What are some of your favorite memories from your time at the DuBois Area School District?
Friday Night Football Games & Dances, Homecoming, Class Trip to Bilger’s Rocks, Class Hallway Decorating for Spirit Week, Wearing Camo, Playing Sports, Listening to Alanis Morissette, Counting Crows, Green Day and Dave Matthews Band and planning class reunions.
Were there any teachers, coaches, or classes that had a lasting impact on you?
Greg Varner - 9th grade English Teacher. I loved his creativity, teaching methods and positive attitude!
Sam Richards - Art Teacher. I learned the basics of art and his classroom was a place of peace and comfort.
Todd Thompson - History Teacher. I learned all about DuBois and Local History!
Tom Kurts - Softball Coach. Great Coach, great memories, we wanted to win for him! We were District Champions that year!
Dr. Konior - Assistant Principal. She is the most dedicated person to our school district! Her constant support for our staff, students and schools is evident in her daily dedication to our district.
What activities, clubs, or sports were you involved in as a student?
Soccer, Softball, Cheerleading, Beaver Mascot, Student Council, Prom Committee, Class Secretary
Tell us about your current career or professional role. What does a typical day look like for you?
Transition Coordinator for the DuBois Area School District
I help students with disabilities plan and prepare for their future. I assist them with educational and career planning, finding employment and developing life skills to become more self-sufficient.
What led you to pursue this career path?
While in high school, I volunteered to help with Special Olympics and Camp Confidence and really enjoyed working with individuals with disabilities. I job shadowed JoAnne O'Donnell at Wasson Elementary School and decided that I wanted to become a special education teacher.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
I enjoy seeing our students working in our local community, participating in community events and making a life for themselves, that is the most rewarding part about my job!
Have you received any recognitions, awards, or achieved milestones you're especially proud of?
Earning my teaching degree from Clarion University and teaching for the DuBois Area School District for 22 years has been a big accomplishment. I am also extremely proud of my 3 sons and their achievements.
How did your experiences at the DuBois Area School District help prepare you for your career or further education?
My experience at DASD as a student was great! I admired my teachers, I enjoyed being involved in sports/clubs, learning new material and I have established life long friendships. As a teacher and employee of the district, I enjoy working and helping others. I have established the Beaver Buddy Club at the high school, helped start Unified Bocce Ball, organized Special Olympics, and have held officer positions for many DAHS booster clubs.
If you could go back to high school, what goal-setting advice do you wish someone had given you?
Follow your heart, passion & interests and everything else will fall into place.
How do you define success, and how has that definition evolved over time?
Success is measured by your overall joy & happiness.
What skills or habits do you believe are most important for students to develop while they're in school?
People skills are essential! Shaking hands and looking people in the eye, having a conversation with others and leaving a lasting impression is important.
How do you stay connected to the DuBois Area School District community or give back to others?
I enjoy watching sporting events, musicals, plays, and traveling with students on field trips. I volunteer my time to booster clubs and support local charity groups such as Make A Wish.