Congratulations to winners of “Before She Was Harriet” book drawing

Eight teachers won classroom copies of the inspiring and award-winning children’s book “Before She Was Harriet” by Lesa Cline-Ransome in the Arizona School Boards Association Black Caucus‘s book drawing.

The mission of the ASBA Black Caucus is to improve opportunities and outcomes for students of color, and providing Arizona students access to such a powerful message is one way we can support this important work.

The ASBA Black Caucus hopes teachers will use this book, based on the life of American hero Harriet Tubman, to help students learn about her historic role as spy, nurse, liberator, suffragist and more, said Devin Del Palacio, president of the ASBA Black Caucus.

The ASBA Black Caucus also hopes teachers will use the book to open the door to conversations about the kind of hero each child in your classroom has the potential to be for someone else, now and throughout their lives, in ways large and small.

In the words of Ms. Tubman, “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”

The teacher winners of the book drawing are:

Evelyn Kelley of Westwind Elementary School in the Pendergast School District

Jonna Mastropasqua of CAPE School – Jail in the Pima Accommodation District

Alexis Aguirre of Encanto School in the Osborn School District

Christina Carter of Ehrenberg Elementary School in the Quartzsite School District

Michele Fournier of San Fernando Elementary School in San Fernando Elementary School District #35

Rex Foster of Independence High School in Glendale Union High School District

Michael Plutschuck of Chaparral Elementary School in Washington Elementary School District

Vanessa Arredondo of Salome Elementary School in Salome Consolidated Elementary School District