SF Teacher Inspires All With Recent Award

The Spring-Ford Area School District recognized Krisnoel Jennings, director of bands for the middle school instrumental program, for being awarded the "Voices of Inspiration" Award for Teaching Excellence.

"This award was established by the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit (MCIU) and Freedom Credit Union to recognize teachers who clearly demonstrate an extraordinary dedication to teaching young people while exhibiting the qualities that represent a truly exceptional educator," the board agenda said.

Jennings, according to the agenda, was one of 23 teachers selected from "more than 650 nominations received from students, parents, coworkers and administrators throughout the county."

A Speech of Inspiration

As a recipient of the award, Jennings told her story:

"A few weeks ago, [ Principal] Dr. [Theresa] Weidenbaugh came into my office and said I had been nominated and selected as one of the recipients of this award. I was speechless to think that someone thought enough of something I had done to compose a letter and send it in for consideration for this award. It touched the bottom of my heart. I think and hope most people in the room have at some point in time been inspired by someone or something and realized how much that can change your life.

"For years, I was blessed with teachers who helped me become who I am today. It’s a gift and all I hope to do is some way pay it forward. No matter how old you are, you have the ability to inspire others and to be inspired by others. It’s a gift. It’s something that if you truly believe in who you are and can put forth your heart, your energy, your time, your passion and it affects someone else that they feel they can do that and pay it forward, that’s what makes the world a better place.

"That’s one of the reasons education is such a wonderful field. I had the privilege of having both of my principals, Mr. [Michael] Siggins [of the ] and Dr. Weidenbaugh attend the ceremony with me. I can’t say enough about both of those administrators. They are supportive of every way possible to the students. We couldn’t be more fortunate to have the administration we do have at this school district.

"As I was sitting at the dinner table that night and listening to the stories of all of the recipients of individual districts in the county of how these teachers have inspired others, I thought, 'What a wonderful evening this is.'

"I realized we have this every day at Spring-Ford. Not a day goes by where you aren’t a witness of an inspirational moment of a coworker, student, parent. That’s what makes this place so special. I was deeply humbled by the recognition and very very proud to say I’ve been a member of the Spring-Ford family for 22 years and hope to be for many years to come."

Board Reactions

Board Vice President Joe Ciresi thanked Jennings for what she's done for the district, saying she "definitely" deserved this award.

"What you said now brought focus to why we all sit here," Ciresi said. "Students and community. We may get heated on subjects that pull us away from that. Everyone at this table agrees, though, our purpose is to inspire."

Board President Tom DiBello agreed, citing his daughter's passion for the clarinet as the direct work of Jennings.

"All I ever heard about was Mrs. Jennings this and Mrs. Jennings that," DiBello said. "You definitely inspired here. She’s taken to the clarinet. At a certain point, the light bulb went on. To this day, she is definitely engaged in participating in the band. Whatever you did, you inspired her going forward. I thank you for what you’ve done."

Sponsorship Recognition

Superintendent David Goodin continued the meeting, thanking , the Spring-Ford Education Association and the Spring-Ford Educational Foundation for sponsoring the May 2 , where students could thank teachers for personally inspiring their own lives.

Brady to Return as Student Rep

Finally, DiBello and the board introduced student representative Elizabeth Brady. Brady, a junior, will once again be the student representative in 2012-13. She served the board over the course of the 2011-12 year.

"Sometimes she was 10th board member," said DiBello. "We appreciate that. When interviewing last year, all the students came in and talked about what they’d like to achieve and do as part of that position. Elizabeth came in and we were blown away."

Last year, Brady gave the board a big list of ideas to help improve the schools, and continued to impress with well-spoken board reports each month, according to DiBello. Brady told the board in this year's interview process that she wanted to take it to a whole new level next year, including video interviews with Spring-Ford students, more pictures and more slideshows.

"She’s done an incredible job," said DiBello. "I know her family is extremely proud of her in the work she’s been doing. We look forward to have her be with us for a second year."