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A retired teacher in Millburn/Short Hills is the latest recipient of the Patriot Award. This is an award that is often given to veterans of war, but on July 4, 2008 our longtime resident Jo-Ann Vitanzo Early, received this prestigious award at Taylor Park. Early retired last month after teaching for 43 years at Glenwood and Wyoming elementary schools, and reports that she is both honored and humbled by this award. Jo-Ann reports that one of her goals as a teacher was to teach critical thinking skills that she hoped would develop the ideal patriotic citizen. She encouraged children by explaining that one person can always make a difference, she taught them about the diversity of America and the importance of understanding where each student's ancestors originated from.
These lessons were put to the test on September 11, 2001. The future Patriot Award winner faced the challenge of explaining terrorism to her class of third graders, one of whom had lost her father in the attack. To aid the healing process, Early and her team of fellow teachers began to coordinate the creation of ‘Remember Me' pins. The township collected funds to aid families affected by the attacks, and the students were excited to help by making the pins to be sold as a fundraiser.
The pins became more than just a fundraiser-they turned into a math and social studies project. Children learned about math by counting and making patterns with the beads. Social studies was also integrated into their learning as the children examined why the attacks had taken place and why citizens in other countries might not like the United States. Jo-Ann's passion for teaching and for helping others has earned her the honor of the Patriot Award.
Shannon Aronson top Keller-Williams real estate agent Short Hills Millburn and surrounding towns in New Jersey.
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