Lowry Teacher Wins $10,000 Award
Published: May 15, 2008
COUNTRYWAY – Lowry Elementary celebrated Monday the attention two of its teachers received from the Hillsborough County School District.
Marlene Sacarello and Sandra Layman both were recognized under the district's annual We Deliver award for excellence.
Educators, students and parents submitted nominations online in February for 387 district employees. A committee whittled the nominations to five finalists, and Superintendent MaryEllen Elia selected the winner.
Sacarello, a second-grade teacher at Lowry, won the award, receiving $10,000 courtesy of an anonymous donor through the Hillsborough Education Foundation. Layman, who teaches special-needs students, got $1,000 as a finalist.
Other finalists were from Stewart Middle Magnet, Lomax Elementary Magnet and Apollo Beach Elementary.
At Lowry since 2002, Sacarello received praise for her literacy programs. She coordinates an annual young authors conference with Lowry and other area schools. She also leads Lowry's storytelling program, encouraging children to develop public-speaking skills and gain self-esteem.
"She's so passionate about really inspiring them," said Julie Escobar, who nominated Sacarello after her daughter enrolled in Sacarello's class. "She just infuses them with so much joy for what they're doing. It's contagious for the kids."
Layman put into motion her son's suggestion of a club where students could help others. She started Paws for Peace last year during Lowry's summer program, and when classes resumed in August, she got the members of the school's after-care program involved.
Paws for Peace has 125 children participating. The students have raised money for Big Cat Rescue, autism and multiple sclerosis. They have sent valentines to veterans, read to elder citizens and brought gifts to nursing homes.
Elia praised Layman on Monday and quoted a nomination that said the teacher "unselfishly motivates everyone around her."
Reporter Courtney Cairns Pastor can be reached at (813) 865-1503 or cpastor@tampatrib.com.
—
For the cats,
Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457
http://www.BigCatRescue.org MakeADifference@BigCatRescue.org
Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:
http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU
This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be
confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby
notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of
the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The
recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of
viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused
by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.
-
Show Comments (0)
