honored Daniel Marshall II for creating a specially designed classroom for severely handicapped special needs children at Ramona High School.

In addition to his efforts in aiding special education students, Marshall is also the founder of Tom’s Club, a school club designed to raise money for scholarships as well as support recreational and extracurricular activities for students with disabilities.

The 2008-09 Teacher of the Year awardee at Ramona High School, Marshall was recognized for his dedication to helping and working with special needs students through his 16 years of teaching. Not only is he the founder of Tom’s Club, but he has been the club adviser for the program for eight years. He took it upon himself to build and establish both the classroom and the club on his own.

Marshall’s classroom allows special education students to enjoy a new classroom complete with access to a full kitchen with all modern appliances, as well as ample storage for all the specialized equipment required for the students.

Tom’s Club, named in honor of Tom Bottomley, a student who died in 2001, was established to provide recreational and extracurricular opportunities for students with disabilities and encourage peer tutors to become Special Education Teachers. The interactions that take place between the student and their “peer tutors” are what make this program such a success.

Through hosting a number of charity events and collecting money through various fundraisers, the program has managed to raise over $10,000 in scholarships for peer tutors.

Through Marshall’s efforts of commitment, dedication and hard work, he has been an advocate to the success of these special groups of kids. He has helped shine some light on the typically overlooked special needs youth through his love and passion for his students, 10News said.

Marshall received the 10News Leadership Award on Wednesday, Sept. 9, in the category of Tomorrow’s Leaders. The presentation was aired on 10News Live at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10.

The 10News Leadership Award recognizes San Diegans who are dedicated to improving the community. 10News reporter Geni Cavitt presents the 10News Leadership Award each Thursday on 10News Live at 6.