Cerrone is being recognized for partnering with Cablevision, the Independent Film Channel, and the borough president to offer students the opportunity to create a film about the borough called “Recapturing Glory.”
The film documents the rise and fall of William H. Taft High School and the surrounding Bronx community, and the new emergence of the schools like Jonathan Levin High School, which is housed in the old Taft building.
Cerrone was chosen as one of the 10 national winners selected from a pool of 44 finalist applications.
“The success represents the possibilities that can be accomplished from the collaboration and commitment of different, yet like-minded groups that support new and diverse ways of learning,” Cerrone said.
Cerrone said representatives from Cablevision and Cable in the Classroom showered the film with praise, and that he was surprised by the response.
“Cablevision congratulates Don Cerrone for being named as a Cable’s Leaders in Learning Award honoree and for his extraordinary contribution to education at the Jonathan Levin School in the Bronx,” said Trent Anderson, vice president of education for Cablevision. “We enjoy an ongoing relationship with Mr. Cerrone as part of Power to Learn, Cablevision’s signature education initiative.”
Cablevision and Cable in the Classroom, the cable industry’s education foundation, present the awards annually in order to recognize outstanding educators, administrators, and other community leaders at the forefront of innovation in education.
“This year’s winners have exhibited an impressive ability to expand the classroom and educational opportunities for students around the country and the world,” said Doug Levin, senior education policy director for Cable in the Classroom. “Cable in the Classroom and the entire Cable industry are inspired and honored to be supporting these educators and community leaders as they work to provide a first-class education.”
Cerrone and the other Cable’s Leaders in Learning Award honorees will be in Washington D.C., June 16-19, to attend a gala awards ceremony, learn from fellow awardees and meet with members of Congress. Honorees also receive $3,000 from Cable in the Classroom.
Cerrone thanked the students at Levin, who made it all possible.
“The true reward that comes from this endeavor must go primarily to our students,” Cerrone stated. “They accomplished a monstrous task and above all, this award belongs to them. Watching their confidence and self-esteem soar, their technology skills improve and expand, and their critical thinking and creative abilities blossom is truly the reward for all of us.”
