Oak Hill Church honors educators
Oak Hill Baptist Church near Smithfield will recognize educators who have made a difference with their Excellence In Teaching Award, which will be presented at this Sunday’s 9 a.m. worship service, as the church celebrates Teacher Appreciation Sunday. “We recognize the important role that school teachers, administrators and board members play in the shaping of the lives of our children,’ said Sarah Reinhard, one of Oak Hill’s youth group leaders.
For several years, Oak Hill Baptist has been presenting an Excellence in Teaching award to four local teachers.
“These teachers go beyond the job of teaching to touch and change the lives of their students,’ said Reinhard.
This year’s honorees include Barry Rossi, a ninth grade history teacher at Albert Gallatin High School, who was nominated by April Black; Joan Kochis, who teaches fifth grade at Smithfield Elementary, and was nominated by Rachel Kachur; Michael Bosnic, a second-grade teacher at Smithfield Elementary, who was nominated by Gage Roper; and Janet Sessler, a kindergarten teacher at Smithfield Elementary, who was nominated by R.J. Reinhard.
Reinhard explained the Baptist Youth Fellowship makes the nominations. The members can nominate any teacher, including one they had several years ago. This year, the group made approximately 24 nominations. The leaders for the youth group judge the nominations and select four teachers to receive the Excellence in Teaching award.
“It’s not just that they were fun or don’t give homework,’ said Reinhard. “We want to know what they do to encourage you to learn.’
This year’s nominations explained these teachers were willing to take time with their students, offering help and encouragement as well as make learning fun.
The teachers have all been invited to this Sunday’s service. Speakers will include Walter Vicinelly, acting superintendent of Albert Gallatin School District, as well as state Rep. Larry Roberts and state Sen. Richard Kasunic.
Brothers Jason and Jeremy Kendall, who are band director and music teacher in the Albert Gallatin School District, will provide special music.
The service is open to the public. Oak Hill Baptist Church is located at 100 Old Frame Road, about three miles outside of Smithfield.
For more information or directions to the church, phone 724-569-0722.