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Monday, April 14, 2003

Some high school students excel in a sport, work with a favorite community service or focus on their academic studies. This year's All-Star Achievers, however, do it all.

They are skilled in the classroom, in music and other artistic endeavors, in sports and in helping to make the community a better place. Of the many nominees, 10 were chosen from the PG City circulation area by Post-Gazette reporters and editors. Each student also nominated and wrote an essay about a teacher who has been an inspiration. Here are the 2003 All-Star Achievers and their teachers:

Samantha Abbott, Oakland Catholic

Captain of color guard, active in school musicals, National Honor Society, yearbook and Human Rights Coalition despite being diagnosed with cancer in her junior year. Raised more then $2,500 for cancer research. Will major in finance.

Teacher: Larry Mattiko

"Mr. Mattiko's unique teaching style and humor kept me interested and eager to pursue a career in math. When I was diagnosed with cancer, Mr. Mattiko encouraged me to set small goals for myself. His optimism and dedication to students helped me through difficult times."

Mary Cooper, Taylor Allderdice

National Merit Scholarship finalist. President of school environmental and Amnesty International clubs. Works to promote recycling, trail maintenance and outdoor education. Plans to study art history and pursue a career as a doctor.

Teacher: John Dorinsky

"Mr. Dorinsky's Art History and Humanities courses are enlivened by his enthusiasm for the arts and ideas. They have influenced me to pursue art history in addition to pre-medicine in college and will provide a solid foundation for work in many fields."

Stephanie Corey, The Ellis School

Member of tennis and lacrosse teams, avid snowboarder. President of SADD, member of Sierra Student Coalition. Volunteers for an after-school program, helped develop a drama/arts project for students. Plans to become an ecologist.

Teacher: Ellen Bedell

"In ninth grade, Dr. Bedell opened my eyes to the wonders of ancient civilizations. In twelfth grade, she changed the way I look at the world, encouraging me not to judge others until I've seen the world through their eyes. She's an inspiration in and out of the classroom."

Mara Horwitz, Schenley

National Merit Scholar Finalist, vice president of National Honor Society. Captain of cross-country team, member of swim team, active in school musicals. Tutors middle-schoolers in French and math. Plans on becoming a pediatrician.

Teacher: Carol Sperandeo

"Mrs. Sperandeo has been a motivational figure in my high school experience because of her outstanding mathematical knowledge, witty humor, high expectations, and unfailing support. She has always been available for and committed to her students."

Joshua Levenson, Taylor Allderdice

National Merit Commended Scholar. News editor for school paper. Created a program on stranger danger for children, helped build a rural community center in Costa Rica. Will study chemistry and Spanish at Amherst College.

Teacher: Mina Levenson

"Mrs. Levenson has influenced me because of her passion and dedication to teaching mastery of the Spanish language. She has taught me a skill which I intend to use throughout the rest of my life: how to think skillfully and creatively in a different language."

Pai Liu, Schenley

National Merit Scholar Semifinalist, president of National Honor Society. Volunteers with physically and mentally challenged children and as a math and Japanese tutor. Accomplished accordion and piano player, member of the rugby team.

Teacher: Susan Monroe

"Ms. Monroe is the English teacher who students fear on the first day of school but learn to love on the very next day. With humor, passion, experience and dedication she has helped me to become a better writer and speaker. As a teacher and a mentor, she is one of a kind."

Matthew S. Meisel, Taylor Allderdice

Scored 1600 on his SATs. Editor of school paper, member of swim, cross-country and track teams. Designed web sites for several school teams. Helped repair nature trails with Landmark Volunteers. Will major in biochemistry at Harvard.

Teacher: Gina Pacitti Barone

"As both a teacher and a coach, Ms. Barone is a passionate and dedicated mentor. By believing in her students' ability to excel, she has shown me how to push myself harder than I thought I could. Her enthusiasm for chemistry has inspired me to pursue a career in science."

Michael Peterson, Central Catholic

Secretary of National Honor Society. Editor of school literary magazine, performs in theatrical productions. Co-president of CChrist and student tutor. Volunteers for East End Co-operative Ministries. Plans to major in journalism.

Teacher: Glenn Campbell

"Mr. Glenn Campbell's perpetual wit, emphasis on current events, boundless historical knowledge, free-flowing teaching style, and earnest love of history itself have made his classes enjoyable and have inspired me to take a genuine interest in the subject as well."

Kaoni Rhodes, Langley

Vice president of National Honor Society, Hugh O'Brien Leadership Ambassador. Student council president, member of softball and basketball teams. Volunteers at Sheraden Homework Assistance Aid. Will study biology at Slippery Rock.

Teacher: Maura Moran

"It doesn't take a lot for a great person to inspire another. Mrs. Moran didn't give me a speech; it was something far greater. She challenged my thought process and dedication to my work. She didn't give me room for mistakes but gave me room for improvement."

Adam Warble, Carrick

Member of National Honor Society, maintained perfect attendance his junior and senior years. Member of cross-country and track teams, assistant drum major. Volunteers at a food pantry. Plays bagpipes. Will major in anthropology.

Teacher: James Kraus

"Mr. Kraus is a dedicated teacher who sacrifices personal time to make sure that our band program is excellent. I appreciate and admire him for his dedication. He is constantly building our band experience. He created a bagpipe and steel drum band for our school."