 
|
|||||||||||||
              
|
Post-Gazette's All-Star Achievers for North
Wednesday, April 04, 2001
t was another banner year for the Post-Gazette's annual All-Star Achievers competition honoring extraordinary students who've posted significant achievements in academics, perseverance, talent and volunteerism.
Some spent hundreds of hours raising money, helping the needy and unfortunate, and doing community good works. They honed their skills in athletics, writing and the arts. They also earned extraordinary test scores and grades. Seventy students from around the Pittsburgh region were chosen by Post-Gazette judges, and each selected student submitted essays about educators who have particularly inspired them. Here are the 10 winning students from school districts in the North Hills/Butler County region, along with their honored teachers.
Joshua M. Wilfong
Maintained a B average in his accelerated classes while playing lacrosse and hockey and volunteering at local hospitals. Accompanied doctors to Brazil, then began fund-raising effort to help support a Brazilian boy with Cruzon's Disease. Plans to study nursing.
John Hicks
There have been many teachers who have influenced me throughout my high school years, but none as powerful as Mr. John Hicks, my 10th-grade English teacher. Mr. Hicks was not just my teacher, but my mentor, my guide and my friend. He has remained a constant figure throughout my past three years in high school. He has always believed in me, encouraged me and challenged me to do my best.
Jill Nintze
Winner of the Jack Brice Memorial Award; three-time class president. Member of the NRG dance team; National Honor Society; active in children's theater; won numerous awards in art and writing. Plans to study marine biology at the University of Maryland.
Donald Matthews
Mr. Matthews has had a strong influence on me because he showed that working hard in life and school would be rewarding. I have come to realize that I can achieve anything if I believe in myself and maintain a good work ethic. That lesson will remain with me forever.
Nicholas Smyth
Winner of many honors for mathematics. School newspaper editor. Led the organization of presidential debates; involved in Habitat for Humanity. Helped to build a youth center in Urubama, Peru, which inspired him to create an Internet Learning Center.
Sean Lally
He has taught me in many classes in the past two years (pseudoscience, honors physics, AP physics C). I have learned a lot about liberal politics, movies, physics and philosophy. He is a good friend, and I have also done extracurriculars (knowledge bowl/science bowl) under his guidance. His interest in astronomy has also rubbed off on me and my friend, We Pegden.
Elizabeth Duckworth
National Honor Society member. Active in her church and youth ministry. World Vision volunteer; Pittsburgh Project tutor; representative for Stop the Violence Conference; president of North Allegheny Christian Association. Ballet apprentice at La Roche.
Kathy Coll
Mrs. Coll has made a profound impact on the person and leader I am today. It was through her leadership class and under her warm guidance that I learned to step out into the world and positively effect others' lives. Her amazing spirit was a constant encouragement and I thank her for her support.
Rachel Gottron
Orchestra/strolling strings member. Ranked first in her class. Active in basketball, track, softball and other sports. Earned high grades and several awards in chemistry and math. Volunteer tutor and counselor. Plans a career in medicine.
Terry Klein
Terry Klein has been a Latin teacher for over 20 years. In that time, she has inspired hundreds of students like myself to love the Latin language. Her enthusiastic attitude and warm personality, in addition to the dedication with which she pursues teaching, make her the best teacher I have ever had. She is the sponsor for Junior Classical League.
Jason Glick
Academic awards in English, Chinese, economics and American history. National Merit finalist. Member of cross-country and indoor track teams. Peer tutor; works with AIDS Task Force and Students for a Free Tibet. Plans to attend Stanford University.
Susan Schotz Rhodes
In our independent study and advice meetings and frequent lunches, Ms. Rhodes inspires me to explore new avenues of intellectual thought. She has been an outstanding resource for social activism strategies, and she serves as a role model of a scholar fascinated by learning, showering her students with passion.
Julie Roos
AP Scholar; member of National Honor Society and Governor's School for Excellence in Teaching. Volunteer for the National Aviary; editor of the school yearbook; a lector at her church. Loves to write; won numerous awards in forensics.
D. Sylvia Affleck
Mrs. Affleck's ability to make a "dead" language [Latin] come alive for a classroom of students is amazing. On a daily basis, she demonstrates the importance of enjoying one's life work. She is a constant source of friendship and inspires her students to reach "ad astra." She has helped to shape my dream of becoming a teacher. Every day is an exciting learning experience.
Kimberly O'Hara
Volunteered to help the homeless and at YMCA camps; UPMC Shadyside. Outstanding Young Citizen. Member of field hockey team; Academic All-American MLSA Women's Lacrosse Team. Coordinated books and blankets drive at her school. Plans biology major.
Dr. Karen Coleman
"On respecte un homme qui se respectie lui-meme." This translates to "people respect a man who respects himself." Dr. Coleman is my French teacher who has this quote framed in her classroom and has proved to me that respect cultivates personal growth. ... She encouraged me to never give up. She has taught me that dedication and diligence generate academic excellence.
Maja Nisic
Maja arrived from war-torn Bosnia as a freshman. Ranked first in her class; has taken every advanced placement class. Cum Laude Honor Society and National Government Scholar. Involved in her church. Plans to study science at Penn State University.
Donald Matthews
Mr. Matthews was my teacher in three courses: Anthropology, modern European history and AP U.S. history. Those classes were the most challenging and enjoyable I have taken. They were about more than just memorizing names and facts. Mr. Matthews' method of using current and historic events to teach helped me understand how and why certain things happen.
Thomas Willoughby
National Honor Society peer tutor. Received an early admission to pharmacy school at Pitt. Member of the marching band; participates in school musicals and Butler Musical Theater; Eagle Scout. Created and produced a musical CD.
Curt Vasas
Mr. Vasas is very active in student activities. He is advisor for the student council at our school. An excellent seventh grade basketball coach and a great role model. He is a great influence to me because he goes the extra mile in being involved in student life.
|
||||||||||||
