PEABODY — The Peabody Education Foundation (PEF) is seeking nominations for candidates for the George Peabody Legacy Award presented annually to honor educators and philanthropists.
“We want to honor those who have given their all to the community’s kids,” said PEF President and Chairman of the Board Dave Gravel. “I compare it to a hall of fame for educators and philanthropists in the city. They really are unsung heroes in the city.”
This is the ninth annual Peabody Award session. Past years have seen between one and five educators receive the award each year. Former Superintendent Cara Murtagh was honored posthumously with the award in 2020.
George Peabody Legacy Award winners are people who have been involved in the community for the long haul, attending to the social and emotional needs of students and making a lasting positive impact by providing a progressive learning atmosphere that is aimed toward meeting the needs of every individual child.
Gravel highlighted the importance of recognizing the achievements of educators in light of the global COVID-19 pandemic, when traditional methods of education have been severely disrupted.
“This year, more than any, is a great time to reflect on all that is given by those people,” said Gravel. “We’re hoping we have a good amount of nominations and we can continue to recognize those who have done so much.”
Nominations are based on five criteria: the nominee must live and work in Peabody, be a “tireless advocate for Peabody students,” effect change for the good of people over a significant period of time, be an active member of the community, and have a lasting impact on education.
Applications are available on the Peabody Education Foundation website.
All nominations must be received on or before June 4. They can be mailed to the Peabody Education Foundation, PO Box 233 Peabody, Mass., 01970 or emailed to [email protected].
Guthrie Scrimgeour can be reached at [email protected].
