Teachers' Insurance Awards Grant Supporting NJ High School's "Week of Respect through the Arts"

RED BANK, N.J., Oct. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Plymouth Rock Assurance - Teachers' Insurance Plan of NJ has awarded a grant to the Monmouth County Academy of Allied Health and Science (AAHS) in support of the Academy's "Week of Respect through the Arts." Using New Jersey's second annual Week of Respect in October as the center of activities, the "Week of Respect through the Arts" promotes anti-bullying awareness by inviting all students to express anti-bullying messages through literary, visual, or other art forms for a chance to win an e-reader or gift card. The grant, submitted by AAHS educator Joan Lynch, will also fund an accompanying t-shirt design contest.

"Teachers' Insurance is proud to fund this creative approach to student engagement in the Week of Respect," said Marc V. Buro, President, Teachers Auto Insurance Company of New Jersey. "The design of this initiative allows students to individually express themselves while ultimately building unity. We're thrilled to be a part of the 'Week of Respect through the Arts' and look forward to seeing the submissions."

The grant was issued through the Teachers' Insurance preferred partner program. All school districts are invited to partner with Teachers' Insurance for access to enrichment grants, student scholarships, and professional development opportunities. To date, Teachers' Insurance has donated over $150,000 to New Jersey's educational community through its preferred partner program.

"The grant from Teachers Insurance has truly enhanced the recognition of the Week of Respect at the Academy of Allied Health and Science by providing a venue for our students to reflect upon the meaning of respect, and to explore ways to express their thoughts through art," said Paul F. Mucciarone, Principal, AAHS. "Over 15 percent of our student body has engaged directly in producing a piece of art that contains an anti-bullying message, and all of our students will be exposed to that message through the presentation of the art to the student body."

Based in Neptune, NJ, the AAHS prepares and motivates students to pursue further education towards a career in the medical sciences through a rigorous specialized curriculum and community-based partnerships. As part of the Monmouth County Vocational School District, the AAHS has a diverse population of approximately 280 students that come from all over Monmouth County. Consistent with the anti-bullying goals of the Week of Respect, the AAHS enforces a zero-tolerance policy towards any bullying and instructs students to "serve society with compassion, integrity, skill, and vision."

The 2012 Week of Respect began on October 1. Winners of the AAHS "Week of Respect through the Arts" will be announced on October 4.  

About Teachers' Insurance
Teachers Auto Insurance Company of New Jersey provides low rates and exclusive auto insurance services to active and retired employees of New Jersey licensed educational facilities, members of the New Jersey Parent Teacher Association (NJPTA), other members of the educational community, and their household family members who reside in New Jersey. Learn more at PlymouthRockNJ.com/Teachers.

SOURCE Plymouth Rock Assurance