Verizon TelecomPioneers recognized internationally

      Somewhere between mapping the universe and hugging sting rays, the Verizon TelecomPioneers took time out to accept six Project Excellence Awards at the 78^th Annual Meeting of the International TelecomPioneers in San Antonio, Texas, January 21-22, 2005.  The winning projects all focused on education and branded the activities as Verizon initiatives.

      The Paumanok Chapter, headquartered in Babylon, NY, received two awards.  Through its “Freedom Isn’t Free: A Living History” project, Paumanok hosted a four-day course that taught 2,200 high school students the importance of armed force service.  More than 6,500 elementary school children received books and storytime through Paumanok’s “Miss Rita Books presents Mother Goose” project.

      The Verizon West Chapter, with councils in 15 states, distributed 7,568 dictionaries to students and libraries through its “Dictionary Project.”

      The William J. Denver Chapter, covering western Massachusetts, painted solar system maps on 42 elementary school playgrounds through its “Mapping the Universe” project.

      The “Students Under Construction” project, a seven-year incentive program of the Maryland Chapter, has positively impacted attendance, homework completion, and math skills in three elementary schools.

     The Fort Pitt Chapter, covering northern and western Pennsylvania, received recognition for “Have You Hugged Your Rays Today?”, an educational, interactive student program with the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium.