NHS Teacher Receives '2011 Teacher as Hero Award'

On February 22, the National Liberty Museum announced that Neshaminy High School English Teacher Dennis Howie was selected as a recipient of the “2011 Teacher as Hero Award,” which is sponsored by State Farm.

Howie, as reported by PhillyBurbs, has been out on medical leave fighting cancer and expects to return to work in about a week. He has been an English teacher for more than 15 years and also serves served as adviser for the high school’s literary magazine for more than 10 years, worked with the Student Assistance Program, and helped establish the school's Gay-Straight Alliance.

According to a notice on the school district website, the “2011 Teacher as Hero Award” honors the outstanding work of dedicated educators who give their best everyday to inspire, nurture and mentor the students who are the future of our country. The National Liberty Museum's yearly recognition program honors outstanding educators in the Delaware Valley -- winners are selected by a panel assembled by the museum.

In honor of the accomplishments of all of the winners and nominees, the 2011 Teacher as Hero Awards Ceremony will be held Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at the National Liberty Museum, emceed by NBC 10's Lori Wilson. All nominees and nominators are invited. The National Liberty Museum welcomes and encourages family, friends and school colleagues to share in the celebration.

All of the winners will receive a one-year museum family membership, one voucher for a free field trip for students at your school, a voucher for one free Act 48 Teacher Training Workshop, a teacher Resource Package, a 2011 Teacher As Hero Awards certificate, and a special gift courtesy of State Farm.

The winners will also have their accomplishment announced on the website as well as their stories displayed on a new Teacher as Hero Awards exhibit outside of our Education Center for all visitors to see.

Howie was nominated by Maple Point English teacher Jennifer Howie, Neshaminy high School English teacher Tara Huber, Neshaminy High School Science teacher Lisa Krieger, and Neshaminy High School senior Colleen Gallagher.