Veteran teacher is a dynamic role model, giving youngsters sage advice and showing them that choices matter
By JUDY L. RANDALL STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- All other accolades aside, the sweetest testimonial any teacher can receive is from his students.
So while Susan E. Wagner High School teacher George Anthony said he is both thrilled and grateful to have been named this year's recipient of the Excellence in Education Awards, the admiration he's earned from the teens he works with each day means just as much.
"He gave me choices, he gave me a purpose, he gave me priceless knowledge," said Susan Wagner senior Henry Martinez. "He gave me a positive role model."
MIDDLETOWN — A township resident recently presented his ideas on teaching non-violence to children at the United Nations.
George Anthony, a conflict resolution consultant for Peace Dynamics Consultants, Middletown, spoke at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City on Jan. 30.
He presented his ideas on the importance of conflict prevention and resolution in schools as part of the seventh Season for Nonviolence, a national campaign from Jan. 30 to April 4 to show the benefits of nonviolence. The 64-day campaign is also held to remember the 50th and 30th memorial anniversaries and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.
ABERDEEN - A Coping With Conflict in the 21st Century Seminar, recently brought to Temple Rodeph Torah, Mohawk Drive, Marlboro for the purpose of having teenagers examine how those around them are treated and how they themselves treat others.
The Marlboro temple and Aberdeen’s Temple Shalom, Arymont Lane, ran the seminar, which demonstrated how Jewish people have been treated poorly throughout history to parallel how teenagers presently treat each other.
The seminar took place between 7 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 18. 110 kids, aged 16 and 17, were present, for the two, one-hour sessions, George Anthony, of Middletown Township, who led the seminar said.
“By bringing me in, you gave (the teenagers) more of a picture that what we do does make a difference,” Anthony said.
It took students at Susan Wagner High School 10 minutes yesterday to design an object representing peace. They sketched hearts across white paper, linked paper clips together and spelled out messages of love and unity.
High school student-leaders focus on resolving conflicts during conference
When Edward Pepitone walked on stage to give a presentation on bullying, girls in the back row snickered at his taped glasses, which extended in large ovals over his cheeks.
The students sitting around the girls exchanged surprised glances as the 17-year-old was booed off the podium, but no one jumped to his defense.
The scenario had been staged -- as students quickly realized -- but Edward pointed out an important lesson. "Many of the people in the audience either supported the oppressor by laughing or turning away because they thought, 'The bully's not bothering me,'" said the Susan E. Wagner High School junior, during a presentation of "Bullying: The Individual, The School, The Community and The Holocaust."
"How is the Holocaust connected to what went on today? Are they really that different?" he added.
Courses are taught by George S. Anthony an award winning educator and Conflict Resolution consultant. Mr. Anthony has an M.S in Education and certification from Columbia University and the National Institute for Dispute Resolution. He has been featured on 20/20 John Stossel Special Reports "Social Cruelty in our Nation's School's, "ABC News " Bullying in our Classrooms" and CNN: Crossing Borders. He has worked with the “Seeds of Peace Organization”, “The Anne Frank Center Netherlands and USA”, The ADL “ A World of Difference Institute” and the New York City Department of Education. He is the producer of award winning videos dealing in issues of tolerance, leadership and diversity. His programs have been recognized and implemented in national and international forums
Lindy P. Crescitelli - Is a nationally renowned facilitator, civic leader and educator. Lindy has appeared on ABC, CNN and in Newsweek Magazine for his work on nonviolence, community leadership mapping, and human relationships.
In today’s learning environment, school districts, administrations and parent groups prefer to expose their students to “Assembly” programs” that promote the message of tolerance. Often these shows are poignant, amusing and informative. Unfortunately they do not leave a lasting impression. The show moves on but the students remain (often times the same). In essence nothing has changed, unless the administration or parent groups recognize the need for this message to be reinforced on a daily basis by the students to the students. If the intent is to create a culture of cooperation, leadership, civic responsibility and anti bully initiatives, a foundation of skill based peer mediation and anti violence curriculum need to be put in place. Once in place, students must have access to this curriculum so their skills can be utilized on a daily basis. This format will allow students to “connect” their skills to the student population. Concepts of respect, non-violence and the possibilities of a better day in effect become the norm.
