Vera Ripp Hirschhorn is an educator, educational consultant, workshop presenter for professional development, storyteller for National Public Radio, and award-winning author of five books and poetry, including poems chosen by the Poets of the Palm Beaches and the National League of American Pen Women. In 1995, Hirschhorn introduced her original Hero Activities to students in Palm Beach County schools with an emphasis on self-respect and respect for diversity and safe environments in schools and community. She originated the Daniel and Judith Ripp "Spirit of Heroes" Award, a multimedia competition to teach tolerance and understanding in memory of her beloved parents, heroic survivors. In 1999, as her response to the Columbine High School tragedies, she created the America's Young Heroes arts programs, curriculum and educational resources for grades 6-university level to promote kindness, prevent bullying and hatred, and help students increase self-esteem while improving character, reading, writing, and problem-solving skills. For this, Vera received congratulatory accolades from former U.S. Congressman Ted Deutch and the 111th and 112th U.S. Congress, which were recorded in the Congressional Records. She won the Florida Publishers Association President's Award for the Best Young Adult Non-Fiction Book. One of her fondest memories has been to receive awards from the National League of American Pen Women at national and state levels. Vera lives in South Florida with her husband.