Ten win 'Teacher as Hero' awards

Sister Helen Thomas, the "hands-on" principal at St. Laurence Catholic School in Upper Darby, has brought technology to her school in a big way.

Emilia Rastrick, a gym teacher at Lingelbach School in Philadelphia's Germantown section, launched a dragon-boat league to promote healthy lifestyles and cooperation among middle-school students.

And Sherman Denby, a science teacher at the Cherry Street School in Bridgeton, N.J., quietly goes out of his way to help his low-income students and their families.

All are considered champions by their school communities, and all were honored recently in an unusual competition. The National Liberty Museum in Old City named the trio and seven other educators winners of the annual "Teacher as Hero" awards. Sponsored by State Farm Insurance, the program recognizes inspirational teachers in the region with a permanent exhibit at the museum at 321 Chestnut St.

"Our honorees are an excellent representation of heroes that touch the future by teaching our youth," Gwen Borowsky, chief executive officer and vice president of the museum, said in a statement.

Sister Thomas, who has more than 25 years experience with schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, describes herself as a hands-on educator.

And for Sister Thomas, who is in her sixth year as principal of St. Laurence, an elementary school in Upper Darby, hands-on has meant cleaning bathrooms when the janitor was injured.

"When someone's not available, you do it yourself," she said.

But she is best known for introducing more than $100,000 in technology to St. Laurence, including outfitting a lab with 32 computers, and installing projectors and interactive white boards in classrooms. Her latest project gives students and teachers access to notebook computers.

"Technology, as everyone knows, is changing rapidly," Sister Thomas said. "And children need to be able to use it."

Physical education teacher Rastrick displays creativity and energy as she comes up with ways to get Lingelbach students moving and developing healthy habits.

She improvises with gym equipment to simulate Winter Olympics sports. She's introduced students to lacrosse, involved them in ballroom dancing, and worked with other staff to expand after-school sports, including track, golf and volleyball.

Rastrick raised more than $80,000 to develop "Healthy Dragons," a dragon-boat league that also teaches nutrition.

Working with the Philadelphia Flying Phoenix dragon-boat team, Lingelbach middle schoolers join with their counterparts at Henry School in Mount Airy and the nearby Wissahickon Charter School to take to the Schuylkill in dragon boats in the spring.

While plying their paddles, students not only get to exercise, but also learn the importance of team work and cooperation, Rastrick said.

"She brings so much to our school," principal Tamara Conaway said. "She always goes above and beyond."

Denby grew up in Bridgeton, so he knows all too well that many of his students come from low-income families that cannot afford to buy extras - such as school supplies.

For a dozen years, he has been teaching science to sixth, seventh and eighth graders in a classroom where he sat when he was a pupil.

"Every day is flashback," he said. "And I get a chance to teach some things I wasn't taught."

Denby is known for the dedication and care he shows to his students. "Each and every one is 'my child,' " said the teacher, who has no children of his own.

During the summer, he purchases a year's worth of school supplies for students - everything from crayons and pencils to notebooks and backpacks.

On visits to students' homes, he takes note of their families' needs. He has arranged for food baskets for needy households and bought coats, shoes, and other clothing for children.

"You see a need, you meet a need," Denby said. "It's not about how many good deeds can you do. If I see a kid coming in during the winter and he doesn't have socks, you get the kid socks."

He also uses his own money to organize trips after school and on weekends, including ski trips.

"I have never kept receipts, because I didn't want to know how much I've spent," Denby said. "But if it weren't for the children, I wouldn't have a paycheck, so it's nothing to give back."

He said he was stunned when he learned he had been named a winner in the museum's program. "I was kind of shocked," he said, "because everything has been done anonymously."

The National Liberty Museum in Old City is hosting a permanent exhibit of the 10 winners of the "Teacher as Hero" awards sponsored by State Farm Insurance to recognize inspirational teachers in the region. The museum is at 321 Chestnut St.

Included in the exhibit are: Bonnee Breese, teaches English, Overbrook High, Philadelphia; developed global culture lessons.

Samuel Reed III, teaches sixth grade, Beeber Middle, Philadelphia; developed global culture lessons.

Alicia Conquest-Bulgin, teaches Spanish, School of the Future, Philadelphia; runs Saturday detention program focused on community service.

Sherman Denby, teaches science, Cherry Street School, Bridgeton, N.J.; assists low-income students and their families.

Debbie Einhorn, guidance, Fort Washington Elementary, Fort Washington; developed character education and anti-bullying programs.

Natalie Lajuan Lewis, teaches family and consumer science, Springfield High, Erdenheim; created group to encourage African American students to deal with adversity and promote positive experiences.

Barbara Murry-Dixon, teaches second grade, P.J. Hill Elementary, Trenton; doubles as at-home instructor for students with special needs.

Emilia Rastrick, teaches physical education, Lingelbach Elementary, Philadelphia; runs Healthy Dragons boat league focusing on nutrition and teamwork.

Marcie Steel, teaches fifth grade, Our Lady of Good Counsel, Moorestown; driving force behind "Just Do It Committee" that improves lives.

Sister Helen Thomas, principal, St. Laurence, Upper Darby; made technology a priority.

In addition to being recognized, each winner received a resource bag of school supplies and an opportunity to participate in a museum work. Their students will receive a free museum tour.

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