VPP Ready for Work In-School Director Sterlind Burke Honored by Maryland State Education Association

We are so proud that VPP Ready for Work In-School Director Sterlind Burke recently received the Maryland State Education Association (MSEA) Minority Recognition Award, in the Leadership category. The award was presented to him at their Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on January 18.

Sterlind was nominated for this prestigious award by Ms. Ayana English-Brown, a business and finance teacher at Suitland High School. The Minority Recognition Awards were established by MSEA to “honor the outstanding achievements of minorities from across the state of Maryland.”

The Leadership Award is given to someone who “shows outstanding contributions on a sustained basis rather than only those performed in a single exceptional service deed.” Sterlind was joined by about 20 members of his family and delivered an acceptance address. In his remarks, Sterlind described himself as “a dream realized” – the 7th of 11 children whose parents left school before high school to support their families. Sterlind honored the educators that guided him throughout his life and his family for always being there for him. In closing, Sterlind encouraged his fellow educators to continue their work and be intentional about seeking to change the life of one young person each day – a commitment we celebrate and echo.

VPP is delighted that Sterlind received this very deserving recognition for his leadership and deep commitment to improving the lives of young people in Prince George’s County, MD.

VPP’s Ready for Work initiative is a cross-sector collaboration with Prince George’s County government, Prince George’s County Public Schools, business, philanthropy and nonprofits to ensure that young people in Prince George’s County, MD graduate high school with the knowledge, skills and resources to be ready for careers and college.