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Wednesday, April 16, 2003

It's certainly a pleasure choosing the top 10 all-around student citizens of the west suburbs.

But it's not easy.

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:

Nitin Aggarwal, Carlynton

National Honor Society member, four-year letterman in soccer. Named outstanding speaker at the National Forensics League competition. Volunteers with seniors and special-ed students. Plans to pursue a career in medicine.

Teacher: Naomi Muraco

"I first met Mrs. Muraco in eighth grade, when she helped me enroll in the Gifted and Talented Program. People always tell me, 'Your teacher's goal is simple - to help you reach yours.' In this context and most others, Mrs. Muraco is one of the most successful teachers."

Ashley Bucek, Cornell

Highest honor roll student. Varsity cheerleader and indoor soccer team captain. Member of marching and concert bands and drama club. Student council treasurer. Daycare center volunteer, student tutor. Plans to major in chemistry.

Teacher: Tavis Bogue

"Mr. Bogue has been an enormous influence on my learning capabilities. His ways of teaching are simple, diverse, and effective. He is one of the reasons I want to major in chemistry when I attend college. He helps me whenever it is necessary and I am so thankful."

Sharon Deol. Moon Area

National Merit Commended Scholar, member of National Honor Society. Attended governor's school for health care. Nursing home volunteer. Second degree black belt in karate. Plans to become a physician.

Teacher: Jana Joseph

"Mrs. Jana Joseph has been a major influence on my decision to become a physician. Her great knowledge of chemistry and biology held my interest. She always encouraged me to stand by my goal of pursuing a career in medicine."

Zachary Elias Egnot, Center Area

National Honor Society vice president. Member of football, baseball and golf teams, student council and jazz band. Layout editor for school paper. Coached midget football, volunteered for Special Olympics. Plans to become a doctor.

Teacher: Allison Churovia

"Mrs. Churovia is an outstanding teacher. She has always had a perfect mixture of fun and learning. Whether it is in the classroom or on the track, she knows there is a time for work and a time for play. She has not only touched me, but every student she comes in contact with."

Ashely Gruden, Montour

Member of National Honor Society and student council. Member of bowling and tennis teams, marching and concert band, SADD and yearbook staff. Peer tutor who volunteers with senior citizens. Accomplished figure skater.

Teacher: Christina Frank

"Mrs. Frank goes well beyond the standards of an excellent teacher. She stays long hours after school to help her students with their chemistry problems or life's problems. She has given me the confidence to know that if I work hard I will achieve success in school and life."

Laura Pareso, Bishop Canevin

National Honor Society member. Captain of volleyball team, member of softball team. Staff writer for school paper. Active in youth ministry, volunteers at Washington Hospital. Intends to major in biology and becoming a doctor.

Teacher: Timothy Fazio

"Timothy Fazio's warm, caring and humorous personality has influenced me to become the best student I can be. His English class has no doubt been my most difficult class, but also the most enjoyable. I feel privileged to have had the chance to be one of his students."

Gina Renee Tennerelli, Quigley Catholic

National Merit Commended Scholar, vice president of National Honor Society. President of Campus Ministry. Editor of the school paper. Participated in mock trial and forensics. Will study political science at Notre Dame.

Teacher: Timothy Waxenfelter

"Mr. Waxenfelter enabled me to achieve my highest aspirations. He has shown me the importance of American democracy. More importantly, he believes that income does not indicate success. Instead, success is leading a virtuous, loving and faithful life."

Joseph Welch, South Fayette

Semi-finalist in the national Coca-Cola Scholars competition. Member of National Honor Society, school drama club. Volunteer at St. Clair Hospital, student tutor. Performs with the Vocal Express Show Choir. Plans to become a teacher.

Teacher: Raymond Rozycki

"Mr. Rozycki, my math educator and role model, has made a profound impact on my life as a student and, more importantly, as a person. He instilled the values of a strong work ethic and strong moral character. I only hope to duplicate his passion for teaching in my future."

Beverly Williams, Sto-Rox

Senior class president and member of National Honor Society. Sings in the chorus and vocal ensemble. Volunteers for a community health organization and tutors elementary and middle school students. Plans to study pre-med at Pitt.

Teacher: Darlene Partridge

"Mrs. Partridge is not only an excellent teacher but a genuine and sweet person inside and out. She has instilled me with the belief that no matter how hard or stressful school gets to just take things one step at a time and your dreams and hopes will indeed come true."

Michelle Youschak, West Allegheny

Member of National Honor Society and Key Club. Tutors middle schoolers. Volunteers with the elderly, has raised money for various charities. Yearbook editor. Won second place in the 2002 student art show. Plans to become a pharmacist.

Teacher: Catherine Zanella

"German teacher Frau not only loves what she teaches but makes me love it also. In between conjugating verbs, Frau teaches us about what's going on in the real world. It is especially important with the events occurring today to have a teacher like Frau Zanella."