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Sunday, April 13, 2003

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

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 2003 All-Star Achievers and their teachers:

Member of National Honor Society, received American Legion Award. Captain of basketball team and majorette squad, member of soccer team. School book drive chairperson and Big Sister volunteer. Plans a career as a doctor.

"Mr. Grasha always brought excitement through high-energy teaching. His innovative, relative labs commanded attention. When he suffered a disappointment, he didn't become bitter and angry but remained active and continued to inspire others."

Member of National Honor Society, National Science Merit Award winner. Participated in SADD, Key Club and student government. Organized a blood drive, volunteers for the elderly. Will major in psychology at Seton Hill University.

"Mr. Barker genuinely cares about what he is teaching. He makes sure that any question is completely answered and that his answer is completely understood. He is concerned about our well-being and makes sure we know that we can go to him for help."

National Science Merit Award winner. Volunteers with disabled students and at a local animal shelter. Member of student government and Vocational Industrial Clubs of America. Plays flute in school band. Plans a career in nursing.

"Chemistry teacher Kenneth Barker has had a great influence on me. Mr. Barker is always willing to help to ensure that every person grasps the concepts in this difficult subject. His constant praise gives me the confidence to pursue my future intended career."

National Honor Society member. Member of high school choir, stage crew, marching band, track team and newspaper staff. Voted MVP of the cross country team. Community volunteer. Will study biology at Carleton College.

"My ninth-grade biology teacher, Mrs. Riffer, has been wonderfully instrumental in my biological investigations. Not only has she provided mentorship by encouraging my questions and explorations, but also [has] provided me with an outstanding role model."

Received Women in Science Chemistry award. Member of yearbook staff, treasurer of Interact club. Tennis team captain and cheerleader. Won awards at the Saxonburg Art Festival. Will study architecture at Virginia Tech.

"Mr. Anthony Sorrentino always helps me, as well as any other student, in math, whenever any of us needs it. The countless hours he spends during and after school to help us succeed is amazing. He is one of the most caring and dedicated teachers I have ever had."

Member of National Honor Society and student council, senior class president. Editor of school newspaper, member of concert and marching band, accompanist for concert choir. Actor in school musicals. Will study math education at Grove City.

"After working with Leechburg choir Director Nancy Sheehan, I can say that she has built my work ethic and has proven to me that with determination, almost anything is possible. Even though I am majoring in mathematics, music will always be an aspect of my life because of her."

Member of National Honor Society, captain of volleyball team. Member of Civil Air Patrol. Participated in Mock Trial and school musical. Volunteers at local food bank. Plans to study equine science at Johnson and Whales University.

"Mrs. Baer cares. She's a friend when needed, but knows when to be the teacher. Making class fun is important as well as making sure we understand the material. Out of class, she lets us contact her with questions. She's understanding of individuals and how they work."

Valedictorian, captain and leading scorer of basketball team. Volunteers with the homeless and local rehab center. Belongs to school mentorship program. Writes for school paper. Will major in recreational therapy at Penn State.

"Mr. Rosio is a respected teacher who is very dedicated to his job and is always around to help, both inside and outside of school. He is a strong leader and example to me and all his students; he's someone who offers encouraging advice while genuinely caring about his students."

Member of National Honor Society. Member of Interact Club, lettered in soccer. Helped with a summer reading program and community beautification projects. Participates in show choir, school musicals. Plans a career as a teacher.

"My first-grade teacher, Mrs. Pieranunzi, had the most effect on me. She believed in me from the start. I credit her for making me want to learn and become a teacher. One day, I hope that what she has given me I will be able to return to others."

National Merit Commended Scholar. Junior class president, member of tennis and soccer teams. Active in school drama, yearbook and campus ministry. Organized food and blanket drives. Plans to become a filmmaker.

"Mr. Schiebel, my Latin and English instructor, has taught me countless lessons that I will remember far after my formal education ends. More importantly, however, he has always been supportive of student individuality, and the source of valuable counsel and friendship."