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Post-Gazette's All-Star Achievers for East
Wednesday, April 11, 2001
It was another banner year for the Post-Gazette's annual All-Star Achievers competition honoring extraordinary students who've posted significant achievements in academics, perseverance, talent and volunteerism.
Some spent hundreds of hours raising money, helping the needy and unfortunate, and doing community good works. They honed their skills in athletics, writing and the arts. They also earned extraordinary test scores and grades. Seventy students from around the Pittsburgh region were chosen by Post-Gazette judges, and each selected student submitted essays about educators who have particularly inspired them. Here are the 10 winning students from school districts in the East region, along with their honored teachers.
Jeffrey J. Bullian
National Merit Scholar finalist. Attended Governor's School for Science and Westinghouse Science Honors Institute. Sang lead in five high school musicals and won a medal at a national piano competition. Cross-country captain. Sings at hospitals.
Ernestine Bullian
Bullian said he learned the most important lessons from a teacher in his living room rather than the classroom. "I've never had my mom in class. She doesn't teach at my school. But since the day I was born, she has instilled a set of values and morals in me for which I am eternally grateful. Most teachers teach subjects. My mom taught me about life."
Caleb Bupp
First in class of 516. Received National Science Merit Award. Lettered in cross-country, track. Played saxophone in marching band, violin in concert band. Raised money for American Cancer Society, visited nursing homes and worked with exceptional children.
LaRoyal Wilson
"Mr. Wilson made history come alive to me by making it entertaining and showing me how interesting it is. His extraordinary teaching methods helped me to really understand the material. His personality and influence in the classroom encouraged me to join the track team, reinvigorating my love for running."
Chad Eckert
Second in class of 352. Attended Governor's School for Science. Won Outsanding Engineering Award from Society of Women Engineers. Coordinated school's Make-A-Wish telethon. Lettered in track and cross-country. Played bass in school jazz band.
Eli Shaheen
"In my school career, no teacher has influenced me greater than Mr. Shaheen, my advanced geometry and computer science instructor. Mr. Shaheen acted both as a teacher and friend; he gave me confidence to apply to the Governor's School for Science and pushed me to excel in his classes."
Violeta Garcia-Mendoza
Will finish as top student in her class. Received Founders Merit and Provost Merit Scholarship from Duquesne University, where she will study pre-medicine. Volunteers at nursing home, Salvation Army and community events. Also an outstanding writer.
Jack Schmitt
"Mr. Schmitt has been one of the most influential teachers I have encountered. I most admire that he goes beyond the call of duty of simply teaching algebra and calculus and strives to build character and disciplined work ethic in his students. He also maintains the image of parent, coach and neighbor in addition to that of educator."
Ashley R. King
State finalist in Optimist International oratory competition. Received Rachel Carson Book Award from Chatham College. Outstanding pianist and singer. Performed lead in four high school musicals and appears in community theater. Sings at nursing homes.
Cheryl King
"I owe my success to many teachers. One sticks out, though. Mrs. King fostered my love of theater when we watched my first musical before I was a year old. She is there for me as a mother and a teacher. Her belief in me made me believe."
Sarah Molinero
Ranks ninth in class of 516. Received Women in Science award from Seton Hill College for her work in biology. Plays piano. Volunteers with American Red Cross, Action for Animals, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and other community events.
Carol Staines
"Mrs. Staines not only teaches many high school students, she knows each one's personality, hopes and fears. No matter how busy she is, she always takes time to ask how everything is. For four years, as a teacher and a friend, she has inspired me and guided me toward my dreams."
Kathryn Rokosz
A top math student who is taking college-level calculus. Also a talented French horn player who played in Honors District Jazz Band and Westmoreland Youth Symphony Orchestra. Lettered in track. Volunteers in various community activities.
Lorraine D. Bryner
"Mrs. Bryner is one of the most supportive teachers I have encountered in my high school career. Her first priority has always been to her students, and she is always willing to give her time to the needs of those students. Whenever I have a problem, mathematical or personal, I know that I can depend on Mrs. Bryner to help me work through it."
Ann K. Rosko
Nominated for National Science Merit Scholarship. Talented violinist named to Modern Music Masters Honor Society. Participated on swim and softball teams. Volunteers through her church, Girl Scouts, Girls Leaders Association and American Field Services.
Rosemary Shell
"Never before in my 13 years of public education have I encountered a teacher so dedicated to, or so enthusiastic about, her profession. The amazing time and energy that Mrs. Shell puts into relating chemistry concepts to everyday life is truly inspiring to a future chemistry major like myself."
Alicia Scales
Received the Baush & Lomb Science Award for excellence in chemistry. Participated in District Band. Tutors at a homeless shelter, delivers meals to the elderly and raises money for Toys for Tots.
John C. Myers
"Mr. Myers has had a strong influence on me because of the positive example he has set. His exceeding commitment to his job is extremely noticeable and appreciated by all of his students. His good sense of humor is also a factor that I admire. It creates an atmosphere that is very comfortable and productive."
Ann Marie Tano
Has earned college credits in calculus, economics and computer science. Completed law and business apprenticeships. Co-captain of swim team. Played in high school and Pittsburgh Youth Symphony orchestras. Planned school's Vietnam memorial.
Robert Moyer
"Not only is Mr. Robert Moyer a creative orchestra instructor and AP music theory instructor, but he is kind and genuine. He understands youth and is patient in their development. He sets high standards academically and instills the importance of character development. Students are exposed to writing music and performing with college-level orchestras."
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