In a moment that left her genuinely stunned, Ms. O'Donnell was honored as the recipient of the prestigious FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence for the entire borough of Queens.
The announcement was met with a thunderous ovation from students, colleagues, and administrators, all of whom had gathered for what they thought was a routine end-of-year festivity. Ms. O'Donnell, a relatively new addition to the P177Q family with less than five years at the school, has quickly become a beacon of innovative education.
Her groundbreaking curriculum, which centers around the hands-on care of chickens, has not only captivated her students but has also yielded remarkable results. Under her guidance, students have not just learned about animal husbandry; they have truly shined, developing a profound sense of responsibility, teamwork, and an understanding of agricultural principles.
A testament to her program's success, Ms. O'Donnell bravely entered her students into the highly competitive annual Grown-NY competition, held in Ithaca. Providing her students with this invaluable opportunity to engage with a broader agricultural community and showcase their learning was, in itself, a significant achievement.
Upon receiving the FLAG Award, which comes with a substantial monetary prize, Ms. O'Donnell's humility was evident. Clearly overwhelmed by the recognition, she expressed her gratitude with a genuine sense of awe, embodying the very qualities of dedication and passion that the award celebrates.
Ms. O'Donnell's innovative approach, which seamlessly blends practical skills with academic learning, exemplifies the transformative power of dedicated educators. Her success not only brings well-deserved recognition to herself but also highlights the incredible potential within P177Q and the D75 community. This unexpected honor served as a powerful reminder of the profound impact one teacher can have on the lives of their students, and the far-reaching ripple effects of truly excellent teaching.
Celebration Video