14 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine ACADEMIA, EDUCATION AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CO-FOUNDER, VICE PRINCIPAL, OUTREACH DIRECTOR Winchester School of Chinese Culture Winchester, MA When her sons were old enough, Jennifer Zhang-Mckenna wanted them to learn Chinese, but she lacked the right environment to support it. Disappointed by local Chinese schools that relied on curricula she felt did not align with her values or modern teaching methods, she and two other mothers started their own. More than 20 years later, the Winchester School of Chinese Culture offers Chinese and bilingual courses, as well as extracurricular courses in subjects such as mathematics, painting, chess and fencing. Currently serving as vice principal and outreach director, Ms. ZhangMckenna previously served as principal. Under Ms. Zhang-Mckenna’s leadership, the school’s after-school program has grown from about 10 students to 200, with locations in multiple towns. The Sunday program has also expanded from 30 students to 700. Students regularly achieve high scores on the AP Chinese exam as early as ninth or 10th grade, a source of great pride. A committed community member, she also volunteers at the Winchester Senior Center, helping make programs more accessible to Chinese American seniors. She is dedicated to creating a strong sense of community and belonging among the Chinese community in her city. JENNIFER ZHANG-MCKENNA AUTHOR, TEACHER Hillsborough County Public Schools Tampa, FL WILLIAM “BILL” SEFEKAR Few educators can say they have taught every grade and subject, but William “Bill” Sefekar has – all while incorporating guitars, books and other elements into his lessons. However, this is only the start of Mr. Sefekar’s creativity, which extends to producing original songs, a popular YouTube channel and his third forthcoming book. Through “It Worked 4 Me,” Mr. Sefekar aims to offer insights into his life and the driving forces that have shaped his personal and professional journey. The book follows “American Dreamer: A Look into the Life of My Father, Joe Baby,” written after his father’s 2014 passing. Mr. Sefekar worked meticulously to compile his father’s legacy, and the book serves as a heartfelt tribute to him. Mr. Sefekar’s first book, “Light: Courage and Hope,” recounts the inspiring stories of the 10 nations that played a crucial role in saving the Jewish people during the Holocaust. As a Holocaust survivor himself, the book garnered significant attention, leading to a reception at the Israeli embassy in Washington, DC. Additionally, he maintains a strong rapport with former students through his YouTube channel, featuring 60 broadcasts and 130 musical recordings.
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