Teachers honored at Saint Vincent recognition program
Forty-five high school teachers have been honored by the Saint Vincent College Great Teacher Recognition Program “for excellence in teaching that provides a positive and enduring influence on students.” In letters of congratulations to the selected teachers, the college President James F. Will thanked the teachers for “making a difference” in the lives of their students.
“Saint Vincent College recognizes the important role teachers play in the development of youth,” Will said.
The honored teachers were nominated by former students who are now freshmen at Saint Vincent College, which is located in Latrobe.
Several local teachers were included among the honorees.
They are Erika Clara, Southmoreland Senior High School, Alverton; Heidi Eutsey, Connellsville Area High School, Connellsville; Michele Fowkes, Jefferson-Morgan High School, Jefferson; and Dan Arnold, Laurel Highlands High School, Uniontown.
Of Clara, former student Andrew Jeffers said:
“Mrs. Clara challenged us as high school seniors in order to motivate us as college freshmen. She mentored her students to be innovative thinkers and doers.”
Southmoreland Senior High School principal Dr. Carolyn Adams said:
“She is a teacher’s teacher. Her commitment to students and her passion for her work are remarkable.”
Clara has taught at Southmoreland Senior High School for 28 years. In addition to sponsoring the quiz team, National Honor Society and the Gifted Program, Clara volunteers for the Salvation Army and the Red Cross.
She is the English Department chairwoman. Her courses include advanced placement English IV, college prep English IV and academic English IV.
An active member of Christian Church of Connellsville, Eutsey has taught at Connellsville Area High School for 20 years. She previously received the Duquesne University Teacher Excellence Award. Her courses include applied communications (grade 11), English college prep (grade 11) and advanced placement English (grade 12).
Here is a quote from former student Sara Pockstaller:
“Mrs. Eutsey was the best English teacher I had in high school.
“She taught us how to work hard and write good papers. When we read books, she made them come alive. She is the reason I am becoming an English teacher.”
Fowkes has taught at Jefferson-Morgan High School for three years. In addition to sponsoring the National Honor Society, Fowkes is a 21st Century Learning after school tutor.
She was previously recognized as an inspirational teacher through the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette All-Star Achiever Program.
Her courses include academic and general English (grade 12), vocabulary enrichment, advanced literature, Shakespeare and basic speech.
Here is a quote from former student Tiffany Milan:
“I learned so much from Ms. Fowkes inside and outside the classroom. She made things fun and still tough and I thank her greatly for being there for me.”
Jefferson-Morgan High School principal Thomas Katruska said:
“Michele communicates well with professional, non-professional, students and parents. Her dedication to the students and the community is without question. She is earnest, resourceful, dynamic, and honest and is a natural leader of education. Michele’s main concern is always students first.”
About Arnold, former student Branden Teets said:
“Mr. Arnold was a great teacher and advisor in class, but more importantly, out of class he was a great friend.”
Here is a quote from Laurel Highlands High School principal John Diamond:
“Mr Arnold’s philosophy is wholistic where he emphasizes the interrelationship of other subject contexts and encourages his students to think outside the box. He is certainly an asset to our technology program and the students that he teaches.”
Arnold has been a technology teacher at Laurel Highlands High School for six years.
His courses include computer-aided drafting, traditional drafting, multimedia publishing and energy technologies.
In addition, Arnold serves as a co-chairman on the curriculum and technology committee of a county-wide organization, Reaching Educational Achievement With Community Help (REACH) of the Fay-Penn Economic Development Council.