Meet Anthony Petrelis

You may recognize the last name as I had blogged about his wife earlier this year but I would like to introduce you all to Anthony Petrelis. A beloved teacher at the McGlynn Elementary School in Medford, MA, Anthony received the 2014-2015 Milken Educator Award for his exemplary work within the school system. Aside from being a 5th grade teacher, Anthony is also a member of the School Council, Teacher Assistance Team, an instructor for the MCAS Prep After-School Program, a summer camp counselor and an assistant head varsity football coach of his high school alma mater, Arlington Catholic. To me, Anthony is a role model, a true leader, someone I look to for advice, and most importantly, a friend.

In his seven years in education, Anthony has taught both 4th and 5th grade. He challenges his students to better themselves every day and be good citizens in their community. Every year his classes organize a Thanksgiving food drive that produces over sixty baskets of food for families in need. This past January, Anthony was recognized by the Boston Celtics as a “Hero Amongst Us,” an award given to a member of the Massachusetts Community for going above and beyond the call of duty. He couldn't deserve it more!

Anthony's enthusiasm for teaching, coaching, and inspiring our world's future leaders has escalated with his latest endeavor. He has taken on becoming a Lowell Milken Center (LMC) Fellow, joining a group of exemplary educators in Fort Scott, Kansas, to learn how LMC defines an “Unsung Hero” and applies this concept to project-based learning. Before that kicks off, he will be honoring another unsung hero: Heemo, a boy from his school who passed away a couple of years ago from cancer. Anthony truly believes Heemo defines what an unsung hero is; he was well loved by his peers, teachers and their school community. Heemo would have been a 5th grader, possibly in Anthony’s own class this year.

In honor of Heemo and the many students facing similar health challenges across the globe, Anthony is participating in the 5th Annual Buzz-Off on June 7, which takes place at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The event raises money for children with cancer by encouraging people to sponsor individuals willing to shave their heads for the cause. Anthony finds that children battling cancer do not have a choice about being bald and at times they feel insecure about it. The Buzz-Off event communicates to these children that they are not alone and we are here with them every step of the way. Money raised through the event will fund vital programs and services that lift the spirits of patients and their families, help the healing and recovery process, and make life more livable during treatment and hospitalization. To make a tax-deductible donation to this critical cause, please visit Anthony's donation page.

Show your support and take a little inspiration from Anthony in helping these children by devouring the details of this amazing cause! Please donate today!