Retired Four Star General Commends Teachers for International Education
Originally published by WOWK
Retired Four Star General Commends Teachers for International Education
Posted 11/14/2005 10:36 PM
Wesley Clark in Charleston for Cyrus Vance Awards
Story by Nicole Ward
Retired four star general Wesley Clark was in Charleston Monday night, as two teachers won the Cyrus Vance award.
"I want to congratulate all of the nominees for what you're doing for international education and international understanding here in West Virginia, said Clark.
The Vance award is meant to honor teachers who have already placed an emphasis on teaching students about the world around them. It's named after Clarksburg native Cyrus Vance who served in a diplomatic role under three presidents.
Clark Egnor, the Executive Director for the Center for International Programs at Marshall University is one of this year's winners. He says, "In the past I don't think international education has played such a significant role but it's obvious that it needs to play a much bigger role."
Mary Jane Williams teaches at Richwood High School. She's this year's other winner.
"You actually get out and experience the culture and experience the food. We have a system where I can broadcast to Nicholas County High School."
Williams teaches not only how to speak in Spanish, but also what it means to be Spanish.
General Clark believes to be a strong presence in the world means to understand all the parts of it. He thinks the right time to start teaching international relations is ... "Early, early early. I think you have teach children about the world around them."
He closed his speech by giving a stern warning that if we don't get young people engaged in international relations now -- our future is not going to be very secure.
