"The students trained in Mr. Anthony's program become active peer mediators, not only in their school, but in their communities and often in their own homes," explained Susan Wagner social studies teacher Gina Simo, who was among those who recommended him for the award.
Through Anthony, she added, the students "teach others to open their minds to the valuable concept of understanding and appreciating the values and differences of people in every culture."
Anthony said he discovered his "calling" to be a teacher when he was a fifth-grader at PS 30 in Westerleigh. His "inspiration" was his teacher, Charles Eberle.
"When Mr. Eberle came into the classroom, he made it a safe place to be," recalled Anthony. "When I walk into my classroom, that's how I want my kids to feel."
And so they do.
Said senior D'Monique Pratt: "Mr. Anthony can teach anybody anything."
"I just teach," said Anthony with a smile.
Anthony is also a product of Markham Intermediate School in Graniteville, Susan Wagner High and St. John's University, Grymes Hill, where he majored in history. He received his master's degree in education from the College of Staten Island and an advanced certificate in conflict management from Columbia University.
Anthony has also written and lectured extensively on conflict resolution and peer mediation, both in the United States and abroad.
The key to all of it, he said, is "working together."
"I believe that if you give love, and if you give respect, you will receive it," said Anthony of his philosophy of teaching -- and of life itself.
Judy L. Randall is a news reporter with the Advance. She may be reached at
