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Wednesday, April 10, 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 PG West 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: Amanda Bombassaro
Chartiers Valley

Has tutored elementary students for four years. President of the school Interact Club. Volunteers with the elderly and has raised money for Habitat for Humanity. Will major in elementary education at Edinboro University.

Teacher: Mary Henricks

"Mrs. Henricks' motivational skills, positive attitude, and self-dedication are the reasons she has had a significant influence on me. She has taught me to be the best that I can be, and to always pursue my dreams. Without her, I would not be where I am today."

Student: Kelly Kalmar
Center

Class salutatorian. Lettered in tennis. Member of track, band and chorus. Yearbook editor. Actor in school musicals. Salvation Army, Special Olympics and Children's Hospital volunteer. Will study pre-med at Penn State.

Teacher: Joan Stevenson-Courtney

"I was fortunate to have had Mrs. Courtney for both Chemistry I and II. Her organization and dedication made learning easy and enjoyable. She was always willing to help in any way and conformed to each individual's learning style to ensure that he got the most out of her class."

Student: Amy O'Leary
Sto-Rox

Ranked No. 1 in her class and member of National Honor Society. Tutors children at a local community center. Won a VFW Voice of Democracy essay contest. Will major in elementary and special education at Edinboro University.

Teacher: Kenneth Lex

"There are very few teachers who teach you not just academics, but also, life lessons. Mr. Lex made me realize my potential and that it is okay to be wrong or make mistakes. I want to be a teacher. Even though I want to teach elementary children, I hope I can touch the lives of my students like the way he touched mine." (Mr. Lex died in January.)

Student: Brian McCahill
Carlynton

Editor of both the school paper and yearbook. Organized the school's first Relay for Life race. Tutors children at the Boys' and Girls' Club of Carnegie. Actor in school theater productions. Will study business management at Robert Morris University.

Teacher: Laura Begg

"Miss Begg is not a traditional leader. She is willing to treat her students with a high level of respect and to help them in any way necessary to make them successful. She attempts to incorporate interactive activities into classroom course content."

Student: Justin Mercer
South Side Area

First in his class and valedictorian. Class officer and student mentor. Basketball team captain; lettered in baseball. Organized summer basketball camp for children and active in his church. Will major in mechanical engineering.

Teacher: Sandra Parente

"Mrs. Parente has impacted my academic performance greatly in high school. She has always challenged me to excel in not only chemistry, her department, but all facets of my education. She has urged me to be an active member of the Student Council, which has developed my leadership skills greatly."

Student: Michael Ritter
Moon Area

Competed in Odyssey of the Mind state competition five times. Volunteers at vacation Bible school and Relay for Life. Starting shortstop for the 2001 PIAA state championship team. Member of honors band. Will major in biology.

Teacher: Rosanne DeFonso

"Mrs. DeFonso brought an energy to class that is hard to match. Not only did we enjoy coming to class, but she also brought out some of that same passion for learning in all of us. In addition to teaching biology, she also taught me that I loved learning biology."

Student: Nicholas Sinagra
Canevin Catholic

Member of local scholastic honors group. Member of the marching band and serves as drum captain, despite being in a wheelchair. Volunteer for Epilepsy Foundation and Muscular Dystrophy Association. Will study English at Duquesne University.

Teacher: Lawrence Tomasic

"Mr. Lawrence Tomasic is an exceptional teacher not only for his ability to make mathematics interesting and enjoyable, but mostly because he fosters the belief that education and learning are valuable endeavors throughout a person's life. He takes a personal interest in his students, even taking the time to visit them at home when sick."

Student: Evan Sterling
Cornell

Valedictorian, co-editor of the school paper and yearbook. Lettered in volleyball, baseball and diving. Participated in Junior Olympics volleyball. Eagle Scout. Volunteers for Habitat for Humanity and World Vision. Guitarist for local rock band.

Teacher: Donna Belas

"As a student in Ms. Belas' English class and an active member of the newspaper and yearbook staffs, for which she is the adviser, I have developed a number of skills for the future with her help. Ms. Belas has helped me realize my strength and weaknesses make me a better person."

Student: Mary Kathleen Strimel
Quigley Catholic

Winner of academic awards in religion, history, Spanish and science. Co-captain of basketball and softball teams, lettered in soccer. Member of Pittsburgh Diocesan Honors Band and Chorus. Volunteers with Special Olympics and American Cancer Society. Will major in math and engineering.

Teacher: Marta Zak

"From the moment she entered my life, Marta Zak has made me realize that music is part of my personality. She has encouraged me to play in the band, sing in the chorus and to participate in school musicals. She has been my mentor and will forever be my friend."

Student: Amanda Yothers
West Allegheny

Ranked first in her class. Captain of water polo and swim teams; works as a lifeguard. Member of band and chorus. Nursing home and hospital volunteer. Peer mediator and high school board representative. Will major in aerospace engineering.

Teacher: Cathy Jericho

"Cathy Jericho is an upstanding role model for individuals of all ages. She influenced me emotionally by providing a continuous positive attitude toward life. Mrs. Jericho is always willing to pass on advice, guidance, and support for me and for all of her students."