In Warren, LaSaracina's suit sparked a half-hour discussion about the tragedy and a lesson in peace and how youth can have a positive impact on society. They received the suits when the program ended. Those participating in the teachers program came from the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the state Department of Defense, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Overseas educators came from European countries, Australia, Costa Rica, Korea, South Africa and New Zealand. In the U.S., each state's department of education and the District of Columbia chooses one teacher for the annual award.
Islands use a similar method, and teachers from foreign countries apply to their governments.
LaSaracina told her math class the showing was a vote of support. Evil is easy. Destruction is easy. Construction of good things is hard and we want to be in the construction business. Across the Atlantic Ocean, Norwegian teacher Cathrine Sundhaug said she planned to wear her suit yesterday to spread a message of international unity and tolerance.