Ms. Greenwood began her teaching career at Whittier Elementary School in 1935 -- 82 years ago -- as one of the first African-American school teachers in Denver, and she is highly regarded for breaking down racial barriers throughout her storied career in our district. She shares her story in her autobiography, " By the Grace of God ," which Greenwood students read at school; many youngsters proudly shared with luncheon guests the personal inscriptions Ms. Greenwood wrote in their books.

 

A first-grade teacher for 30 years, Ms. Greenwood has guided educators throughout her career in the importance of early literacy programs. "Teaching first grade was the joy of my life," she shared, "I believe it is there that one lays the beginning of a sound education foundation upon which a child can continue to learn successfully."

 

The centenarian continues her passion by participating in Each One Teach One, created by Greenwood educator Mary Ann Bash, which aims to improve early literacy by building vocabulary through hands-on community projects. Students learn by doing, such as using architects' tools to design their new school garden as a way to build topical vocabulary and ultimately improve their literacy. They then turn around and teach their new knowledge to younger classmates.

	Marie L. Greenwood Academy and Supt. Tom Boasberg honored Marie's legacy as a long-time educator and valued member of Team DPS.

Several sixth-grade students described what it was like to teach their third-grade peers as part of Each One Teach One: "We spent 14 days learning how to teach, and then we had a daily plan that helped guide us," explained Melanie Cruz, a sixth-grader at Greenwood Academy. "We put materials together, set up, read the book and taught students new vocabulary."

The excitement students have for openly sharing their thoughts and feelings through the new words they have learned reflects the lasting impact Ms. Greenwood has had on these students -- beyond having her name on the building, she has inspired a love of learning and of teaching.

 

As a birthday gift, the students serenaded Ms. Greenwood with a choreographed rendition of India Arie's "Better People" before she chimed in to sing a verse of her own.

 

"This is an honor I never dreamed I would ever have," said Greenwood, wearing a feather boa and birthday sunglasses gifted to her by the students. "Since I know my days are limited, this is going to be one of the biggest days that I have ever had. Thank you."

 

 

The Denver Women's Commission honored The Writing Center at Manual High School with Olivia Jones, in memory of student co-founder Mardale Jay. The Writing Center at Manual High School is the first student-led writing center in the nation, and strives to be a place where students work together to develop the skills and confidence they need to reclaim the power of voice and become powerful agents of social change. The center empowers students to become authors of their own learning and to construct their own knowledge.

The Denver Immigrant and Refugee Commission honored Place Bridge Academy, where more than 60 languages and over 40 countries are represented at this ECE through eighth-grade newcomer magnet school.

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