The Knack Award
Awarded to someone who empowers others or maintains something that benefits others, but whose ability and hard work may be unacknowledged.

Millie Rodriguez, RECIPIENT OF THE 2006 KNACK AWARD

NOMINATOR'S STATEMENT
Millie Rodriguez is a New York City Public School teacher who has spent the last eighteen years working hard to give children the information and tools they need for a better life. Millie was born in the Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn. Growing up she was determined not to be looked down upon or judged unfairly because she lived in an underprivileged neighborhood. She worked hard, studied, and eventually acquiring the knowledge and skills she needed. Millie was determined to share all of what she had learned within communities in New York that she felt needed a better vision of themselves.

Millie had originally begun her professional life as a successful graphic designer, but found the work ultimately unrewarding and decided to dedicate her life to teaching. Millie has a magical rapport with her students and has worked steadfastly to ensure that each of them leaves her class a stronger and more capable person. In addition, Millie channeled her love of reading into becoming a reader to children and adult groups. Because of her very popular reading program Millie was rewarded with the position of school librarian. She used her additional expertise to develop innovative programs that assisted children with reading comprehension and appreciation of reading as a part of life.

Millie's ample energies are spent on improving the lives of her students and not on looking for any acknowledgment or reward for her efforts beyond her deep satisfaction of knowing she has helped her students to grow. Her selfless hard work, and her great contribution to generations of students, makes Millie a perfect candidate for the Knack Award.

2008 The Knack Award Recipient

2007 The Knack Award Recipient

2005 The Knack Award Recipient

2004 The Knack Award Recipient