Stephen Grosso is a technology teacher at Bok Technical High School in Philadelphia. When he was previously at Swenson Arts and Technology High School, he taught Kevin Hill, who graduated from the College of Engineering and nominated Mr. Grosso. Kevin wrote at length about how Mr. Grosso’s teaching helped him find the career path that led him to study Computer Engineering. During a fruitful three-year relationship, Mr. Grosso connected Kevin to incredible opportunities including paid experience maintaining the network in his school, professional certifications in the computer field, and college coursework and credits. Kevin wrote of Mr. Grosso, “He did all in his power to help me out, and he definitely is the sole reason I am where I am today.”

Shannon Carriere is a business educator at Fair Lawn High School in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. She was nominated by Bradley Ericson, who is a graduate of the LeBow College of Business. Bradley is an extremely successful young man, named Entrepreneur Magazine’s College Entrepreneur of 2009. And he says that it all began with Ms. Carriere. He describes an engaging teacher who built a genuine professional relationship with her students, and was in the forefront of using technology in the classroom. “Most importantly,” Bradley wrote, “Shannon instilled a confidence in a young 15-year-old boy that remains with me today. I have had good fortune to have Shannon in my life.”

Sam Palumbo is an English teacher at New Egypt High School in New Egypt, New Jersey. He was nominated by Kristen Stratton, who is a graduate of the School of Education. Kristen describes a teacher who not only challenged his students, but offered them a critical skill for dealing with life’s problems—the skill of self-expression. Mr. Palumbo inspired Kristen to find a voice to write about her experiences, and supported her in some very difficult circumstances. Kristen wrote, “I thank Mr. Palumbo for being the best example of an extraordinary educator whose kindness and passion for learning served as a light to me in a very dark time in my life. Five years later, I’m excited to start my own career as a teacher.”

Julia Brandt is a biology teacher at Paul D. Schreiber Senior High School in Port Washington, New York. She was nominated by Nathan Schiff, who graduated from the College of Arts and Sciences. Nathan describes Ms. Brandt as an inspiring teacher who sparked his curiosity and taught him great study habits. But he also calls her a mentor, who challenged students to consider the views of others, and covered the walls of her classroom with art and messages communicating her passions. Nathan wrote, “Ms. Brandt showed me how I, too, could care for the world, and instilled in me the importance of doing so.”