May 3, 2007 By Josh Krysak 2 min read

Ten area educators were honored Wednesday at the State Theatre Center for the Arts in Uniontown after they received Educator of the Year awards from the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce. “A healthy economy relies on good education,” Muriel J. Nuttall, executive director of the Fayette Chamber of Commerce said. “Members of the chamber have a vested interest in the schools… The business community has a real stake in the educational community.”

Nuttall said that through teachers like those honored Wednesday, the county can be assured that area children will be competitive in the global workplace and provide the best possible employees for area jobs.

She said the awards, which are one of many types given by the chamber each year to area educators, schools and students, help to join the business and education communities to ensure county students are receiving the best education possible.

“Teachers represent a critical profession in our nation’s health and well-being,” Nuttall said.

Receiving awards Wednesday were Wayne Bowers of the Albert Gallatin Area School District, Janet Jones of the Brownsville Area School District, Linda Shearer of the Connellsville Area School District, Edward Kolencik of the Frazier School District, Michael Crackovich of the Laurel Highlands School District, Charmette Crews of the Uniontown Area School District and Steven Patchan of the Fayette County Area Vocational-Technical School. Also receiving awards were Toni Hartley for post-secondary education, Christine Roskovensky for private or parochial schools and Wilma Yauger for early childhood education.

When receiving awards, several teachers echoed Nuttall’s sentiments about the profession they have chosen, and each described their own philosophy to being a successful educator.

“I try to instill in young people the ability to think for themselves,” said Bowers, who has worked as a teacher for Albert Gallatin for 38 years. “I want them to believe in themselves.”

Jones said her goal as an educator is teaching students the importance of kindness and how reaching for their goals can inspire others as well as themselves.

Kolencik, a 32-year-veteran, said he has always tried to achieve “the maximum potential in every student,” and said he is simply, “Grateful to be a teacher.”

This is the 18th year the annual awards have been presented to area teachers.