Sharon Education Foundation Names Vigorito 2012 Flaxer Award Winner

physical education teacher Tim Vigorito's enthusiasm for space and other topics has helped land him on top of the Sharon Education Foundation's world.

The foundation will present its 2012 Lee Flaxer Award to Vigorito during the nonprofit organization's Sept. 20 annual opening reception, foundation officials said today in a press release.

Named for the former Heights principal, the award goes "to an individual who has had an impact on the lives of children through dedication and personal involvement," the press release states.

"Mr. Vigorito has been a dedicated teacher and curriculum coordinator in Sharon for 14 years. As the physical education teacher at Heights, he has spearheaded AIDS education and awareness training, mentored inner city students brought to Sharon through the METCO program and consulted with parents and administrators throughout the renovation of two elementary school playgrounds," foundation officials wrote.

"Beyond this remarkable work though, Tim has provided a unique and exciting opportunity for the students in Sharon unlike any other offered to elementary school students throughout the U.S. In 2007, 'Mr. V' created a program dubbed Space Camp as part of the indoor recess program at Heights, which was beyond all parent expectations. Within his program students see another purpose to gym – that of relating physical experience to exploration of space. Over the years, Space Camp has grown, and Mr. V's program has become a model that Lockheed Martin promotes in their company newsletter."

This winter, Sharon third, fourth and fifth-graders were part of in Mission X: Train Like An Astronaut, a six-week, international fitness and nutrition challenge, thanks to Vigorito, who also is the Sharon Public Schools health and wellness facilitator.

Former received the 2011 Flaxer award.

Foundation officials are asking anyone wishing to make a donation in Vigorito's honor to make a check payable to Sharon Education Foundation and mail to PO Box 470, Sharon, MA 02067 or visit www.sharonedfound.org.