NEWPORT, R.I. – A faculty member at U.S. Naval War College (NWC) in Newport, Rhode Island, was presented with an award by the Newport Public Education Foundation, June 19.
Capt. Mark Turner, director of the Naval Staff College, was awarded the 2015 Noreen Stonor Drexel Friend of Education Award for his work with Rogers High School (RHS) in Newport, helping to develop their International Studies Program.
Each week throughout the school year, Turner invited international students from the college to make presentations to students at Rogers in their social studies department.
“This award is nice, but it should really go to the entire [NWC] class who gave their time and energy to give the high school students a look at their own country and culture,” said Turner.
RHS students received presentations by naval officers from Brazil, Lithuania, Singapore, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Egypt, Israel and other nations around the world.
An unexpected benefit from the exchange was the education that the foreign officers received from the high school students, according to Turner.
“The high school students asked very good questions and were curious to get information from the foreign officers,” said Turner. “The foreign officers were very impressed. It was amazing to be part of.”
Coleen Hermes, chair of RHS social studies department, said Turner was a valuable part of the program.
“Capt. Turner gave a lot of effort and time in facilitating the program,” said Hermes. “The students were very excited in participating in the discussion. He became a great role model and mentor in many ways for the students.”