Boston educator receives Crystal Apple award

BOSTON - Dr. Deborah Dancy, principal of the Channing Elementary School in Hyde Park, recently was honored by the Boston Minuteman Council of the Boy Scouts of America at its annual Champion for Character Awards Reception. Dr. Dancy, a resident of West Roxbury, received the organization's Crystal Apple award in recognition of her commitment to the Learning for Life program and to the education of youth in Boston.

Learning for Life is an affiliate of the Boy Scouts of America. The program, which involves a classroom curriculum, career speakers, and field trips, is designed to help youth develop social and life skills, assist in character and career development, and help youth formulate positive personal values. The Channing is one of approximately 15 Boston Public Schools to offer Learning for Life to its students.

A selection committee made up of Boston Minuteman Council board members chose Dr. Dancy for the honor, which is given each year to an educator who demonstrates a commitment to the program and to the betterment of Boston's children.

Four other Boston Public Schools educators have been Crystal Apple recipients since the award was first given out in 2002. Joan Dill, teacher at Ohrenberger Elementary School (2002), John Poto, former headmaster, East Boston High School (2003), Jane Holleman, teacher at Holland Elementary School (2005), and Bak Fun Wong, headmaster, Quincy Upper School (2006) have all been honored.