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Wednesday, April 16, 2003

It's certainly a pleasure choosing the top 10 all-around student citizens of the east suburbs.

But it's not easy.

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 Washington 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:

Megan Burd, Greensburg Salem

National Honor Society president, class secretary. Cheerleading co-captain, softball letterman, member of chorus and vocal ensemble. Works with first graders; volunteers at food bank. Plans to be a teacher.

Teacher: Kathy McCormick

"Prior to entering AP European History class, history was dull. Mrs. McCormick made history came alive for students. Her love of teaching made class enjoyable every day. I hope to display her attitude and enthusiasm in my classroom someday."

Steven Chirieleison, Plum

Captain of football and wrest-ling teams, member of Science Olympic Team, National Honor Society president. Active in church missions. Raised money for Make-A-Wish Foundation. Will study biomedical engineering at Penn.

Teacher: Edward Staines

"Mr. Staines has shown me the necessity of hard work and thorough practice in order to succeed. The largest lesson he has taught me is that you must see to completion every work you begin, no matter how large or small."

Peter Demoise, Woodland Hills

Lettered in golf, tennis and swimming. Member of band, choir and National Honor Society. Performs in school musicals. Volunteers for local food banks. Student newspaper columnist. Plans a career in environmental law.

Teacher: Josephine Smerdel

"Mrs. Jo Smerdel is an exemplary teacher with a true passion for educating students. With years of professional and educational experience, she is able to encapsulate her love for science and share it with her students in unique, enthusiastic and innovative ways."

Henry DeYoung, Franklin Regional

National Merit semi-finalist who scored perfect 800s on three SAT II tests. Active in school programs, though he must use a wheelchair. Member of Mathletes, computer programming teams. Plans on majoring in bio-informatics.

Teacher: James McLaughlin

"Mr. McLaughlin's unique teaching style makes him the most memorable of my teachers. His use of humorous analogies make the "bigger picture" themes of American history relevant to daily life. His AP course is one of the school's most popular, and it's no wonder."

Susan Frankiewicz, East Allegheny

Yearbook editor-in-chief and member of National Honor Society. Peer tutor and mentor, volunteers for Project Bundle-Up and local food bank. School orchestra's principal bassist. Intends on majoring in engineering at CMU.

Teacher: Lorainne Pennington

"Dr. Pennington is the type of teacher who will always go out of the way for her students. She is there to help with an essay or assignment. Most impressive is her ability to relate with and be enjoyed by her students while maintaining her incredible professionalism."

Elise Hindmarsh, Riverview

Has performed in seven high school musicals, president of drama club. Sings in school choir. Member of National Honor Society. Peer tutor, active in student ministry. Plans to become a speech language pathologist.

Teacher: Janeice Calfe

"Janeice Calfe was the first teacher to encourage my thirst for knowledge. She recognized her students' potential, challenging us with advanced assignments, despite criticism from her colleagues. She has remained a mentor and friend for over 10 years."

Jonathan Kline, Greensburg CentralCatholic

Academic leader who is captain of football and basketball teams. Three year Scholar Athlete Award winner. Coach of youth basketball team, member of Interact club. Plans on majoring in business management.

Teacher: Maureen O'Brien

"Sr. Maureen O'Brien has taught me many things about my own Christian values. More importantly, she has encouraged me to be my own unique person, especially in regards to my faith. She is more than a teacher. I truly value her as a mentor and friend."

Courtney Kochuba, Woodland Hills

Performed in and directed numerous theater productions. Writes for school literary magazine and local newspaper. Volunteers for her church and local food banks. Plans on becoming an actress and writer.

Teacher: Stephen Merrill

"Stephen Merrill renewed my passion for writing. When I came to high school, his exceptional teaching methods and personal love for writing rejuvenated my own interest, aiding in future development of my skills and causing me to look at creative writing for a career."

Christopher Marsh, Greensburg Salem

Class president, member of National Honor Society. Lettered in football, basketball and baseball. Member of National Forensics League, senior choir. Red Cross and Special Olympics volunteer. Will attend U.S. Naval Academy.

Teacher: Carole Malik

"Ms. Malik makes the classroom an exciting frontier with discoveries to be made every day. She teaches that in life, as well as in math, there are always better ways to solve problems."

James Talamo, Hempfield Area

National Merit finalist, Mathlete school champiin 2001 and 2002. Peer tutor and food bank volunteer. Vacation Bible school crew leader. Accomplished piano player. Plans on studying mathematics at Notre Dame.

Teacher: Joe Scheuermann

"Mr. Scheuermann has taught me Calculus I and II. Not only do his humor and affable nature make the class interesting, but his understanding of calculus and how to explain it prove unparalleled. Truly, he has freed mathematics from the written page and brought it to life for me."

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