Ms. Stanton-Paradise was and still is my special teacher. She taught 4th and 6th grade at Public School 100, when I was her student. I could remember struggling in school with reading and was given the opportunity to stay after school and learn that reading is fun. Ms Stanton-Paradise was that teacher that taught me eveything I have accomplished up to date. Learning that reading can be fun has shown Ms Stanton-Paradise that I deserve to be awarded the Golden Record of Achievement Award. This award has made me believe that I can accomplish anything in life as long as special teachers like Ms. Stanton-Paradise are around. I was presented this award at Brooklyn High School by the mayor himself. I was so proud of myself at the accomplishments that I made and the only person to thank besides my family was Ms. Stanton-Paradise. She made sure that all her students were able to get through junior high school and high school well prepared. I was one of those students that she wanted to see the achievements follow through.
Today, I have accomplished so much since having a special teacher in my life that has taught me that life challenges can be difficult, but could also be a way of understanding that the world we live in has achievements. I'm studying to be a clinical social worker at Adelphi University and am currently working as a case manager for the HIV/AIDS population. I have been taught that the life struggles we face are an every day situation for all individuals like myself and the help and support from teachers like Ms. Stanton-Paradise brings all at ease. I thank Ms. Stanton-Paradise with all my heart and soul. We need teachers like her for our students so that they can see the accomplishments made and preparation for future, just like I did.
-Jacqueline D. Rivera
Former Student, PS 100Q