Teachers who made an "Impact"

Kelsey Gliva is about to graduate from high school, but when she looks back at her education to date, it's her sixth grade teacher who she remembers most fondly.

"I am the student I am today because of Mrs. [Sharon] Brownback's sixth grade class," Kelsey wrote.

Brownback's influence extended well beyond "the three Rs," in Kelsey's estimation.

"She was the first teacher who challenged me academically—allowing nothing but excellence in her classroom. It wasn't just the fact that Mrs. Brownback made me work hard, though. It was what she did for me outside of class (reminding me of my strength when I needed it most) that has always stuck with me. She has inspired me, encouraged me, and brought out the best in me both as a student and a person," Kelsey wrote.

Kelsey's reflections on Mrs. Brownback led the Spring-Ford senior to nominate her sixth grade teacher for a Senior Impact Award. On Wednesday evening, the nominees and their student nominators gathered for a dinner and award ceremony. 97 members of the district's faculty and staff were recognized for their influences upon students.

Spring-Ford superintendent Dr. Marsha Hurda and school board president Joseph Ciresi provided opening and closing remarks.

What follows is a selection of other comments made by student nominators.

"Last year, in eleventh grade, I made a poor decision and found myself in a difficult situation. Mr. Kent helped me and fought for me to stay in school but it was Dr. Hurda who made the final decision to let me remain in the high school. I never really had the chance to thank Dr. Hurda, so this is my way of thanking Dr. Hurda for giving me a second chance."

- David Wilkinson

"When I first met Mr. [Kenneth] Ridgeway I thought he was going to be tough and that I wasn't going to like him. He taught me that I should never give up. Whenever I didn't get something, in his class he would make me keep trying until I got what I couldn't get before. I feel that Mr. Ridgeway's class has helped me to be successful in English class."

- Mike Varlotta

"Mrs. [Mary] Palladino has made a huge impact on my life that I will never forget. Her love and passion for math and her students was present each day where she demonstrated that math is enjoyable and as a statistician you 'get to play in everyone's backyard.' I truly appreciate everything Mrs. Palladino has done for me and I will always be thankful for having her in my life."

- Kathryn Emes

"Mr. [William] Culp is the type of teacher who makes learning fun. He comes to school every day enthusiastic and with a smile on his face. I fully attribute my love of writing and creativity to all the creative writing assignments that were done in his class. If it wasn't for Mr. Culp, I probably would not have the passion for writing that I have today."

- Lindsey Murray