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Post-Gazette's All-Star Achievers
Monday, April 02, 2001
It was another banner year for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's annual All-Star Achievers competition honoring extraordinary students. Seventy students from around the Pittsburgh region were chosen by Post-Gazette judges, and the winning students submitted essays about educators who have particularly inspired them. Here are the 10 student winners from schools in the city of Pittsburgh, along with their honored teachers.
Leah Baughn
Senior class president. Officer on the school gifted African-American council; representative on the citywide African-American Council. Captain of band's drum line. Tutors at school, volunteers at church. Serves as signer for church services for deaf members.
Ivan Frank
I had Dr. Ivan Frank as a teacher for United States History in the 11th grade. I have also had the opportunity to work with him in Student Council. He is passionate about his teaching and he has taught me to shoot for the stars in everything I do.
Garrett Forrester Charity Jr.
Recipient of National Achievement Scholarship, part of the National Merit Scholarship program. Member of track and cross country teams. Spends time with Alzheimer's disease patients each month. Described by guidance counselor as determined and trustworthy.
Mark Krotec
Last year in my advanced-placement biology class, Mr. Krotec showed me the exciting and fast-paced world of modern science. The enthusiasm and energy he brought to the course material had a direct effect on me, directing me to a career as a physician or in laboratory medicine.
Kelly Collins
National Merit finalist and recipient of science, mathematics and music awards. Rated nationally in fencing. Volunteered with a men's shelter and Habitat for Humanity, building a home in Appalachia. Active member of her school's human rights coalition.
Jean-Ann Streiff
Mrs. Streiff is an excellent teacher. Her high standards and expectations lead students to demand more of themselves. She draws students into discussion of literature, opening their minds to new insights and encouraging them to think critically. Her classes are rigorous but also entertaining.
Nicholas Charles Lesser
One of the top 10 students in his class. Winner of an excellence in Spanish award. Member of the National Honor Society. On varsity cross country and track and field teams. Active in service and environmental clubs; soup kitchen volunteer.
Mary Ann Lynch
When I walk into Mrs. Mary Ann Lynch's AP English class, I feel as if I am leaving the Central Catholic hallways and entering a college seminar course in writing. ... Though I once dreaded writing papers, in Mrs. Lynch's class I have learned to enjoy them as a means to express my mind.
Natalie Proie
High honor student with several academic awards. Attended the Governor's School. Swim team captain, tennis team member. Editor of 2000 yearbook. Has volunteered at the Pittsburgh Children's Museum. Counselor calls her a highly motivated self-starter.
Michelle Cambelle
Mrs. Cambelle has provided encouragement for me since her reading class in 1990. Since our first meeting, she has been my support academically, athletically and all possible ways. Mrs. Cambelle has helped me grow mentally and socially in the right direction. I am eternally grateful for her in my life.
Monica C. "Molly" Reed
Tennis team manager. National Honor Society and yearbook staff member. Skilled photographer. Fluent in American Sign Language. Has volunteered at the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf and worked as a counselor at a camp for the deaf.
Carol Sperandeo
I had Mrs. Sperandeo for algebra II and elementary functions. I used to be afraid of math, but Mrs. Sperandeo helped me get over my math phobia. She always encouraged me to do my best, but also reminded me that a low grade is not the end of the world.
Rebecca Roell
High honor student and one of her class valedictorians. Track team member, member of the South Hills Junior Tamburitzans. Tutored at Knoxville Middle School, participates in youth ministry. "Always seems to have a smile on her face," says her counselor.
Edward A. Schwilm
Mr. Schwilm has been one of the most influential teachers in ... my learning career. His ways of teaching are unique to him as a person; intimidating, then energetic. Even though he shares his knowledge with students every day, he is not afraid of learning something new. Mr. Schwilm has boosted my self-confidence.
Eric David Simanek
High honor student and National Merit finalist. Qualified for the regional state swimming championships. Principal clarinetist for the Eastern Pittsburgh Youth Orchestra; designed and conducted music programs for area day-care centers.
Glenn Campbell
I was always interested in history for its adventure and heroism. I saw the historical characters as larger-than-life, mythological characters. In Mr. Campbell's class I gained an appreciation for what these characters had done and what they accomplished. In his class I gained a mature understanding of history.
Laura Troyani
Competed in Science Olympics, Chemistry Olympics and US First Robotics teams. Participated in United Way, Amnesty International and the school community service club. One educator calls her "extremely capable, hardworking and focused."
Gina Pacitti
I admire Ms. Pacitti both for her passionate teaching style and focus on learning through labs as well as her countless hours of dedication as sponsor to the Science Bowl and Science Olympiad teams. Her commitment led me not only to love science but also to pursue chemistry as a career.
David Zionts
AP scholar. Writes fiction and nonfiction and produces videos. Has been local president and regional board member for the United Synagogue Youth. One educator calls him "the consummate scholar focused upon obtaining the utmost from his education."
Frank Casorio
For three years, Frank Casorio has been my French teacher, but he has taught me more than another language. At heart, Mr. Casorio is a philosopher, and his passion for learning and debating is contagious. Whether discussing politics or French existentialism, Mr. Casorio always inspires me to think and to learn.
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