Congratulations to Deborah Carlino, 5th Grade Teacher and the First Recipient of the Barbara Henry Award

Deborah Carlino with Brian Buckley, founder of the Barbara Henry Courage in Teaching Award.

Meet Mrs. Carlino

In 2017, while teaching about Ruby Bridges entering a desegregated school with federal marshals in New Orleans in 1960, a 5th grade student named Madeline Popielak raised her hand. Mrs. Carlino called on her. "Why isn't there a special day honoring Ruby Bridges and her bravery as a first-grader?"

Brian and Deborah's student, Maddie. Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day was Maddie's idea.

Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day

Deborah Carlino took the question to heart. And with the help of future classes, she along with her students reached out to the South San Francisco School Board, South San Francisco City Council, the California State Legislature and the Governor of California. They all agreed. A 2021 resolution sponsored by California State Senator Josh Becker, the Golden State has made things official with the state senate designating November 17, 2021, as the first statewide observance of Ruby Bridges Day.

Deborah with Tim Condon, the head of AAA Northern California.

Furthermore, in 2022, more than 325,00 students in 47 states across the country participated in Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day on November 14, the date that Bridges first entered William Frantz Elementary School in the company of U.S. marshals.

Deborah Carlino with her husband.

Our First Award Recipient

The inaugural Barbara Henry Courage in Teaching Award was awarded in 2022 to Elementary School teacher Deborah Carlino of the Martin Elementary School in South San Francisco. Deborah was nominated for the award because of her dedication to her students and her determination to uphold a legacy of justice. ​​

Congratulations Deborah!

— The Board of Trustees of the Barbara Henry Courage in Teaching Award