South Orange Resident Wins Statewide Teaching Award

John Laney, South Orange resident, received the 2012 Mildred Barry Garvin Prize from the New Jersey Historical Commission. Laney, who receives a $1500 award, was cited for "pioneering work to introduce African American history into the curriculum at Livingston High School." Laney's course was further lauded for "teach[ing] historical factual data while creatively fostering critical thinking about historical developments."

"I am very pleased to have received this award," said Laney. "I am proud of the work I have done to start the African-American Studies program from scratch and to develop it into a popular and well respected course offering at Livingston High School.  Hundreds of students, representing numerous races, have benefited from the historical identity and trans-racial aspects of this class.  I intend to apply the award to a student-centered trip, such as to historic Harlem or to a Historically Black College and University (HCBU)."

The Mildred Barry Garvin Prize is awarded annually to a New Jersey teacher, guidance counselor, or school librarian for outstanding teaching of black American history or related activity at any grade, K-12.