Helen Parker

With a bright and welcoming smile the young people Helen works with know immediately they are in the presence of someone they can trust.

Engaging youth in learning can be challenging under normal school circumstances, but for Helen, the high school youth she teaches are all on probation.  Some have been kicked out of other schools, most come from extremely difficult living environments, and many have learning differences that were never diagnosed.

The vast majority of these young people have given up on their education.  Yet, with Helen's creativity, determination and glowing heart she is able to reignite their spark and the interest in learning.  Her students know that she is the real thing.

Helen shines so bright, that her light is wonderfully contagious.  She is one of those teachers that turn's lives around.  One of those teachers that the college graduate will say… "It was Ms. Parker that made me see I could do anything."  What a magical opportunity they had to have her as their teacher.

Honored by Sandy Weil