The Stern Center for Language and Learning presented this year’s 2015 Above and Beyond Award for Excellence in Educational Collaboration and Innovation to Burlington resident, Gene Richards III. Richards was given the award following his delivery of the keynote address during the Stern Center Annual Board Meeting held in Williston on Tuesday, October 6. Each year the award is presented to an organization or individual in the community who demonstrates an exceptional amount of support and commitment to the Stern Center mission not only through their words, but more importantly, through their actions.
Richards, Director of Aviation at the Burlington International Airport and successful entrepreneur, is a longstanding humanitarian. He was honored by the Stern Center for his commitment to learning through his inspired guidance, his generosity of wisdom, and his huge heart. Upon visiting the Stern Center’s Williston location, patrons can see a plaque in the waiting room inscribed with a similar message, honoring the man who has striven to make the Stern Center’s goals reality. He was a member of the Stern Center Board of Directors for nine years, two as chair, and for the past five years, has been a member of the Honorary Board. Over the years, Richards has clearly shown his passion and devotion to community and family. The Stern Center cannot thank Gene Richards enough for the contributions he has made towards distinguishing the Stern Center for Language and Learning, now and long into the future, as an educational leader. The Stern Center for Language and Learning is a nonprofit dedicated to enriching the lives of learners because all great minds don’t think alike. Since 1983, we have worked with children and adults to help them reach their academic, social and professional goals. We provide research-based learning evaluations and customized instruction, including those with learning disabilities, dyslexia, language disorders, social learning challenges, autism, attention deficit disorders and learning differences. We design and deliver customized professional learning programs and system development using current research and trends in education. Through the Cynthia K. Hoehl Institute, we work with schools and individual educators in early literacy, oral language, reading, written language, social cognition, executive functioning and math. We have offices in Williston, VT and West Lebanon, NH. Scholarships are available.