Mount Vernon Teacher Earns Anti-Defamation League 'Gold Star' Award

MOUNT VERNON, NY — A Mount Vernon teacher who helped to share a lesson that will inarguably make the world a better place for the next generation, has been honored for her efforts.

At its first in-person banner ceremony since the COVID-19 pandemic, the ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) New York/New Jersey just announced the recognition of an educator who has gone above and beyond to make her school community "No Place for Hate."

Josephine Kirkland-Hudson, of Rebecca Turner Elementary School in Mount Vernon, was given the Gold Star Educator Award at last week's ceremony.

SEE ALSO: 'No Place for Hate' At Mount Vernon's Edward Williams School

Kirkland-Hudson has been a social worker for almost 25 years and has worked at Rebecca Turner Elementary School since 2005. This year, she worked to bring "No Place for Hate" to all 16 Mount Vernon schools.

Nearly 150,000 students across downstate New York and northern and central New Jersey were dedicated in making their school community "No Place for Hate," meaning they completed at least three "No Place for Hate"-approved activities.

"Thursday’s banner ceremony recognizes the hard work of teachers and students across the downstate region," ADL NY/NJ Regional Director Scott Richman said. "We are thrilled to return to the Skirball Center to celebrate their achievements and dedication to creating inclusive school communities where students respect one another and celebrate difference and diversity."

Find out more information about ADL’s "No Place for Hate Program" here.