Taylor Anderson (ALT, Ishinomaki, 2009-11)
The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of NY posthumously awarded Taylor Anderson, US JET who lost her life on 3.11, their Luminary Individual Award at their annual dinner last month (November 2011). The Luminous Individual Award was imparted to Taylor in recognition of furthering the relationship between Japan and the U.S. through her inspirational spirit and heroic sacrifice. A contribution of $50,000 was made to the Taylor Anderson Memorial Fund.
Japanese Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Karino, had a short film (embedded below) made for the event. The film features Taylor and her students’ reflections on her as a teacher as well as a message of thanks from the people of Tohoku in the Ishinomaki area. Taylor’s students are standing in front of a Taylor Anderson Reading Corner (Taylor Bunko) in the film.
All delegates (including JETAA USA CRs) who attended the JETAA International Conference this past October in Tokyo, brought one of their favorite children’s books to donate to the Taylor Anderson Reading Corners in the Ishinomaki schools. JETAA USA, in a show of solidarity for their fellow JET, also donated a small portion ($5000) of the JETAA USA Earthquake Fund to the Taylor Anderson Memorial Fund.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SS-sWdAQsYg&feature=share[/youtube]
