Community awards given
Republic Rotary Club held its annual banquet and gave out community awards. Craig Novak, son of Angela and Joseph Novak was presented the Bernie Bergen award by John William Kopacko, cousin of Bernie Bergen. The trophy was presented to Craig for his leadership and performance in the sport of football and best exemplifies the spirit shown by Bernie Bergen, who died his sophomore year in high school. Craig is very involved in sports, playing football, baseball and basketball. Craig, along with his older brother Neil, lives in Merrittstown. He is a member of the honor society, French honor society, SADD, T..Drama and YEA. He plans on attending California University of Pennsylvania but has not decided on a major. Craig was unable to attend the banquet but the award was accepted by his father.
This year’s selection for “Student of the Year” was Karrie Kubina, who along with her parents and sister resides in Grindstone. Throughout her high school career, involvement and participation were present both scholastic and extra-curricula functions to become a well-rounded student. While remaining consistently involved with her education Karrie served on numerous clubs and councils while holding various offices. She was very active in T.V. Drama, Interact, YEA, cheerleading, student council, Spanish honor society, SADD and senior cabinet throughout her high school years. Karrie is also a student at the Terry Sheen School of Dance and is active in her church and president of the youth group. Her goals are to achieve a good education, become a good teacher, reaching out to the community to help other and to inspire others to achieve their goals in life. She plans on attending California University of Pennsylvania and will major in education.
The committee selection for the $ 500 scholarship this year is Janay Sebeck. Daughter of Nancy and Joseph Sebeck, she has two brothers and resides in Grindstone. While in school, Janay made significant contributions to class discussions often with a unique perspective and displayed enthusiasm for the subjects of academic biology and anatomy class. Senior cabinet, Spanish honor society, student council, YEA, and T. V. drama are just a few clubs that she is involved in while attending school. She is a very active member of Fayette County 4-H club, attends St. Cecelia church, where she is an altar serve and is active in the church youth group. Her goal is to attend California University of Pennsylvania and become a physical therapist.
The Republic Rotary’s “Citizen of the Year” was Margaret Krepps. A lifelong resident of Republic, she was the daughter of Antonio and Josephine Tassone. She is the second oldest of six children: Lena, Orlando, Jennie, Anthony and Dada. She attended Redstone High School and California State Teacher’s College where she received her degree in teaching. Margaret was a beloved teacher for 43 years at the former Redstone Township School District and Brownsville School District, having taught generations of families before retiring in 1976. She has taught so many students that her family jokingly tells her she can’t go anywhere in the world without someone knowing her. One of her nieces even ran into someone in Greece who was one of her students. Often in life, one might never know the impact one may have had on another’s life; however, Margaret has had the great honor of having former students visit her and tell her how she was the one teacher who positively affected their lives.
Margaret was married to the love of her life, Michael for 39 year before his passing in 1977. She still humorously, but lovingly refers to him as her “boyfriend”. She helped her mother by working at one of her Father’s businesses, “The Hub of Republic” while taking care of her mother for many years. Always actively involved, Margaret was a member of the Women’s Professional Club, Friends of the Library, Secretary of Redstone Federation of Teachers and the reunion committee for her graduating class. She has been a devout member of Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church all her life. Margaret can unofficially be titled “Historian of Republic” as someone is always asking her to recall or clarify some point of Republic’s history.
Margaret’s contagious enthusiasm, loving spirit and giving heart brings great joy to her family and her many friends.