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Sunday, April 07, 2002

Some high school students excel in a sport, work with a favorite community service or focus on their academic studies. This year's All-Star Achievers, however, do it all.

They are skilled in the classroom, in music and other artistic endeavors, in sports and in helping to make the community a better place. Of the many nominees, 10 were chosen from the PG Alle-Kiski circulation area by Post-Gazette reporters and editors. Each student also nominated and wrote an essay about a teacher who has been an inspiration. Here are the 2002 All-Star Achievers and their teachers:

Student: Dorrie Byford
Kiski Area

Ranked first in senior class. President of Mock Trial team. Peer tutor. President and section leader of the River City Youth Chorale, member of the Pittsburgh Irish Reelers. Will study aerospace engineering at Cornell University.

Teacher: Katherine Fulmer

"My seventh-grade Earth and Space teacher, Ms. Fulmer, became my favorite teacher and a true friend. Through her passionate teaching about science and her work at NASA, I decided to pursue an aerospace engineering major."

Student: Ryan Bloser> Ford City

Senior class president and National Honor Society member. Eagle Scout who worked on the Ford City Revitalization Project. Started his own company, Power Design Technologies. Member of the golf team. Survived brain surgery in 2001. Will attend Carnegie Mellon.

Teacher: Jeffrey Pyle

"Mr. Pyle has helped my class and many other classes to develop a healthy perspective on life, politics and history. He has helped to shape our individual personalities by showing us our possibilities for the future are limitless. He has encouraged us to excel to the next level, but not to forget our roots."

Student: Daniel Ray Harris
Lenape Technical

Active member of the varsity quiz bowl. Raised money for American Cancer Society victims of Sept. 11. Vice president of student government. Volunteers at a nursing home. Will attend Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Teacher: Ron McCauley

"Throughout my 11th and 12th grade time at Lenape, my shop teacher, Mr. Ron McCauley, inspired me to always reach for the sky, to go where no one has gone before. He has told me to always set my goals higher and higher each time, not to mention to always try new things. Thanks to him, I believe he has made me a better person."

Student: Lauren Bush
Leechburg Area

Attended governor's school for teaching. Co-president of National Honor Society. Editor of school newspaper and copy editor of yearbook. Member of band and choir, Sunday school teacher. Actor in school musicals. Will study communications at Susquehanna University.

Teacher: Jeanine Bono

"Assuming the adviser position of our award-winning school newspaper last year, Jeanine Bono immediately put the paper's quality into the students' hands. Starting from scratch, we sharpened journalism and layout skills. Although my experiences with Bono are extracurricular, her influence has helped me choose journalism as my major."

Student: Christina Basilone
Springdale

Recipient of ROTC scholarships. District representative to Student Forum. Volunteers at a hospital and elementary school. Captain of soccer team, lettered in softball. Will major in elementary education and sports administration at Saint Vincent College.

Teacher: Jennifer Vecchio

"Ms. Vecchio has made a lasting impression of what a great teacher should be. She not only teaches English, but also shows students how to approach life. Her positive attitude and outgoing personality are contagious; she always finds the good in any situation. She is truly an educator who would walk the 'extra mile' to help her students."

Student: Sara Camerota
Springdale

High honor student. Captain of basketball team, lettered in softball. Volunteers at a food bank and as a referee for a youth basketball program. Organized school blood drive. Will major in English/communications at Westminster College.

Teacher: Leonard Herrington

"In my sophomore year, Mr. Herrington took me to a Law Forum. It was there I discovered law. But it was the car ride home listening to Mr. Herrington that he instilled in me the desire to be just like him -- a person of integrity, fair play, dedication and compassion."

Student: Jennifer Ward
St. Joseph

Served internships in veterinary science and genetics. Student ambassador who gives tours of the school. Member of student council, yearbook and campus ministry. Volunteers at veterinary clinics. Plans to major in animal science.

Teacher: John Carosella

"Mr. Carosella maintains that what we are learning now is not for the present but for the future. His keen insights of our weaknesses and strengths enable us to grow as students, but more importantly as human beings. His lessons are lessons for life."

Student: Mary Catherine Levri
St. Joseph

A top student with several college credits. Serves on the board of the school leadership group. A founder of the school's pro-life group. Actor and behind-the-scenes participant in school productions. Plans to major in music and liberal studies.

Teacher: Cathy Greco

"Mrs. Greco is not afraid of the truth. In genetics class, she often assigns group projects concerning heavily debated issues. While these can get touchy, she is a constant reminder that knowledge separate from the search for truth is pointless. If I ever teach, I hope I will be courageous enough to follow in her footsteps."

Student: Leanne Micsky
Kittanning

Ranked second in her class. National Honor Society peer tutor. Member of the Armstrong County Concert Band and president of church youth group. Marching band head drum major. Will major in music therapy and pursue a career as a music therapist.

Teacher: Pat Cavanaugh

"My band director, Mr. Patrick Cavanaugh, has had the greatest influence on both my high school career and my future aspirations. While teaching me to be the best musician I can possibly be and to be confident in my playing abilities, he has supported me in all my endeavors. I am grateful for all he has done for me."

Student: Elizabeth Groch
Highlands

National Merit finalist. Ranked first in her class. Hospital volunteer who organized a toy/money drive for refugee children. Plays flute and piano in school bands. Lettered in tennis. Piano accompanist for school choir and musical productions. Will major in chemical engineering.

Teacher: David Woncheck

"Mr. David Won-check, my civics and AP U.S. government and politics teacher, fosters independent thinking by transforming his classroom into a forum for debate. As supervisor of my stuffed animal drive for Kosovar refugee children, he nurtured my leadership skills. He has motivated me to become passionate about the world."