UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.-- Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics, in association with IMG Learfield Ticket Solutions, is proud to announce the outstanding educators who will be recognized during the third annual Educator Appreciation Day at the Nittany Lions' Senior Day game, Nov. 24 vs. Maryland.
The nine educators will be recognized for the dedication and service they have shown to their local community. Nominations were submitted by students, parents, fellow educators and community members.
The honorees are:
- Laura Cunningham, Saint Joseph's Catholic Academy
- Andrea Kennedy, Centre on Learning Charter School
- Kelly Mark, Penns Valley School District
- Mardi McDonough, State College Area School District
- Alex Raup, State College Area School District
- Mary Smith, State College Area School District
- Joe Walker, State College Area School District
- Holli Jo Weber, State College Area School District
- Tina Zacheri, South Butler Area School District
Laura Cunningham was nominated by her colleagues for always putting the best interest of the students first. She works diligently as her school's marketing coordinator and National Honor Society Advisor. She works with students to spark their interest in fields like English and business marketing.
Andrea Kennedy was nominated by a parent of one of her students. The parent was grateful for all of her hard work as she helped her autistic son learn and adapt into the school environment.
Kelly Mark was nominated by a parent for her hard work and advanced teaching methods, which encouraged well-rounded development for all of her students. She has her Ph.D. from Penn State and is a Vice Principal with the Penns Valley School District.
Mardi McDonough was nominated by a parent. In addition to teaching, she is President of the SCASD District Union and has done a tremendous job balancing both positions.
Alex Raup was nominated by his colleagues and has worked for State College Area School District for eight years. Raup is known around the building as the first one into school each morning, having a positive attitude and a great work ethic.
Mary Smith was nominated for her 15 years of service as a learning support teacher. She has large classes with students that all have special needs. She has to differentiate for each of their needs while at the same time working with teachers in all the content areas.
Joe Walker was nominated for his love to entertain, engage, and educate students, all while challenging them to excel to the best of their ability. Walker also was the head boys basketball coach at State College Area High School and has had many of his players go on to be student-athletes at the collegiate level.
Holli Jo Weber was nominated for her 28 years of service and dedication to extracurricular activities. She has been helping oversee after school programs such as ski club, bowling and archery. In addition, she helps oversee Mini-Thon and has helped raise $376,000 for the Four Diamonds Foundation.
Tina Zacheri was nominated for bringing the same energy and excitement to the job that she brought from her first day. She is constantly challenging herself to learn new things and incorporate new lessons in to her classroom to better educate her students.
Educators, school district employees, their families and friends have an opportunity to attend the 3:30 p.m. Educator Appreciation Day contest by purchasing discounted tickets. Tickets can be ordered by clicking HERE or visiting GoPSUsports.com/educatorappreciation.
If attendees would like to sit together as a group, it is recommended they place one large order via phone or by utilizing the online "Invite friends to this event" feature in the links above.
For inquiries on Educator Appreciation Day, please contact Sam Starrett at 814-863-1222 or via email at sus725@psu.edu. Inquiries can also be made by calling 1-800-NITTANY, weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.