On Tuesday, June 8, 2010 Kate Wolf, Stephen Traino, Melissa Douglas and Susan Dixon received “ACE Outstanding Educator Awards” from the Central Cambria Education Foundation.
Kate Wolf, elementary guidance counselor and director of the high school music theater program, was described as a caring, compassionate, dedicated member of the Central Cambria community. In addition to offering counseling services to both elementary schools Kate has engaged students in such musical theater experiences as “The Wizard of Oz”, “Grease” and “Godspell” in recent years. Kate coordinates an enormous charitable program that reaches many needy families in our community at Christmas and she initiated a summer music theater camp for elementary students in the district. While much of Kate’s work is “behind the scenes”, her colleagues recognize and appreciate the tireless enthusiasm and boundless energy that she contributes to the district.
Stephen Traino, a member of the Middle School faculty, was glowingly recognized by his peers for the innumerable contributions he has made to the district over the past 34 years. Stephen was described as a “role model” for both students and his faculty colleagues, an “amazing educator” who energizes students in his classroom and a person who has served the district’s children in a plethora of ways during his career. Stephen inspires students, counsels and mentors younger teachers and enhances the quality of the middle school experience for students and teachers alike.
Melissa Douglass is a music teacher at Jackson Elementary School. Her peers nominated her for this award because “she works incredibly hard for the school and her students”. Melissa is known for her creative teaching methods as well as her willingness to go “above and beyond the call of duty” to nurture young student musicians. Susan’s love for teaching and love of music inspires her students.
High school guidance counselor Susan Dixon was described by her peers as the “consummate professional” who is “utterly dedicated to the children she serves”. “Susan takes her responsibilities as a guidance counselor very seriously. Her dedication to her job is admirable and inspiring”. Susan is a caring soul who nurtures students as well as her district colleagues. “Through her kindness, wit and sense of humor, Susan promotes the feeling of family among her colleagues”. The finale of Susan’s peer nomination asserted that she adheres to the spirit of Steve Prefontaine’s assertion that “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift”.
The Central Cambria Education Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of education in the district through creative programming that supports, encourages and recognizes the talents of district students and staff.
