Firemen’s Association Names Brewster Educator ‘Teacher of the Year’

Brewster’s own teacher of the year was greeted with camera flashes, hugs and laughs Thursday morning at a ceremony honoring her achievement.

C.V. Starr Intermediate School health educator Daria M. Pascale is the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York’s 2011 Teacher of the Year. The award, which goes to one teacher in the state annually, follows the written praise of Principal Frank Zamperlin and Brewster Athletic Director Lance Pliego.

Pascale’s passion for fire prevention and safety comes from an experience with a student. More than a decade ago one of her young pupils was badly burnt after a friend threw a match toward a can of gasoline. The youngster suffered severe scarring and her experience motivated Pascale to educate kids and their families of the dangers of fire and the importance of being prepared.

Before the ceremony came to a close Thursday, she reminded her students of an important strategy: Think before you act.