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Post-Gazette's All-Star Achievers
Sunday, April 01, 2001
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's annual All-Star Achievers competition honors students who've posted significant achievements. Some raised money, helped the needy and unfortunate, and did community work. They honed their skills in athletics and the arts and earned extraordinary grades. Seventy students from the region were chosen by Post-Gazette judges, and winners submitted essays about educators who had inspired them. Here are the 10 from school districts in the Washington region.
Sarah Bedison
Forty-seven school and community-service projects including delivering Easter baskets for shut-ins. Accomplished singer. Lyrical, modern and ballet dancer of the year. Ran a dance studio. Class valedictorian. Will attend Otterbein College.
Debra Longstreth
I am privileged to have the opportunity to show my appreciation for Debra Longstreth. Her high expectations ... and her ability to motivate is amazing. She is very conscientious and treats all her students with respect and understanding. She has touched me as a teacher and a friend.
John Winfield Bell
Ranked second in class. Celebrated musical and theatrical talents. Organist at Immaculate Conception Church. Soloist with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Sings and dances. Acted in 10 plays. Performed in many recitals and festivals.
Judith Totty
Mrs. Totty is an excellent teacher who pushes her students to reach their full potential. She allows nothing less than the best. She uses information from all sources and media in her English and theater classes. She strives to make her classroom comfortable and exciting, thereby motivating her pupils to learn.
Jennifer Bubnash
National Merit Scholarship finalist. Scored 1500 on SATs. Involved in many community service projects. Volleyball team captain. Performed in marching and concert bands. Computer competition winner. Will attend Carnegie Mellon University.
Carolyn Rohm
My first high school memory was one of terror -- walking into algebra, a room full of sophomores and juniors. Mrs. Rohm helped me to excel in the class and overcome my fears. Now a senior member of her calculus class, I still consider her a great teacher and confidante.
Kristin Glunt
Logged 420 hours of volunteer work and baby-sat 400 hours for an unwed teen-ager. Student council president. Basketball team captain. Member of dance team, marching band and concert bands. Most likely to succeed. Will attend Geneva College.
Stan Block
Mr. Block is an outstanding teacher and person. He makes learning fun. He's always honest to his students and never underestimates our potential. He is a great friend to us but also is in authority. His ability to do both is marvelous.
Angela Jacobs
First in her class. National Merit Scholarship finalist. Church pianist for five years. Lead roles in school musicals. Tutors students. Student council president. Lettered four years in cross country. Plans to attend Grove City College.
Veronica McCalmont
Beyond her relationship to me as a math teacher, Mrs. McCalmont has been my student council adviser throughout high school. Through her support, encouragement and example, she has aided in developing my character as a leader and motivator.
Lauren Ashley Kretz
Second in class. National Merit Scholarship finalist. Various community-service projects. Taught a boy with Down syndrome how to swim. Has asthma but was a WPIAL qualifier in swimming and cross country. Holds pole vault record. Paintings in exhibitions.
Michael Skocik
For four years, Mr. Skocik has brought alive the French language and culture and has influenced me greatly. Mr. Skocik not only has taught me to understand the language but has inspired us with humor, wit and compassion. Our class always has been exciting. He makes learning a second language interesting.
Amy Rentz
Second in class. Participates in many community service projects. Did missionary work in New Guinea. Sings for church, school events and chorus. Plays three instruments. Acted in musicals. Visited Jamaican orphanage.
Sara Greenlee
Mrs. Sara Greenlee is a compassionate, hard-working and dynamic role model. She always is ready to give her time to those who need her, whether it is a charity ... or her students who need someone to talk to. I love her for her incredible ability to make helping others so much fun.
Matthew M. Sherwin
National Merit Scholarship finalist. Many public service projects. His team placed second in national research project. State Voice of Democracy contest winner. Tennis team captain. Admitted to Harvard, Notre Dame, University of Chicago.
Kevin Bastos
While Mr. Bastos has been a phenomenal forensics coach, he also has been a mentor and friend. His jovial attitude is quickly becoming a Peters Township legend. His never-ending love of students reflects in everything he does, and his integrity is a model for anyone lucky enough to know him.
Nimesh Singh
Perfect 1600 on SATs. National Merit Scholarship finalist. Top score in five Advanced Placement exams. Many public service projects. Homecoming king. Captain of cross country team. Martial arts black belt.
Walter Jennings
Throughout high school, Mr. Jennings has influenced and encouraged me towards my pursuit of science. He was my chemistry teacher and science club adviser, but unlike the average teacher, he also motivated, inspired and supported me like a friend.
Sarah Elaine Smith
First in class. Won many writing awards. Volunteer and tutor. Attended Governor's School for the Arts. Edited award-winning literary magazine. Plays trombone and violin. Odyssey of the Mind team placed fifth in the world. Will attend Bryn Mawr College.
Janice Hatfield
Mrs. Hatfield's wit and kindness created an environment where I felt confident to explore writing ... Her classes are sanctuaries for quiet, semi-geeky types like the girl I was when I first had Mrs. Hatfield for creative writing. I wouldn't be the same confident writer I am now without her.
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