Milton Hershey School® Teacher Receives National Recognition for Dedication to Students from Economically Disadvantaged Backgrounds

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May 10, 2013, 01:25 ET

HERSHEY, Pa., May 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Milton Hershey School® (MHS) Teacher David Curry of Hershey has been selected for the national honor of Residential Educator of the Year by the Coalition for Residential Education (CORE).

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130510/PH11793 )

MHS Sophomore Valkyrie Speaker of Richlandtown nominated Curry for the award. "Everything I have learned on how to truly flourish as an individual I have learned from Mr. Curry," Speaker said in her nomination. "He has awakened the over-achiever in me, as he has within all of us."

Speaker added that her teacher's passion for his work is evident in how he brings the subject of the law to life.

"It [is] evident to me, as well as to my peers, that he absolutely adores teaching," she said. "He does so much more than teach us about the code of ethics in law enforcement and how to properly try a case. … He cheers us on from the sidelines but will never tell us what play to make. … He has opened our eyes to the magnificent world of Law, Public Safety, and Security."

Curry has taught Law, Public Safety, and Security at MHS since the program's inception in 2011. He taught street law, psychology, world cultures, and government and economics during his first four years at the school.

A native of Erie, he holds a bachelor's degree in administration of justice from the University of Pittsburgh and a master's degree in education from Edinboro University. Prior to MHS, he taught U.S. history in Columbia, Md., and government and economics in Boiling Springs, Pa. Outside of the classroom, he coaches football and the School's mock trial team.

"Receiving this award is very humbling; especially since I was nominated by a student," Curry said. "I don't think that it is ever a goal of a teacher to win an award simply for doing what they love to do, but I am certainly appreciative of this incredible honor."

Curry resides in Hershey with his wife Natalie and their children Dahlia, 3, and Dax, 1.

Founded in 1994 and based in the Washington, D.C. area, CORE is a national nonprofit organization that serves economically and socially disadvantaged children through residential education programs.

ABOUT MILTON HERSHEY SCHOOL 

Milton Hershey School is a cost-free, private, coeducational home and school for children from families of low income, limited resources, and social need. The School is funded by a trust established by Milton S. Hershey and his wife Catherine. Milton Hershey School offers a positive, structured home life year-round and an excellent pre-kindergarten through 12th grade education. Our vision focuses on building character and providing children with the skills necessary to be successful in all aspects of life. Go to www.mhskids.org to learn more.