Falling leaves, pumpkins and spiced lattes all are things we love about the fall season. We also love to acknowledge our Partners in Education winners! October was a busy month for teachers and students across our state. Here’s to our October winners!
Ryan Bissler is an intervention specialist at New Tech West High School. She supports her students academically and personally and encourages success in the classroom. She creates a warm, welcoming environment that makes students feel comforted and at home. “She holds her students to the highest academic standards and is able to do so because they trust her and she genuinely cares about them,” says peer teacher Dina Hoeynck.
Teacher Matthew Shirey is the band director for Northwood High School. “He has found a way to not only keep student interest but grow the HS band at our school close to the largest numbers ever. He has taken students through starting an instrument during hybrid instruction, kept them participating during the 2020 shut down, and this year his groups are beginning to excel yet again. His energy and enthusiasm leads his students, and his desire for excellence elevates them as well,” says Jason Kozina, a parent at the school.
Intervention specialist Ashleigh Ratermann makes a difference in the classroom every day at Botkins Local School. She is described as a pleasure to work with. Administrator Ryan Loy says, “She goes above and beyond in the classroom to make sure that her students are successful. She finds real world activities to help the students learn and are relevant to their life. Parents and students love her as a teacher and students want to be in her room throughout the day.” She goes above and beyond to help her students and helps them become successful in and out of the classroom. “I cannot say enough positive things about the difference she has made in our special needs student’s lives,” says Loy.
Holly Beasley is a 12th grade student at Covington High School who works hard and tries her best to achieve success in the classroom. Beasley is involved in band, drama club and karate. “Holly demonstrates incredible musical as well as personal leadership skills in both band and choir classes. Holly is an integral part of our music program and excels as both a soloist and section player. She is consistently looking for ways to improve individually as a musician as well as ways to make the band better. She has the respect of her fellow students as well; when Holly speaks, they listen and respond,” says administrator Josh Meyer.
Caitlyn Welsch is a student at Pattison Elementary. She is an accomplished gymnastic student and participates in Girl Scouts. She is a leader on the floor and in the classroom. She can forge ahead even when obstacles come her way. She is always polite and helpful to her peers. Caitlyn is described as a real leader by Karol Brown Warden, her gymnastics coach.
Susan Rill teaches science and social studies to fourth graders at Scioto Elementary. According to administrator Bruce Bryant, “Susan Rill always steps up to the challenge. She’s a servant leader and always finds ways to enhance students in the educational process.” She is willing to help others and is always willing to volunteer to help a coworker.
Avrie Workman is a student at Toll Gate Middle School. She is in the fifth grade and is described as having a wonderful disposition. She is a leader in the classroom and an “inspiration to her peers.” She works hard in the classroom and is a good friend to her fellow classmates as she is always willing to assist others and help them.
Teacher Colleen Ready is known as an “amazing teacher.” She teaches at Crestwood High School and cares deeply for her students and her fellow colleagues. “Colleen looks for ways to reach all learners. Her methods are creative, fun and inspiring. Her students love her class,” says peer teacher Kim Marfy. She steps up and helps where needed and she inspires others in her job every day. The school is lucky to have her. As chair of the Science Department, she makes an impression each day with her smile and her leadership attitude.
Xavier Pinson, a seventh-grade student at James A Garfield Middle School, “is a bright young man with exemplary behavior and an overall positive attitude that is much admired.” Xavier is in the drama club and is a noteworthy citizen who is willing to help others in the classroom and especially lends a helping hand to those struggling. He is described as outgoing by his teacher Vanessa Shafer. He is a leader in the classroom and, “He has proven great qualities in academics, leadership and attitude in the beginning of this year in middle school.” He completes assignments on time and is very responsible with his students. He is admired by his teacher and students at his school.
East Liverpool Jr/Sr High School has a teacher who is a “one of a kind.” Jason Duke teaches grades 7-9. According to Brenda Pilarcik, he sees potential in all students regardless of their situation; he reminds students that they are special, they are cared for, and can achieve anything they set out to do. He is compassionate and is described as helpful, understanding and supportive. Students can turn to him and count on him as he goes above and beyond for every student. “His passion to help students doesn’
t stop in the classroom. He also coaches a variety of sports, and the opportunity to educate, support and be a positive factor in the lives of many students,” says Pilarcik.
“Willow is an extraordinary young lady who excels in her academic achievement,” says administrator Brandy Grant. Willow Goss is a first-grade student at Port Washington Elementary, and she is described as having a passion for learning that is contagious. The school is lucky to have her as an excellent model throughout the district. She is inquisitive, respectful, applies
knowledge to practice, remains optimistic,and is open-minded. She takes pride in working collegially with her peers and consistently reminds others of the crucial role they each play within the learning environment,” says Grant.
Student Malachi Ables attends North Ridgeville High School. He is a student who works hard and gives his very best to his studies. He has good grades and a solid attendance record. Administrator Jamie Lormeau says that Ables “contributes each day in a positive way.” His contribution to the band program at the school is commendable.
Congratulations to all our October Partners in Education winners! You can nominate an outstanding student or teacher for Academic All Star and Teacher of the Month online by
Clicking Here. Nominations are due by 5:00 p.m. on the 10th of every month.