Sharon A. Dravvorn, a mathematics teacher at Woodbridge Senior High School, today received a $25,000 award from the Milken Family Foundation. Milken Educator Awards co-founder Michael Milken and Virginia's Superintendent of Public Instruction Patricia I. Wright presented the award during a surprise assembly at the school this morning attended by federal, state, and county dignitaries.
Colleagues credit Dravvorn with the ability to "reach any student and help them perform at their best." Over the summer she studies her students' academic files, develops strategies, and acquires manipulative devices to aid in student learning. Her preparation has paid off with great success. All of her students passed the SOL test at the end of the year.
Dravvorn was stunned at the announcement. "I went blank," she said. "The teacher standing beside me patted my arm and said, 'Congratulations,'" and "then reality hit me." Dravvorn said she feels "blessed every day to be surrounded by phenomenal educators. They make me a better teacher."
Dravvorn joins a network of 2,400 teachers who have received the Milken Educator Award over the last 22 years. In presenting the award, Milken told the school's 2,500 students and faculty that teaching is the most important job in the country. "Teachers have an unbelievable responsibility," he said, and he thanked Dravvorn for going into the field of education and for the job she does for the country.
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