Stern named 'Unsung Hero'

Springfield School District’s 5th grade teacher Vanessa Stern was awarded by the Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program as 2017 Vermont Tree Steward under the category of “Unsung Hero.”

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2017-05-09 / Local t Stern named 'Unsung Hero' SPRINGFIELD — Springfield School District’s 5th grade teacher Vanessa Stern was awarded by the Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program as 2017 Vermont Tree Steward under the category of “Unsung Hero.” Ann Hazelrig, chair of Urban Forestry Council recognized Stern for her hard work and success. Stern was nominated by a school colleague, who wrote, “Vanessa brings the love of trees and the earth to her students both inside the classroom and through her outdoor science class.” At the podium as Stern accepted her award, she said, “We need to support our children, ‘Go Green, No Screen.’ Stern, in her generosity of acknowledging others, recounted a time she had a class out at Muckross Park and she felt, “the kids were getting chatty and I thought a little unruly.” Stern apologized to Michael Quinn, a former middle school science teacher visiting with her class, when he told her, “They are enjoying themselves.” “I remind myself of his words whenever I take my students out into the community,” Stern said. Stern’s work is inspiring, as she helps Union Street School in preparing the garden of raised beds for spring.