Vera Hirschhorn
Ms. Vera Hirschhorn has been in education for over thirty years as a teacher, professional developer at annual teachers’ conferences in New Jersey and Florida, consultant (Gifted/Talented Convocations; Channel 9 WOR-TV; Speaking of Schools; N.J.E.A. Radio - thirty eight stations & Children’s Creativity Day), publisher/editor: The Kids’ Press; writer (Newspaper in Education Supplements for the Sun Sentinel, Palm Beach Post; Recovery Today; Florida Mock Election Project, Department of State; America’s Young Heroes Textbook and Journal Series.)
Since 1995, Ms. Hirschhorn introduced her original Hero Activities to students in Palm Beach County schools with an emphasis on self-respect and respect for diversity for safe environments in the school and community. She originated the Daniel and Judith Ripp "Spirit of Heroes" Award: A multimedia competition to Teach Tolerance and Understanding in memory of her beloved parents, heroic survivors.
In 1999, as her response to the Columbine High School tragedies, Ms. Hirschhorn created the Celebration of America’s Young Heroes Month & Contests to help students increase self-esteem while improving character, reading, writing and problem-solving skills.
One of her fondest memories has been to receive awards from the Florida State Association of the NLAPW for her America’s Young Heroes anthologies I and II of award winning poetry, essays and art by and for teens, in 2001 and 2003 respectively.
Vera Ripp Hirschhorn is available for television, radio and press interviews to talk about Teens Are Heroes, Too! and the America’s Young Heroes essay, poetry, art, music and film contest. She can be reached at (561) 241-1169 or email
Press/review copies of Teens Are Heroes, Too! can be requested by contacting Ms. Hirschhorn.