Advisors and Validators
Adult volunteers are extremely important to the Congressional Award. Together, we work in partnership for the betterment of America's youth.
With the help of adult advisors and volunteers, we have been able to reach out to youth groups, schools, and community organizations across the country. Groups such as Boys & Girls Clubs, 4-H, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, HOBY, YMCA, Outward Bound, and various Air Force youth centers have brought the Congressional Award Program to new heights. With the help of teachers, administrators, and guidance counselors, we have been able to involve school organizations such as Junior ROTC, Key Clubs, FBLA, Junior Achievement, and many others. We have also worked with Congressional Offices that have been instrumental in our efforts to reach out to young people across the nation.
The Inspiration Award— Advisor of the Year
Each year, the Inspiration Award is given to an exceptional Congressional Award advisor for their outstanding dedication and service in honoring the initiative, achievement and excellence of America’s youth. The 2012 recipient of the Inspiration Award is Dr. Babs Bennett. The Millville, New Jersey native received a plaque recognizing her service from New Jersey Rep. Rush Holt at the 2012 Gold Ceremony.
Dr. Bennett is enjoying her retirement after 35 years in education, 25 years of which were spent as the Supervisor for the Millville Public Schools Gifted & Talented Program. During her tenure more than 100 students participated in the Congressional Award program. She is now following in the steps of her Congressional Award students and volunteering within her community. She is active in the 4H, the Southern Shore Chapter of the American Red Cross, Cumberland County College Alumni Association, Animal Friends, Citizens United to Protect the Maurice and therapeutic horseback riding for special needs children.
Some of Dr. Bennett’s professional accomplishments include selection as a NJ Gifted Scholar by the NJ Gifted Association to attend Confratute at the University of Connecticut, where she contributed her experience and knowledge on differentiation of instruction, high-end learning, and enrichment teaching. She has presented at conferences on Gifted Education at the state, county and community levels. She also was also chosen and featured in the 2009 edition of the magazine, Woman of Cumberland County for her numerous contributions to education.
Dr. Bennett received her Associates Degree from Cumberland County College, where she was recently elected president of the college’s Alumni Association, Bachelor and Master’s Degrees from Glassboro State College, now Rowan University, and her doctorate degree in Curriculum Development from Temple University.
Dr. Bennett lives with her best friends, Beamer, a white German Sheppard, and Amber, her Appaloosa mare.
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