Part 10: Close Up Radio Welcomes Back Education Advocate Maureen Santora

LONG ISLAND CITY, NY - Maureen has dedicated her life to education and Christopher taught for a time as well. Two of her daughters also became teachers. She made one more notable contribution to the education field when she established The Christopher Santora Educational Scholarship Fund in honor of her son.

“He wanted to be a firefighter from the youngest age. So, we decided to honor him in a way that would help other students pursue their dreams too. Children need to hear that nothing should stand in the way of achieving what you wish for.” Over these years, the scholarship fund has endowed about three-quarters of a million dollars at many levels and continues to have influence for high school students.

Maureen is a noted education advocated and a teacher whose career began in 1967 and stopped only a few years ago. There was a small gap while she raised her four children, three of whom went into the education field as well. Maureen believes the first, best, and most constant teacher any child could have is their parent, and that every aspect of life together should center on education—from dinner table debates to family outings.

Maureen has nurtured families, students and other educational professionals, and participated in shaping curriculum, sharing effective methods, and creating the latest programs and policies. She focused on early childhood education (usually grades K to 2). She wishes we could get back to basics, and teaching geared to the most intelligent students. She loves to see parents and teachers thoroughly involved in education, both at home and in the community.

For more information on Maureen’s work or the Christopher Santora Educational Scholarship Fund, please email her, maureensantora@yahoo.com