East Ridge High Teacher William Lee Fouraker to Be Honored with “You Make a Difference” Award

William Lee Fouraker Honored with 2025 Mary Biggs Knauer “You Make a Difference” Award by KinderVision Foundation

CLERMONT, FL — The KinderVision Foundation has announced that William Lee Fouraker, a dedicated CTE instructor specializing in Television Production at East Ridge High School, will receive the esteemed 2025 Mary Biggs Knauer “You Make a Difference” Award. This recognition designates Fouraker as KinderVision’s Teacher of the Year for 2025, honoring his significant contributions to the organization’s mission of empowering adolescents to lead safe and fulfilling lives.

Nancy Sebastian, CEO of the KinderVision Foundation, emphasized the importance of Fouraker’s role within the organization. “This award recognizes the educator of the KinderVision Teen PSA Program who most embodies our goal of empowering teens. Lee has been an unwavering supporter since the program’s inception. His students have produced impactful materials for our video library, which is utilized nationwide by high schools to address crucial teen issues. His commitment to both personal well-being and professional excellence among his students is commendable,” she stated.

Since 2016, Fouraker’s students have actively participated in KinderVision’s Teen Safety Public Service Announcement (PSA) contest, a platform that encourages high school students to engage with and discuss critical societal issues. “It’s a fantastic program for high school students,” Fouraker remarked. “It allows them to collaborate meaningfully and express their views on current issues. This initiative also provides an excellent opportunity for students to hone their video production skills while creating impactful content.”

The Teen PSA Program is a vital initiative that educates and engages youth through the creation of video messages crafted by teens for their peers. By producing concise 30-second PSAs focused on personal safety, participants not only enhance their leadership and communication skills but also elevate safety awareness within their communities. These student-generated messages are widely disseminated via social media platforms and other outreach efforts, facilitating access to a continually updated library that serves youth-oriented organizations across the nation.

Founded on the principles of peer-to-peer education, the KinderVision Foundation stands as a national nonprofit organization committed to preventing victimization among children and teens. Through programs like the Teen PSA initiative, KinderVision empowers the next generation by providing them with the tools to articulate their concerns and advocate for their safety.

William Lee Fouraker’s recognition shines a light not only on his individual contributions but also on the importance of cultivating safe environments for youth, ultimately fostering a culture of awareness and proactive engagement in addressing contemporary challenges faced by teens today.