Author Terry Lee Marzell received a Certificate of Recognition from the California State Legislature on May 9, 2019. The certificate, which was presented to her by Assemblyman Phillip Chen (District 55), was to honor Terry for her leadership and service. “We appreciate the vital role you play in the 55th Assembly District,” reads the certificate. “Thank you for your dedicated commitment and great contributions to our community.”

Terry earned the honor, in part, for her work towards recognizing and celebrating great teachers through her published books, her website, her daily blog, and her public speaking events. Terry is, herself, a retired teacher with a total of 36 years in the classroom. She continues to serve her profession as the Co-President of Division 80 of the California Retired Teachers Association, and she edits their monthly newsletter. She has served on the organization’s Scholarship Committee, assisting with fundraising events, conducting interviews for prospective scholarship winners, and presenting the awards. She has also returned to her former school of employment each year to conduct exit interviews for graduating seniors. In March, 2019, Terry was inducted into the Kappa Beta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, an organization that promotes the professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.

In addition, Terry serves as an adult literacy tutor at her community library, and she has done volunteer work at her local no-kill pet shelter. Terry is an active member of an area political club, and she has worked with the County of San Bernardino to assist with the running of her neighborhood’s polling place.

“I was really surprised to receive this honor,” says Terry. “And I am very grateful to have my work on recognizing and celebrating great teachers recognized.”