Every year to mark the anniversary of the March 18,1937 Texas School Explosion I salute inspirational leaders who demonstrate an extraordinary sense of responsibility and commitment to the safety of children and their communities.
The Healthy Kids Hero Award was created as an annual opportunity to remember the 1937 tragedy — a gas explosion that killed more than 300 people, mostly students, in their new state-of-the-art public school where no expense had been spared except when it came to safety.
One lesson of the 1937 tragedy is that a safe quality environment depends on champions dedicated to making safety and health a priority.
For 2018, there are three heroes. Each is known for effective advocacy and professionalism, the ability to inspire others, and especially for being compassionate, genuine and kind.
Their work illustrates the power of allies who share their sense of personal responsibility and purpose. They each contribute countless hours of professional and personal time as resources and mentors to their community and colleagues.
- Safeguarding Children and Communities. Dr. Curt Nordgaard is one of the founds of the Massachusetts Health Professionals for Clean Energy.
- IPM is a Team Effort. Kathy Murray is the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Specialist at the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.
- To Make Every Child Feel Safe Every Day. John Obremsku is the Principal of Lafayette Elementary School, Everett, MA.
