BMS Teacher John Marcelino Recipient of PD Crystal Apple Award!

March 12, 2013

Congratulations Teacher John Marcelino --

The Plain Dealer's Crystal Apple Award Winner!!!

The Cleveland Plain Dealer has selected Brady Middle School teacher John Marcelino as the Middle School Crystal Apple Award winner, following a nomination sent in by former student Megan Jarrett '08. Mr. Marcelino, who has taught at the Orange Schools for more than 35 years, said he was surprised and honored to receive this award in front of the entire seventh grade student body and staff.

Two representatives from The Plain Dealer and a representative from sponsor Bryant & Stratton College presented the award and read Jarrett's nomination letter. The actual crystal apple will be presented at an awards banquet at The Plain Dealer in May. Mr. Marcelino was especially surprised to see his mother in attendance at the presentation; she surprised him by flying in from Cape Cod for the event. Other close friends were also on hand to congratulate him on this distinct honor.

Jarrett said Mr. Marcelino was instrumental in guiding her not only through her middle school years but added that his lessons remained with her throughout high school and college. Jarrett, who plans to attend Stetson University School of Law in Gulfport, Florida this fall, said she was honored to be a part of a class developed by Mr. Marcelino called "Unity in Diversity" when she was in middle school that helped her appreciate diversity awareness and the importance of "anti-bullying education", a decade before it became commonplace in the schools. Currently working and doing volunteer work in Tampa, Megan had the opportunity to watch the presentation and chat with her former teacher via Skype.

The award is given to three educators (elementary, middle, high school) four times a year for a total of 12 Crystal Apple Award winners in a school year. Hundreds of nominations are submitted in the effort to recognize an educator who has "inspired you, challenged you, supported you and helped you realize your true potential." Jarrett said this was a wonderful opportunity to thank an extraordinary educator.

Congratulations to Mr. John Marcelino...and thanks to Megan Jarrett for her nomination!!!

To view the slideshow of the presentation, please click on the photo below: