Coca-Cola Recognizes Newtown High School Teacher

By Tanjua Damon

Thank you for inspiring me to give expression to my inner thoughts and feelings.

For encouraging me to obtain greater creative heights.

For believing in my talents and celebrating my successes.

For helping me to grow as a person and a writer.

For being an inspiring mentor, confidant, and a genuine friend.

Thank you again, your kindness will never be forgotten.

“The language of friendship is not words but meanings.” Thoreau

 

This is what former Newtown High School Daisha Manfredonia wrote about English teacher John Terenzi on the plaque he received after being named a 2000 Coca-Cola Educator of Distinction.

Mr Terenzi is one of 252 educators across the country chosen to receive the honor of “Educator of Distinction” from the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. The Coca-Cola Educators of Distinction award recognizes outstanding educators who are dedicated to providing education with an enhanced purpose.

“I was pleased. Daisha gave me a number of hints along the way. I new something was happening, but I didn’t know what,” he said. “I was surprised at the amount of effort she put into this whole process.”

Miss Manfredonia took a poetry class from Mr Terenzi for one semester and was the editor of the literary magazine at the high school. She is a freshman at Vanderbilt this year.

“Mr Terenzi has always been a strong influence and role model for me,” Miss Manfredonia said. “He was my mentor when I was editor of the high school’s literary magazine. He loves what he is doing and it truly shows in his teaching.”

Mr Terenzi received a plaque and commemorative crystal Coca-Cola bottle in June. Miss Manfredonia wrote the inscription on the plaque. Coca-Cola Scholars are 252 outstanding high school seniors who are selected each year to receive college scholarships from the foundation. This year marks the first time the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has presented the Educators of Distinction Award to teachers, principals, department heads, coaches, band instructors, and other educators across the country. The Educator of Distinction Award is made possible from a grant provided by the Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation.

“The Coca-Cola Educator of Distinction Award represents the selfless, hard-working, and sincere commitment of the educators it is bestowed upon. These educators are committed to shaping the future of America by cultivating its future leaders,” said J. Mark Davis, president, Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. “Coca-Cola is committed to education. We are proud to support a program such as the Educators of Distinction. It is our way of saying thank you and congratulations.”