Rancho del Rey teacher-librarian named Horace Mann-Lincoln Fellow

Abraham Lincoln has been acknowledged as one of the greatest presidents in the history of our nation. Today, the values and work of Abraham Lincoln continue to inspire many, including Rancho del Rey Middle School teacher-librarian Alejandro Picazo, who was recently named as a 2012 Horace Mann-Abraham Lincoln Fellow.

Since 2006, Horace Mann Insurance Company, a sponsor of the Lincoln Library in Springfield, IL, has also sponsored the Horace Mann–Abraham Lincoln Fellowship. The fellowship selects 50 educators from around the U.S. to travel to Springfield, IL over the summer.

Fellows spend a week of their summer walking in Abe’s footsteps by touring various historical sites in Illinois, including the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Lincoln’s home, Lincoln’s tomb and the Old State Capitol State Historic Site.

“This is an amazing opportunity and I am truly honored,” said Picazo. “I look forward to coming back from this experience and sharing some very valuable information with my colleagues at Rancho del Rey Middle.”

Board President Pearl Quiñones believes that these types of opportunities are important for educators in the Sweet-water District.

“Giving teachers hands-on professional development experiences such as this are invaluable,” said Quiñones. “We are grateful for companies such as Horace Mann Insurance who realize the importance of giving teachers these types of opportunities.”