May 19, 2004
Director of Media Relations
413/542-8417

AMHERST, Mass.-Three secondary-school teachers who challenged, inspired and moved members of the Class of 2004 will receive the Phebe and Zephaniah Swift Moore Teaching Awards at Amherst College's Senior Class Exercises at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 22, during Commencement Weekend.

The Phebe and Zephaniah Swift Moore Teaching Award recognizes teachers and counselors who have been important in the lives of Amherst students.

The awards this year will go to:

  • Richard Delgado, a chemistry and general science teacher from Vallejo High School in Vallejo, Calif., nominated by Erin Kirkham '04
  • Nydia Benitez-Nee, a counselor at Newburgh Free Academy in Newburgh, N.Y., nominated by Katyuska Eibenstiner '04; and
  • David Taylor, a science teacher at Triton Regional High School in Byfield, Mass., nominated by Jason Cavatorta '04.


This is the eighth year that Amherst has presented the award, which is accompanied by a cash prize. The recipients are chosen by a committee of seniors, faculty and staff from nominations submitted by graduating seniors.

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