2009-2010 FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS HONOR SOUTH FLORIDA TEACHERS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

South Florida teachers were recognized during the recent 2009-2010 Fairchild Challenge Educator of the Year Awards ceremony for their contributions to environmental education and conservation. Maria Francesca Violich of Hubert O. Sibley Elementary School, Marina Midence of Shenandoah Middle School, and Pamela Shlachtman of Miami Palmetto Senior High School, were presented with awards during the Teachers’ Luncheon celebration that took place Saturday, May 8, at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (FTBG) in Coral Gables, Fla.

These teachers were selected from a pool of highly qualified applicants and represent faculty from more than 150 Fairchild Challenge (FC) schools in South Florida. The FC is an environmentally based, interdisciplinary education outreach program that is provided by FTBG at no cost to participating schools every academic year.  The program is comprised of a series of individual projects, contests and performances in which students participate.  Some of the options include: writing opinion and research papers; performing songs and skits; creating school gardens, artwork and newsletters; collecting school energy, water and tree-canopy data; designing solar-powered devices, and formulating “green” cuisine menus. Students are awarded points for their schools that count toward their overall FC ranking.


This year’s winning educators have consistently proved their commitment to the program by helping their schools achieve a top ranking for several consecutive years. “We work with such an inspirational group of teachers who motivate students and ignite a passion within them to become environmentally conscious,” said Amy Padolf, director of education with the FTBG. “Our winners this year are role models who have successfully launched ‘green’ initiatives at their schools. We are proud to work with such a dedicated group of teachers who have the ability to significantly impact the future of our environment.”
      

Maria Francesca Violich, elementary school teacher of the year, began participating in the FC in 2007.  Under her leadership, Hubert O. Sibley Elementary School has consistently placed in the top three elementary schools in the FC. One of her many initiatives includes sponsoring her school’s Jr. Green Leaves Club to promote environmental activism.  Marina Midence, middle school teacher of the year, has led Shenandoah Middle School to a first place win for three consecutive years in the FC. Her active involvement, leadership and commitment helped secure more than $3,000 for the school’s environmental programs.  Pamela Shlachtman, high school teacher of the year, began participating in the FC eight years ago and has consistently placed in the top 10 high schools in the FC.  She organizes Miami Palmetto Senior High School’s annual ‘Plant the Pride’ event, in which students plant trees and shrubs,  mulch trees, trim bushes and pick up trash to beautify the school.

For more information, visit www.fairchildchallenge.org or call (305) 667-1651.

Spread the love!