GEM Award Winner - Shannon Pypa
Shannon Pypa, HS Social Studies at WMHS
Shannon's Statement: "Working at WMHS has given me an amazing group of colleagues. No matter what challenges we face, we collaborate with one another to support the success of our students."
Cory Gildersleeve's Statement: "Ms. Pypa is a dynamic teacher! She truly cares about our staff and students at WMHS. She goes the extra mile in her planning, preparation, and presentation every day with her classes, while also participating and supporting after school events."
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Bill Grove, Physical Education Teacher
Nomination letter:
"Bill Grove stands out as an exceptional leader in promoting student and staff wellness, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to building a healthier, more supportive educational community. His most notable achievement has been a comprehensive initiative to improve the health of Elliott students and staff through strategic fundraising for exercise and wellness equipment.
He developed an innovative fundraising campaign that not only raised significant resources for exercise equipment but also educated peers about the importance of physical and mental health. This emphasized the critical connection between physical activity, mental wellness, and academic success.”
David Mety, Music Teacher Wayne Memorial
Nomination letter:
“Mr. Mety goes the extra mile all day, every day. He is always available for questions from both students and parents. He consistently offers students opportunities for extra practice or training. He works really well with the kids and encourages them every day, whether it be in class, during practice, at marching band competitions, during instrumental concerts, the list goes on! It is so fun to see how far the kids come along each year at the music concerts: the performances are always amazing. The marching band has excelled these last few years, and it is because of Mr Mety. His passion for music shines in the performances that we get to witness. I am so thankful that he is the music teacher at WMHS!”
Hana Craig, Bus Driver
Nomination letter:
"I’m nominating Hana, the Route 13 bus driver, for always going above and beyond for our students. She greets every child with a smile, makes them feel safe and cared for, and treats each student with kindness and respect.
She pays close attention to my son and notices when he leaves things on the bus. She truly makes the bus ride a positive start and end to my son's school day. I’m thankful there are people like her around our children when parents aren’t around."
Jennifer Page, Principal Stottlemyer Early Childhood Center
Nomination letter:
"I want to nominate our principal, Jennifer Page, because she truly goes above and beyond every single day. She’s created such a safe, welcoming space where staff, students, and families all feel supported and valued. You can always count on her to listen, care, and make you feel heard.
Jennifer always puts students first, but still makes sure her staff has what they need to give them their very best. She’s inclusive of every student and every need, and she leads with so much heart, compassion, and understanding. It’s clear how much she genuinely cares about everyone in our school community.
Her hard work, kindness, and dedication never go unnoticed, and she truly deserves this award for everything she does to make our school such a special place.”
Kelly Dunn, Secretary Edison Elementary
Nomination letter:
"Kelly is always ready to help staff or students with anything they need. As Edison’s secretary, she is a multitasking master. She answers the phones, handles ice packs and Band-Aids, troubleshoots copy machine issues, and takes care of sick students, all with a smile. Edison would be lost without it!
She loves the kids as if they were her own. Always goes above and beyond and multitasks like a pro. Kelly goes the extra mile to make sure everyone is taken care of and that all problems are solved. She is amazing.”