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In celebration of AARP’s 50th Anniversary and to recognize the outstanding educational achievements in public high schools throughout the nation, AARP on Feb. 7 announced the winners of The Ethel Percy Andrus Legacy Awards and The Ethel Percy Andrus Legacy Innovation Awards.

AARP, founded 50 years ago by Ethel Percy Andrus, a retired teacher and principal from California, has donated more than $1 million to support educational programs, demonstrating a commitment to connect generations and foster greater civic engagement among students and their communities.

Public high schools in all U.S. states and territories were eligible to compete for $10,000 Ethel Percy Andrus Legacy Innovation Awards honoring innovative programs. AARP awarded an Ethel Percy Andrus Legacy Innovation Award to one public high school in every state, including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia.

A panel of volunteers from AARP and the Association of Retired Teachers of Connecticut (www.ctretiredteachers.org), chose Middletown High School for the $10,000 award for its Link Crew program.

Under the program, upper classmen help freshmen make the transition to high school and all involved develop leadership skills. So far, the program, which gets no funding from the school system or the municipal budget, has resulted in a decrease in freshman absences, among other improvements.

"Middletown High School is honored to be recognized with The Ethel Percy Andrus Legacy Innovation Award,” said Principal Robert Fontaine. “With the award, we will be able to continue and expand this program that teaches students to “Know the way, go the way, show the way.”

The school will use the AARP grant to expand the program, Fontaine said.

“Dr. Andrus was a champion for all generations who believed, as we do today, that the generations are connected by a strong commitment to values, community and service,” said AARP CEO Bill Novelli.

“These awards not only pay tribute to the legacy of Dr. Andrus, but also underscore our continued intergenerational commitment to recognize and encourage educational achievements in communities throughout the nation. Congratulations to all of the winning schools.”

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Middletown High School Link Crew program
http://www.middletownschools.org/page.cfm?p=5294