Chaparral teacher wins Milken Award

Friday, Oct. 19, 2001 | 8:50 a.m.

A love of literature and writing -- and most of all students -- is what it takes to be a great English teacher, says Ruth Litterini, a Chaparral High School English teacher for the past 20 years.

Although Litterini never expected it, her formula for success landed her the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award of $25,000 this week.

Litterini said she will use the money to pay off a credit card bill she rang up while taking a cruise last summer.

But once the bill is paid, Litterini plans to take another trip -- maybe to Hawaii this time -- with her husband.

She said she will invest the rest.

Litterini was one of 120 Milken Award recipients in 44 states this year and will go on to a national educator's conference this summer. This year alone, cash prizes that accompanied the award totaled about $3 million.

Litterini began her teaching career in Illinois, where she worked for seven years before coming to Clark County.

She has worked at Chaparral the entire time.

"I really feel like I'm part of the family here," Litterini said. "I never wanted to go anywhere else. We have a great school and great kids."

Assistant Principal Terri Corrado said Litterini works extremely hard and is well-deserving of the prestigious award.

"She goes well above and beyond the call of duty," Corrado said.

Litterini, who chairs the English Department at Chaparral, also coaches the forensics team. She also serves on numerous high school task forces and committees.

Litterini received her bachelor's degree from Trinity College in Illinois and her master's from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Additionally, she earned 32 credits beyond her master's from Brigham Young University.