JOHN J. ROSS MEMORIAL AWARD TO HONOR ARIZONA TEACHERS

April 29, 2008
Contact: Lara Slifko (602) 340-7235
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[Phoenix, AZ] –Four teachers will be recognized on Friday, May 2nd 2008 during the Statewide Project Citizen Showcase for their excellence in providing Arizona youth with Law Related Education. Given annually, the John J. Ross Award recognizes the exceptional contributions and leadership by Arizona teachers in the advancement of law-related education at the elementary, middle and secondary school levels. Up to four $250 cash awards are given to nominated and selected teachers from across the state.    
 
The John J. Ross Award winners for 2008 are:
 
Mr. Patrick McAndrew
University High School
Tucson, AZ

This award is being presented posthumously, as Mr. McAndrew passed away last December. Mr. McAndrew taught American Government and Comparative Politics AP classes at University High School. For approximately 14 years he served as a coach for University High School’s mock trial teams. A highlight for many students is the yearly mock election. Each government class forms its own political party, runs a slate of officers, writes position statements and holds a school-wide debate. His students benefited from his passion for political science and the law as he taught them to understand the political and philosophical differences of cultures around the world.

 
Mr. George Colebrook
Landmark Middle School
Glendale, AZ

Mr. Colebrook brings social studies to life in the classroom. Students are engaged in the reenactment of historical events, taking a side in a debate or defending a group they may represent in a history lesson. He encourages students to understand the past and connect it to the present or future. He reinforces citizenship and the impact that an individual can have. He pushes students to gather data, to draw conclusions and synthesize the information so that each can take a stance and make a difference. Mr. Colebrook hosted the District showcase for Project Citizen and involved the parents and community in the process. Mr. Colebrook also has worked with the Juvenile Probation Department to hear real cases.
 
Ms. Lisa Flores
Cactus Middle School
Casa Grande, AZ

Ms. Flores has been instrumental in providing Law Related Education for students for the last five years. Her initial involvement was co-teaching with the Safe Schools Probation Officers in her Social Studies class. Her involvement did not stop in her classroom; she also volunteered to coach the Cactus Middle School Mock Trial team in the 2005 through 2006. In her first year of competing in the Annual Pinal County Mock Trial competition, her Cactus Middle School teams placed first, and fueled her vision to advocate for Mock Trial to become an elective class at Cactus Middle School. The following year she successfully convinced the school board and principal to add Mock Trial to the list of elective classes.
 
Mr. John Cosden
Xavier High School
Phoenix, AZ

Mr. Cosden has been involved in teaching Mock Trial for over 5 years and has made sure others have an opportunity to experience this educational program. Several years ago he implemented the Mock Trial Scrimmage, the month before the Regional Tournament to provide a “practice arena” for other teams. He not only hosted the event but coached 4 teams of his own. Mr. Cosden is always mentoring other teachers in the valley because he believes in the program and wants to see it grow.
 
2008 John J. Ross Memorial Award winners were selected from nominees who demonstrated:
·       Outstanding instruction or administration of law-related education in grades K-12.
·       Outstanding development of in-service training or curriculum development in the area of law-related education.
·       Advancement of law-related education in a professional and positive educational environment.
·       Good standing with the Arizona Department of Education and the school district where they teach.
·       Involvement in law-related education programs/activities sponsored by the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education.
 
 
About the John J. Ross Memorial Fund:  The John J. Ross Memorial Fund was created through the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education to honor the memory of Mr. John J. Ross. Mr. Ross was a Senior Partner in the Phoenix law firm of Brown & Bain for more than twenty years where he headed the firm’s commercial practice. In his memory, the fund’s contributions support awards for teacher excellence in law related education.
 
About the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education
The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education provides technical and financial assistance to legal aid organizations, schools and community groups. The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education promotes “Access to Justice for All Arizonans” by supporting law-related education and free legal services and by promoting statewide collaborative efforts. 
 
Helpful Websites:
  
 
 
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