Phoenixville Area Middle School (PAMS) Family and Consumer Science teacher Deborah Wallingford was awarded the Educator 500 award from the 3e Institute – the Institute for Educational Excellence and Entrepreneurship – for her Girls’ Leadership Program at the end of March.
“I was very gratified,” Ms. Wallingford said. “It’s nice that the organization recognizes the efforts of teachers.”
Ms. Wallingford recently became involved in the Girls’ Leadership Program to work with girls who stood out among their peers. Working together with Nicole Pierson of Phoenixville Area Positive Alternatives (PAPA), and an instructor from the Women’s Resource Center, they focus on current issues, strengthening communications, and problem solving. They also work with the girls on becoming more assertive while striving to achieve their goals.
She and Phoenixville Area Middle School Computer Tech teacher Teri Sullivan, who is a 2006 recipient of the award and a 3e Ambassador, attended a luncheon at the Union League in Philadelphia, where Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter addressed the award winners.
Girls’ Leadership Program is a 12-week program designed to introduce eighth-grade girls to female leaders in the community. Fifteen girls identified as having leadership potential were enrolled.
“Considering it was only a 12-week period, some of the girls said the program really helped them come out of their shells,” Ms. Wallingford said. “I love to do things like this. It gives you the opportunity to see kids in a whole other atmosphere.”
In December 2007, Ms. Wallingford introduced the girls to Carol Reigh, owner of Buck Hollow Farms in Birdsboro, who breeds and shows llamas, and sells llama products such as rugs woven from llama fiber, feed crates and grooming chutes.
Ms. Reigh the foremost llama expert in Pennsylvania. Mrs. Wallingford, who became interested in llamas after taking a class about the animals, wanted to introduce the girls in the program to Ms. Reigh to learn more about women in the business world.
PAMS Principal Dr. Troy Czukoski congratulated both Ms. Wallingford and Ms. Sullivan on their accomplishments through Girls’ Leadership.
“Debbie Wallingford and Terri Sullivan truly reflect the Missions of the West Chester University 3E Institute initiative and PAMS innovation and entrepreneurial projects,” said Dr. Czukoski. “We are so proud of their awards and the recognition of their great work on behalf of our students.”
Ms. Wallingford is a second-time winner of this prestigious award. In 2005, she and Guidance Counselor Gina Keenan received the Educator 500 for their Mentoring Program in partnership with Siemens Corporation.