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Sunday, April 13, 2003

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 Washington 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:

Michael Bassi, Ringgold

Captain of football team, class president, member of National Honor Society. Lettered in basketball and baseball. Member of debate club, SAAD and Washington County Peer Jury. Involved in eyeglass and food drives. Will attend West Point.

Teacher: David Lonich

"Throughout all of my years of schooling, Dr. Lonich has left more of a lasting impact on my life than any other teacher. He has helped instill a thirst of knowledge in me that I will possess the rest of my life."

Jessie Eisenbart, Canon-McMillan

Secretary of National Honor Society, won Chatham College Rachel Carson Book Award. Prepares tax returns for the poor and elderly. Captain of basketball and tennis teams, plays alto saxophone. Will major in math and psychology.

Teacher: Michael Morris

"Mr. Morris doesn't simply teach Honors and AP English Literature. He inspires. His passion for literature is contagious as he brings to life our readings. He has improved my writing ability beyond what I ever thought possible."

Helen Higgins, Waynesburg Central

Lettered in track, soccer and cross country. Member of National Honor Society and debate team. Volunteers for the deaf and Habitat for Humanity. Plans on majoring in chemical engineering at Penn State.

Teacher: George Nader

"Mr. Nader is an exceptional teacher who mixes caring and chemistry with discipline and dedication. His students learn more than elements and formulas. They discover ways to better themselves through hard work, maturity and social interaction."

Joseph Alexander Leckie, Trinity

Co-captain of school rifle team, 2003 WPIAL rifle individual champion. Volunteers for his church and local food bank. Plays trumpet and bugle. Eagle Scout. Plans to become a surgeon.

Teacher: John Husk

"As a coach on the rifle range and teacher in the classroom, Mr. John Husk has had a strong influence on me because he has actively been a part of my life during my four-year high school experience, guiding and encouraging me to 'give it my best shot.' "

Grant McClelland, Bethlehem-Center

Editor of school paper, student council secretary, president of National Honor Society. Organized the school's first recycling program. Operates a lawn mowing service. Plans to become a high school math teacher.

Teacher: James Maloy

"Over the years, many teachers have influenced my life as a student and have done so in many ways. However, more than any other, Mr. Maloy has shown outstanding consideration in his ability and willingness to help others without any thought of the cost to himself."

John Mele, Chartiers-Houston

Class president, member of National Honor Society. Overcame back injury in his freshman year to become captain of track and soccer teams and set school record for career goals (79). Peer educator. Intends on majoring in business.

Teacher: Mary Spegal

"She has always been there to give me guidance and advice. She goes out of her way to help me out and reassures me when I am down. When I doubt myself, she tells me, 'If anyone can do this, it is you.' She has helped me set my goals high and strive to achieve them."

Kevin Osowski, Peters Township

Secretary of National Honor Society, lettered in cross country. Organized food drive, volunteers at the library. Host and producer of Team Forum television show. Actor in school plays. Plans a career in law and politics.

Teacher: Brian King

"Mr. King has sacrificed countless hours to helping the school mock trial, Model U.N. and forensics teams. His level of dedication, motivation and enthusiasm encourages the best in his students."

Laura Roberts, Peters Township

Member of National Honor Society, Pittsburgh Youth Symphony and Three Rivers Young People's Orchestra. Lettered in lacrosse, drill team captain. Volunteers for Meals on Wheels. Plans to major in engineering.

Teacher: Susan Hlebinsky

"Physics teacher Mrs. Hlebinsky has had a strong influence on me because she expects such a high level of achievement in her class. She inspires me to go beyond what is needed to just get the grade, influencing me to gain a complete understanding of the material."

Ryan Thompson, Canon-McMillan

Eagle Scout with more than 950 hours of community service. Member of National Honor Society, Key Club and student council vice president. Band president and captain of swim team. Plans to become an Air Force pilot.

Teacher: James Falvo

"The teacher who has been the most influential to me is James Falvo, my high school band director. I have spent every day of school and half of my summers with him for the past four years. He has taught me the value of patience and helped me develop leadership."

Holly Van Eman, Canon-McMillan

Member of National Honor Society, French Honor Society and art club. Ministered to poor children in Mexico. Candy striper and volunteer camp counselor. Has won awards for her artwork. Will major in special education.

Teacher: Rick Bell

"Mr. Bell, my psychology teacher, has not only provided encouragement but has also played a key role in my decision for future plans. His passion for psychology has given me more of a desire to pursue a degree in special education and possibly a psychology major."