School is officially back in session, and our Partners in Education program has kicked off for the year. Check out our September Academic All Stars and Teachers of the Month.
Our first Academic All Star is
Takko Ndiaye. Takko is a student at Gamble Montessori High School. She is described as smart, hardworking, kind, helpful, talented, and driven. Yolanda Lawson nominated Takko and says, “She is not only a great academic student, but a great person.”
Russell Chapman III is our next Academic All Star. Russell is a senior at Jones Leadership Academy of Business, the captain of the chess team, and an honor student. Russell was also selected as one of two honor students to represent his school in Youth Leadership Toledo. In 2018, Russell came in 10
th place in the United States Chess Federation K-12 National Chess Tournament.
Cole Rutledge is a September Academic All Star. Cole is a senior at East Palestine High School. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the track team, and co-captain of the cross-country team. He volunteers for Helping Hands, is a YMCA Camp Counselor, the robotics program, and tutors students in his community. Cole is described as someone with a great personality and kind heart. He plans to study Chemistry and/or Robotics in college.
Our fourth Academic All Star is
Jayden Sparks. Jayden is a seventh grader at Chamberlin Middle School. Linda Brown is Jayden’s teacher and nominated him for Academic All Star. She said, “Jayden has demonstrated respect, responsibility, and making right choices on a daily basis. He pays attention in class, asks questions, and completes all assignments.” His goal for the school year is to try out for the seventh-grade basketball team.
Our first Teacher of the Month is
Jeanne Cerniglia. Jeanne teaches seventh-grade Math at John R. Lea Middle School. Jill Franks nominated Jeanne and describes her as “one of the most passionate and dedicated teachers.” She gives her students the tools they need to really understand their lessons, and she is involved beyond the classroom. She is known for supporting students outside of school at extracurricular activities such as musicals, theater, and sporting events. She helps plan and coordinate the 8
th grade trip to Washington, D.C. Jeanne has contributed to the Library of Congress Veterans History Project with the help of other educators and students.
Ginny Eaton is our second September Teacher of the Month. Ginny teaches Reading Recovery for grades K-5 at Mark Twain Elementary School. Ginny previously taught fifth-grade English Language Arts before the school added the Reading Recovery position. Amber Cristofaro nominated Ginny and said, “Mrs. Eaton jumped in to tackle the additional training needed to serve our students. She has worked tirelessly to prepare a space and materials for the students where individualized learning is a priority. Her efforts make it possible for all of the students in the building to get the best available education with differentiated instruction.”
Our next Teacher of the Month is
Holly Irby. Holly teaches Math for grades 9-10 at Western Hills High School. She is known as a great math teacher who prepares engaging lessons daily.
Daniel Kibler is a Science teacher at East Palestine High School and a September Teacher of the Month. Daniel teaches Biology, Physical Science, Physics, Chemistry, and Robotics for grades 9-12. He also coaches varsity football and wrestling. Daniel is a volunteer YMCA Camp Knonkwee staff member for East Palestine’s sixth grade outdoor education program and formed the Robotics Club. Outside of the classroom, Daniel is very involved in his community. He is a volunteer firefighter and actively involved in the Imperial Beagle Club of Pennsylvania.
Our fifth Teacher of the Month is
Mark Zappola. Mark teaches fourth-grade Math at Maple Leaf Elementary School. He is described as “a determined teacher who finds pure joy in teaching.” He can be found supporting his students in and out of the classroom. Cristy Madkins nominated Mark and said, “What sets him apart is he puts kids first. His pay, energy, time, and love go to students.”
Congratulations to all of our September Partners in Education winners! Keep up the amazing work!
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 10
th of every month.