Linda Stollow, a Levittown resident and teacher at South Woods Middle School has been named a “Distinguished Teacher of 2015” by the Harvard Club of Long Island.
As one of 14 teachers from across Long Island to receive this award—from across the 150 public school districts and private schools on Long Island—Stollow will be honored at the Harvard Club of Long Island’s annual University Relations Luncheon on April 26.
“Our awards honor teachers who transform lives,” said Dr. Judith Esterquest, Harvard Club of Long Island Chair of the Distinguished Teacher Selection Committee. “Dedicated teachers like Mrs. Stollow offer Long Island students deep expertise, extraordinary talents, and countless hours of devotion. By capturing the minds and imaginations of our children, preparing them for challenges that were unknown even a few decades ago—academic, social, political, cultural—these teachers shape our country’s future.”
Stollow has taught physical science at South Woods Middle School for 18 years, as well as summer school for a science research program for elementary students for the past 14 years. She has coached three teams each year since 2000 for Science Olympiad and is also a science fair coach and teaches a Methods of Science course for students at Five Towns College in Dix Hills.
Michelle Long, a former South Woods Middle School student who is expected to graduate from Harvard College in May 2017 nominated Stollow for the award.
“Mrs. Stollow fostered the most amazing environment for kids who love science. She showed me what it meant to be a brilliant woman who is passionate about science and about people,” said Long. “Every day I aspire to be as strong, intelligent, and caring as Mrs. Stollow and to be a woman capable of motivating and inspiring others as she has always done for me.”
When Superintendent of Schools Dr. Thomas Rogers learned of this award, he was not surprised.
“Linda Stollow changes lives. It’s no mystery why she has been remembered and acknowledged by current Harvard students,” he said. “She and her work are truly unforgettable.”
This year’s 14 Distinguished Teacher Award winners were nominated by current Harvard undergraduates and then selected by Harvard Club of Long Island board members.
At the ceremony on April 26, the Harvard Club of Long Island will announce the Distinguished Teachers of 2015 who will also receive scholarships for a “Harvard experience” at the Harvard University campus in Cambridge, MA. Past winners of the scholarships have enhanced their teaching by sampling some of the resources available to Harvard students. They have met with faculty, visited research laboratories, rare book archives and specialty museums and enjoyed visual and performance art. The scholarships are funded by contributions from Harvard alumni living on Long Island.
“We are proud to honor these teachers, whose efforts enable our Long Island students to thrive at top universities and to be upstanding citizens,” said Dr. Rhonda Berger, Harvard Club of Long Island president.
