Sherry Unger 1949-2002
Sherry Unger, a long-time MSSA Fellow and friend of service-learning, passed away on June 22, 2002.
During the 2001-2002 school year, Sherry had been promoted from being a teacher and service-learning coordinator at her school, Bladensburg High School, to being Prince George's County's service-learning coordinator. While at Bladensburg, Sherry also served as the advisor for the Senior Class, the Student Government Association, and S.A.D.D./S.H.O.P. She was named the 1990 Outstanding Educator in Prince George's County, the 1999 Prince George's County Volunteer of the Year, the 2000 Athletic Director of the Year for District III, and was a finalist for the 2001 NFL Teacher of the Year. She was recently inducted into the College Park Rotary Club. Sherry was born in Eastchester, New York in 1949. She graduated from the University of Maryland College Park, and earned a Master's Degree in Administration and Supervision at Bowie State College.
Sherry's enthusiasm for engaging students in meaningful service to their communities was infectious, and she launched exciting new initiatives in her county to strengthen their service-learning program. A few days before her death, she took two students to an event at the White House to be featured speakers about their service-learning experiences -- she was very excited to attend the event as well. Sherry was tireless, with seemingly boundless energy to identify and support service projects in her community. She regularly inspired young people and peers to become engaged, caring members of the community. Her impact was tremendous, and we will all miss her every ready laugh, warmth and compassion.
As of July 2002, our monthly featured projects award will be known as the "The Sherry Unger Award" to honor Sherry, and to reward service-learning projects which reflect her excellence and commitment to serving humanity.