2012 Walk: Day 17

Though I only walked for a few hours from Boca to Del Ray Beach yesterday, I sure did a lot of traveling! After walking for the morning, I jumped on a plane and flew to New York City to receive the Lewis Hine Award for Service to Children and Youth from the National Child Labor Committee. It was amazing to meet people from across the country who are working to make the United States a better, safer place for children, and it was a true honor to be recognized as one of their peers. I was especially excited to connect with Marsha Glines, Boca resident and Dean at Lynn University, and have the opportunity to talk with her about forming a partnership to educate children with special needs about how to stay safe. Such a surreal, EXCITING day, and I haven’t even finished telling you about it!

Yesterday was also the day I received my very own finished copy of the Safer, Smarter Kids sexual abuse prevention curriculum! The materials are being shipped out to every public school kindergarten teacher and elementary school guidance counselor in the state of Florida this week, and I am beside myself. Opening the box containing the curriculum was like nothing I have ever experienced before. I am so unbelievably excited and proud!!!! Wonderful fuel for today’s 25 mile trek up the Treasure Coast!

– Lauren