Each spring brings a flurry of energy and excitement. At Citizen Schools, we host our Spring WOW! Celebrations, the culmination of another successful year of programming and celebration of the hard work of our students. We congratulate yet another graduating class of our hard working AmeriCorps Fellows. There is also the palpable buzz and youthful excitement within any educational environment—whether in schools, at home due to COVID-19, or both!—that grows with each passing day that brings into the recent Summer Solstice.

Building on this energy, we take a moment to reflect on the last year and celebrate the work of our dedicated staff and AmeriCorps service members with three key awards: The Eric Schwarz Leadership Award, Sherif Nada Legacy Award, and Tulaine Montgomery Village Builder Award. And this has been an exceptional year!

We are excited to announce the 2021 Citizen Schools Staff & Service Member Awards winners! These awards honor the hard work and dedication of our team over the last year. This important tradition builds on our values of confidence, curiosity, DEI, perseverance, and teamwork - and gives us an excellent opportunity to celebrate the great work of our peers.

Eric Schwarz Leadership Award

This was established by Citizen Schools National Board of Directors to recognize Eric’s 20 years of service as a visionary founder, compassionate entrepreneur, and respected leader. It is presented annually to two Teaching Fellows and two Maker Fellows at the completion of their second year to recognize and honor outstanding leadership skills and entrepreneurial vision for life after service while exemplifying all Citizen Schools’ values of Confidence, Curiosity, DEI, Perseverance, and Teamwork.

Sherif Nada Legacy Award

Sherif Nada served as the chair of Citizen Schools’ National Board from 2001–2006. The Sherif Nada Legacy Award is presented annually to one staff member to recognize and honor exemplary leadership in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion with clear positive impacts in areas as a result of these efforts. 

Tulaine Montgomery Village Builder Award

This award is given annually to members of the Citizen Schools community who—in the spirit of founding staff member Tulaine Shabazz Marshall Montgomery—demonstrate exceptional village building, acting as a bridge or connector for staff, students, and the community.

Visit our Awards page to learn more about the 2021 winners, previous years’ winners, and the awards themselves.