Lena Hipps-Clarke, of Lunenburg, was awarded Practitioner of the Year from the Virginia chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children’s Division on Career Development and Transition (VADCDT) Friday.

Hipps-Clarke, a special education teacher at Central High School and owner of BLISS of Lunenburg, was selected for her work in helping youth with disabilities transition into the workforce and adult life post-high school, a news release from the event cited.

“She was selected for her excellence and leadership in providing services to youth in the transition process,” the release noted. “The impact she has made on our community through Central High School and the Heartland Transition Council has been extensive.”

VADCDT promotes access to career services and development for individuals with disabilities.

Hipps-Clarke received the award at the 2018 VADCDT conference in Charlottesville.