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Sunday, April 07, 2002

Some high school students excel in a sport or 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, in helping to make the community a better place. Of the many nominees, 10 were chosen from the Washington Sunday 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: Daniel Cohen
Washington

Ranked first in his class. Member of football and track team, Steel Drum Band, Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble. Volunteer at a local food bank and Children's School of Washington. Three-year letter winner in football. Plans to study biology.

Teacher: Guy Montecalvo

"Mr. Montecalvo has been my gym teacher and football and track coach for four years. I have learned many things from him, but not just about sports. He has taught me the importance of humility, and that the only way to achieve anything significant in life is through hard work."

Student: Leia Eckert
Ringgold

Vice president of school Interact Club. Captain of softball team and member of the boys' varsity golf team. Volunteer with Monongahela Valley Hospital, Toys for Tots. Will major in turfgrass science at Penn State; plans a career as golf course superintendent.

Teacher: George Eckert

"The teacher who influenced me most is my father, George Eckert. In the classroom, he encouraged me to always do my best. The sacrifices and hours he spent with me so I could live my dream of becoming a respected high school athlete will never be forgotten."

Student: Jacqueline Hyland
McGuffey

National Honor Society treasurer and chairman of the school's annual Senior Day of Caring. Volunteers at the YMCA. Lettered in basketball, tennis and track and field, is editor of the school paper, performed in school plays. Will major in political science.

Teacher: Floyd Marasco

"Mr. Floyd Marasco has had a great impact on my life and my education. He is not only one of the most talented teachers I have ever had, but he is undoubtedly the most giving and concerned. He is willing to help any student in any way that he can."

Student: Jason Johnson
West Greene

First in his class with several college credits. Senior Patrol Leader for Boy Scouts. Has organized road cleanups and blood drives. Performs electron microscopy work for a local firm. Will study computer science at Allegheny College.

Teacher: Constance Staun

"Of all the teachers I've had, Ms. Staun has the greatest effect on me. She has challenged my abilities and pushed me farther in class. Through ecology trips to Khedive Wetlands, labs and independent study she has kept my interest in biology and nature as a major influence in my life."

Student: Jamen Kurtyka
Jefferson-Morgan

Ranked first in his class, member of Mensa, captain of school academic team. Volunteers for Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity and Special Olympics. Holds brown belt in karate. Plans to attend Washington and Jefferson College and pursue a medical career.

Student: Michelle Fowkes

"As an English teacher, Miss Fowkes has taught me to appreciate incredible works of literature that I would not have found on my own. Her unique method of combining self-discovery with in-class discussion has taught volumes and helped push my writing abilities far beyond what I thought was possible."

Student: Alexandra Loutsion
Chartiers-Houston

Ranked third in class. Member of several bands; performs in school musicals. Soloist with the Junior Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh; winner of several choir awards. Created a musical theater group for junior high students. Plans a career as an opera singer.

Teacher: Joyce Anderson

"There are two words to describe Joyce Anderson: unwavering support. Not only has she been a teacher to me, but also she has been my biggest fan. She has always dropped whatever she is doing to come hear me perform, and because of this I have become a better musician."

Student: Brittany Massare
Ringgold

Vice president of National Honor Society and WPIAL scholar/athlete. Baton twirler who has competed internationally. Captain of the track team; lettered in cross country. Served on executive board of SADD. Will major in biology.

Student: Diane Garry

"When beginning preparation for college, I did not know where to start. Thanks to Mrs. Garry, together we produced a list of colleges to look at and professions that suited my interests. Most importantly, she gave me valuable advice that helped me become the person I am today."

Student: Richard Rockage
Chartiers-Houston

Academic team member. Treasurer of SADD. Actor in school musicals and local theater, produced high school talent show. Member of men's ensemble, concert band and jazz band. School drum major. Will major in music education at Mercyhurst College.

Teacher: Marilyn Malinowski

"Marilyn Malinowski espied my creativity and taught me to explore the domains where it can be presented. She impels me through my works and after examination of the completed product, she proceeds to execute the most valuable educational implement -- critique."

Student: Elissa Spiker
Mapletown

First in class and student council president. Class officer and head majorette. Lettered in basketball and softball. Has raised money for Habitat for Humanity and Make-A-Wish. Will study forensic identification at West Virginia University.

Teacher: Janet Pennington

"The most dynamic and influential teacher-adviser I've had throughout school has been Mrs. Janet Pennington. She sets very high standards for her students, expects them to excel academically and promotes sound moral character."

Teacher: Rebecca Steinberg
Waynesburg Central

Ranked first in class. Three-time winner of district Academic Perfection Award. Captain of soccer team and president of Leo Club. Volunteers with Humane Society, coaches youth soccer team. Plans to major in environmental science.

Teacher: Kathy Moninger-Ford

"A true teacher is not just an educator but a mentor as well. Ms. Ford takes a personal interest not only in my work, but in my life as well. Ms. Ford does not teach from a book alone; she educates with her mind and inspires with her heart."