‘Look for the helpers:’ Two recognized by Fred Rogers Institute
Courtesy of Fred Rogers Productions
Fred Rogers appears on the set of his long-running PBS television series for children, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.
Courtesy of Fred Rogers Institute
Courtesy of Fred Rogers Institute
Lisa Thompson
Courtesy of John Storey Jr.
Courtesy of John Storey Jr.
John Storey Jr.
For their compassionate and caring treatment of children, two area residents are among 14 nationwide to be recognized as Fred Rogers Institute Helpers.
John Storey Jr., deputy fire chief of the North Strabane Township Fire Department, and Lisa Thompson, paraprofessional in the Bethel Park School District, were selected from nearly 140 nominations from around the world.
Dana Winters, executive director of the Fred Rogers Institute at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, said the awards were launched this year in conjunction with the institute’s 20th anniversary. The institute opened in 2003, shortly after the death of its namesake, the creator of the long-running Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood PBS television series for children.
“‘Look for the helpers’ was a longtime saying that he actually got from his mom,” Winters said of Fred Rogers. “His mother told him when he was afraid to look for the helpers because you’ll always find people helping. The people that are holding up our families and our children and are part of strong communities were the heroes to Fred Rogers. So, we thought what better way to honor Fred than to honor the people who were heroes to him.”
Winters is traveling around the country to personally recognize each of the recipients, who will be given, or have already received, a handmade, stained-glass, one-of-a-kind award featuring the outline of three people with red hearts. It also comes on a wooden stand with a plaque.
“We decided to honor each of the recipients in their home communities,” she said. “We wanted them to be able to celebrate with the people that mean the most to them. This is a wonderful way to celebrate the legacy of Fred Rogers by celebrating those who make a difference.”
Storey, who currently lives in Hempfield Township (Westmoreland County), has served as a firefighter for 19 years, joining the North Strabane department in January.
“It’s extremely humbling,” Storey said. “Looking through the list of awardees, I am grateful just to be mentioned in the same breath with them, let alone being linked with Mister Rogers, whom I grew up learning from and admiring. You don’t always understand how much you’re affecting people’s lives, simply by just doing the right thing. I’m just fortunate that the people who mentored me put me on that path.”
Storey carries stuffed animals in his vehicle to give to children involved in a fire or an accident to help them feel less frightened. He also tries to follow up with families when he can to check on their recovery and well-being. He also has organized fire prevention nights and visits elementary schools and preschools to educate children on fire safety.
“That’s the best way to start ingraining the aspect of fire safety,” Storey said. “If we can ingrain and build that foundation of fire and life safety, I think is important. The more we can have exposure to the young people within the community, the more we might be able to entice them to come and continue the effort.”
Thompson, of Bethel Park, a paraprofessional at Independence Middle School, was touched not only by the award, but by her nomination submitted by Dr. David Muench, director of student services for Bethel Park School District.
“I was very honored,” Thompson said. “I’m a person who likes to do things without any recognition. It shocked me that someone saw me that way. Humbling and very honoring are the words to describe how I felt.”
Thompson has been with the district for 11 years and frequently works with students with autism, assisting with everything from personal hygiene needs to academics to teaching basic life skills.
She was recognized for going above and beyond in her service to others in her personal and professional life. The mother of five and grandmother of two also supports youth organizations and neighbors in need.
“I’ve always loved working with kids. That’s been my passion,” Thompson said. “I get to be a mom in school. Exactly what I would do with my own kids, I do with other people’s kids. Every kid has needs. Are some needs more demanding than others? Sure, but every student is on that struggle bus at some times. We have a whole team of people that get to love on kids every day.”
Thompson will be recognized at a ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday at Independence Middle School.