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April 21, 2022
Kelly vows to carry out Brandon Act BY JORDAN ROGERS Peoria Times Staff Writer
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A panel featuring Sen. Mark Kelly, along with the parents of Brandon Caserta, was held at ASU’s Tempe campus on April 12 to discuss the Brandon Act and how it will combat the mental health crisis in the military. The Brandon Act, named after the fallen U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Caserta, will ensure that service members will have a direct and confidential access to mental health support. It will require the U.S. Department of Defense to create a process and reduce the stigma of mental health, while protecting
Sen. Mark Kelly speaks at ASU’s Tempe campus about the Brandon Act, calling for the destigmatization of mental health in the armed services. (File photo)
confidentiality of those reporting a crisis. “The fact of the matter is there’s still a stigma around mental health,” Kelly said. “We need to figure out a way to outgrow that, and this is a good first step in doing that. Serving in uniform is a tough job, and it often comes with its consequences. Folks face challenges that sometimes lead to mental health challenges.” At the panel, Brandon’s mother, Teri Caserta of Peoria, recalled her son and what he stood for. She said SEE BRANDON PAGE 4
Deer Valley honors Peoria teachers BY JORDAN ROGERS
SPORTS......... 11 Ex-Sunrise Mountain star earns rookie honors
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Peoria Times Staff Writer
Two teachers from Peoria schools within the Deer Valley Unified School District were honored with Teacher of the Year awards. Kat Bartolomey and Chelsea Harman were among the 11 winners for the 202021 year.
Kat Bartolomey Bartolomey, 49, teaches first grade at West Wing School and has been there since 2006.
“First grade is definitely where you can actually see them become readers and you see them mature so much to get ready for second grade,” Bartolomey said. “It’s just fun. You’re kind of their cheerleader saying, ‘You can do this by yourself now.’ We push them to the limit, and they step up to the expectations.” Bartolomey began her teaching career in 1999. She said she enjoys working with kindergarten through eighth grade students. She loves getting to know the kids and bonding with their families during their time at West Wing School. She recognizes teaching can be chal-
lenging at times, but she credited her peers with making her job easier. “The staff here is definitely family,” Bartolomey said. “If there’s something that comes up, they totally back me up. It’s not just in the classroom. They’re there when it’s personal. I’ve never been at a school like that. This (school) is really like a family.” The Teacher of the Year title is a big deal to Bartolomey. She said teachers aren’t often acknowledged for their hard work. She really treasures this.
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SEE TEACHERS PAGE 3