Arlington Special Education Teacher Receives Paul Harris Fellow Award

ARLINGTON, MA — Arlington High School (AHS) Special Education teacher Sue Briggs was recognized with a Paul Harris Fellow Award by the Arlington Rotary Club on October 4.

The award ceremony honored members of the Arlington community who have provided exemplary work in community service and helping those in need.

Briggs, who has been a Special Education teacher for 25 years, was nominated for the award but three of her former students, Austin Styffe, Matt McClellan, and Rebecca Harris.

According to AHS Mathematics Teacher Joanna Begin, who attended the event, Briggs has spent her life helping to cultivate well-rounded young people who can make a difference in the world around them.

"It is her quiet, constant encouragement that she gives every student, parent, and faculty member that makes her unforgettable,” Begin said in a statement.

"Since they posted the news to Facebook, Ms. Briggs has been contacted by many more former students that all shared much the same experience,” Begin added. "As one indicated,'When I was at my lowest, in the darkness it was Briggsie's voice that said, I know you can do this, you are more than this moment, I believe in you.’”

The Paul Harris Fellow Awards have been given out by each chapter of the Rotary Club since 1957 and have been awarded to more than 1.3 million individuals worldwide. For more information, click here.