Several outstanding local teachers will be recognized during Educator Appreciation Day at Penn State football’s regular season finale against Maryland on Saturday.
Educators from Saint Joseph’s Catholic Academy, Centre Learning Community Charter School, State College Area School District and Penns Valley Area School District, as well as South Butler Area School District will be honored ‘for the dedication and service they have shown to their local community,’ according to a Penn State Athletics news release. Nominations were made by students, parents and colleagues.
The game kicks off at 3:30 p.m.
According to Penn State, the educators to be honored are:
Laura Cunningham, Saint Joseph’s Catholic Academy, was nominated by her colleagues for always putting the best interest of the students first. She works diligently as her school’s marketing coordinator and National Honor Society Advisor. She works with students to spark their interest in fields like English and business marketing.
Andrea Kennedy, Centre Learning Community Charter School was nominated by a parent of one of her students. The parent was grateful for all of her hard work as she helped her autistic son learn and adapt into the school environment.
Kelly Mark, Penns Valley Area School District, was nominated by a parent for her hard work and advanced teaching methods, which encouraged well-rounded development for all of her students. She has her Ph.D. from Penn State and is a vice principal with the Penns Valley School District.
Mardi McDonough, Park Forest Middle School, was nominated by a parent. In addition to teaching, she is President of the SCASD District Union and has done a tremendous job balancing both positions.
Alex Raup, Mount Nittany Middle School, was nominated by his colleagues and has worked for State College Area School District for eight years. Raup is known around the building as the first one into school each morning, having a positive attitude and a great work ethic.
Mary Smith, Mount Nittany Middle School, was nominated for her 15 years of service as a learning support teacher. She has large classes with students that all have special needs. She has to differentiate for each of their needs while at the same time working with teachers in all the content areas.
Joe Walker, Mount Nittany Middle School, was nominated for his love to entertain, engage, and educate students, all while challenging them to excel to the best of their ability. Walker also was the head boys basketball coach at State College Area High School and has had many of his players go on to be student-athletes at the collegiate level.
Holli Jo Weber, Park Forest Middle School, was nominated for her 28 years of service and dedication to extracurricular activities. She has been helping oversee after school programs such as ski club, bowling and archery. In addition, she helps oversee Mini-THON and has helped raise $376,000 for the Four Diamonds Foundation.
Tina Zacheri, South Butler Area School District, was nominated for bringing the same energy and excitement to the job that she brought from her first day. She is constantly challenging herself to learn new things and incorporate new lessons in to her classroom to better educate her students.
Educators, school district staff, their families and friends can purchase discounted tickets for Saturday’s game here or by visiting GoPSUsports.com/educatorappreciation.
Attendees who wish to sit together as a group should place one order by phone or by using the ‘Invite friends to this event’ at the links above.
For inquiries about Educator Appreciation Day, contact Sam Starrett at 814-863-1222 or sus725@psu.edu, or call 1-800-NITTANY, weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
