Second living legacy decade: Looking forward into time

The year 2002-2003 represents an AMS scholarship landmark, as we commence the 2 decade of recognition of Living Legacies, acknowledging honorees' exemplary achievements that have "significant impact on children and families in American Montessori Society schools" and widening the scope of AMS scholarship contributors.

With permission of the nominee, those who wish to serve on a Solicitation Committee may propose the name of a Living Legacy candidate. Living Legacy Guidelines and Applications may be obtained from the New York office. Nominations are welcomed at any time. The AMS Living Legacy Honoree is selected annually by the Scholarship Committee and approved by the board of directors. Contributions honoring the Living Legacy are encouraged beyond the Living Legacy year.

2002-2003 Living Legacy Honoree: Sr. Anne McCarrick, Columbus, OH

It is in the spirit of honor and service that Sr. Anne McCarrick, SNDN, initiates the second decade of honorees and is recognized as the 2002-2003 American Montessori Society Living Legacy.

Sr. Anne's commitment to service began at the cusp of adulthood when, at 18, she joined the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Her longing was to serve God by helping those in need. In the 1950s her wish became reality when she began her teaching career at a parochial school, followed by a short period of additional parochial assignments. In the early 1960s, while attending a conference for teachers of primary-aged children, she discovered two books on Montessori education. This college library experience gave birth to her lifelong commitment to Montessori education.

AMS credentialing procedures have evolved dramatically since 1965, when Sr. Anne was granted the Early Childhood credential. She recognizes a group of distinguished Montessorians as her "tutors," who assisted her in earning her credential: Nancy McCormick Rambusch, John McDermott, Ronald Koegler, John Blessington, and others, including Srs. Mary Motz, Agnes Julia Cluxton, Mary Ellen Carinato, Jane Bunker, and Ann Yankovich. "We all stand on the shoulders of others" is a common refrain of our distinguished Living Legacy.

During her studies of Montessori early childhood and elementary education, Sr. Anne completed one of her many achievements, editing the first edition of Montessori Matters, prepared originally as a guide for Montessori early childhood teacher education for the Sisters of Notre Dame.

In 1968 Sr. Anne founded the first Montessori early childhood class for 3- to 6-year-olds at St. Joseph Academy, formerly an all-girls school in Columbus, OH. In so doing, she conveyed her strong conviction that Montessori education requires us to believe. Her faith in belief brought with it a sense of confidence almost unknown to parents in the Columbus community. Sr. Anne proved herself to be a subtle and prophetic leader. As the early childhood program showed signs of growth, she envisioned the continuation of Montessori education through the elementary years. Her pioneering spirit, plus parent support and encouragement, formed her vision of St. Joseph's expansion, leading to her 1973-74 studies in Bergamo, Italy, and an AMI Elementary Credential. It was her goal to use her original resource albums as the foundation for a Montessori elementary teacher education program in the United States. Columbus Montessori Center/COMET, an AMS-affiliated, elementary teacher education program, was founded in 1976; by 1981 COMET was graduating AMS teachers at both 6-9 and 6-12 levels.

Her creative nature and a deep, abiding need to serve have inspired our Living Legacy. Her service to AMS includes membership on the board of directors, the teacher education committee, and the TEC elementary curriculum committee. She has served in leadership capacities for numerous AMS teacher education programs, as consultant and as accreditation on-site visitor. Sr. Anne is respected for her many workshops and presentations to both public and private school teachers. Her heart and soul have been shared in her commitment to Montessori children, families, and teachers. She continues to educate and inspire adults and children by reminding us that Montessori education does require us to believe.

Fund History

2001-2002 Grants and Contributions

* $1,200 distributed to 8 recipients (May 15)

June 30, 2002:

* $29,621 Scholarship Fund Balance

* $41,544 ($12, 000 restricted, an increase of $2,000 over last year)

* $6,739 Silent Auction proceeds

* $8,649 Scholarship Fund Contributions, 182 donors (32% increase over 2001)

The AMS Teacher Education Scholarship fund, proposed by Dottie Sweet Feldman in memory of her father, was approved by the AMS board in 1988. With the passing of Feldman's mother in 2002, this year's scholarship application will include an additional dedication. The fund has assisted more than 100 recipients with almost $150,000. Open to applicants enrolled in AMS teacher education programs, the fund continues to be secure. As a result of AMS board restructuring, the Committee will assume full responsibility for the Silent Auction beginning in fall 2003, under the leadership of board member Pamela Zirko. This added responsibility creates a need for additional volunteers and further strengthens this aspect of the Committee's work. Feldman continues to administer the fund with support from Zirko and two Columbus, OH, community members, Cathryn Chellis and attorney Luisa Stefanelli. Cathryn has been a valued volunteer since 1993 and Luisa, since 2000.