The Martha Holden Jennings Foundation and Kent State University’s College and Graduate School of Education, Health, and Human Services will host the 2008 Jennings Scholar Alumni Workshop on Saturday, April 19 from 8 a.m. to Noon in the Kent Student Center Ballroom.

More than 500 Jennings Scholar alumni are expected to attend the event that will honor outstanding Ohio elementary and secondary teachers. The program, initiated in 1963 by Martha Holden Jennings, was created to recognize the teaching profession in the public schools.

The day’s festivities will include a buffet breakfast, a welcome from Kent State Provost Dr. Robert Frank, Martha Holden Jennings Foundation Representative Jane Battles and a keynote speech entitled “The Teaching Zone” given by Bruce Boguski.

Boguski, a motivational speaker, columnist and media personality, is well known for his ability to inspire others to “do the impossible.” At age 18, he was partially paralyzed in an automobile accident and told he might never walk again. After a two-year struggle, Boguski went on to become a two-time state champion in racquetball and played for a state championship softball team.

Starting in fall 2008, the Foundation and Kent State will continue its recognition of Ohio teachers by honoring local teachers nominated by school principals and superintendents. The teachers will be invited to a series of six lectures by major personalities of different backgrounds. At the conclusion of the series in April 2009, participants will receive an award.

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Media contact:

Beth Thomas, College and Graduate School of Education, Health, and Human Services 330-672-7838, ethoma1@kent.edu

Rachel Wenger-Pelosi, 330-672-8046, rwenger@kent.edu