Sylvia Peters, renowned educator and member of the MRSH Board of Directors, was awarded the 2005 Distinguished Service Award at the National Educators’ Conference in February. From her work in character education in Chicago to the Edison Project’s research focus, from enriching the curriculum in Baltimore to rebuilding the home, school, and community connections in Atlanta, Ms. Peters has left a legacy of caring for children and strengthening schools and communities. Her acceptance speech, which quickly became one of the highlights of the conference, brought everyone to their feet.

A constant champion for an academically challenging curriculum for all students, she shifted the focus from her accomplishments to the students we all serve as she stated, “I have learned…in this nation, all

our children are at risk. This is not about anybody being a star — it’s about the work.”

She shared a story Dr. Asa Hilliard had heard at his father’s funeral. Years ago, Dr. Hilliard’s father was principal of a segregated school situated in a low valley.

“When waters came, our babies couldn’t go to school. Principal Hilliard gathered up men and wagons and filled in the low land. They made the earth solid so the children could go to school when it rained. They put our babies on dry ground.”

Sylvia Peters challenged us to put all our children on dry ground… to set the conditions in our schools and classrooms so children can learn. She encouraged us to make sure we train children to communicate in society. “They must be able to speak, to read, to write.” She concluded with these powerful words:

“You are the life-touchers of this generation. You can’t just tell the message; you have to walk the message. Go out and help children discover their voice. Go out and put yourselves and these babies and our families on dry ground!”

May 2005