Teacher All-Star Winners

The 2007 Delaware Valley Teacher All-Stars
Mike Aronovitz, nominated by Molly Cohen, student
Frank Burd, nominated by Richard Hartwell, former student
Trish Felix, nominated by Gennie Devlin, parent of Billy
Dr. Barry Flicker, nominated by Cindi Bevevino, NCPTA President
Nadine Gordon, nominated by Monica Holmes, parent of Nadia-Simone
Lynn Hughes, nominated by Sherry Marcantonio, parent of Andrew
Fred Irvin, nominated by Ellen Allen, fellow teacher
Maryann Snyder, nominated by Mary Lechleidner, fellow teacher
Sandy Stowell, nominated by Laurie Cook, fellow teacher
Diana Voci, nominated by Alexis Schauer, student


Winning Teacher: Mike Aronovitz, Strath Haven High School (Wallingford, PA)
Nominator: Molly Cohen, student
We could tell from the first day that Mr. Aronovitz was unusual. Instead of punishing the boys shooting crumpled-up paper into the trash, he stopped the class to demonstrate the proper way to make the shot. For the first weeks, we started class with a five-minute writing exercise- normally a dreaded assignment. But his prompts were fun. Once we had to write a letter from a dying mother explaining death to her child; another time, we wrote from the viewpoint of an umbrella. Rather than devote time to punctuation exercises, we wrote short stories that we acted out in front of the classroom, noting ever comma, period, and apostrophe. For the first time, I didn't see school as a punishment. Thanks to Mr. Aronovitz's eccentric teaching style, English class became the highlight of my life. School will never be easy, and it shouldn't be, but Mr. Aronovitz makes it fun.

Winning Teacher: Frank Burd, Germantown High School (Philadelphia, PA)
Nominator: Richard Hartwell, former student
I would like to nominate Mr. Frank Burd who has been recently in the news. Sadly Frank was attacked by two students who broke his neck over confiscating an I-Pod during a class. So for two reasons he deserves to be honored. (1) For his unfortunate experience at school (2) For being the most caring and dedicated teacher I had including college.

Frank was my math teacher in the 1970s at Parkway. He also taught other subjects like a class called "On the Road" where we traveled to different places around the city and surrounding areas. This gave Frank a chance to mentor and teach about history. The reason his attack was such big news, was not so much the viciousness of the attack, which was savage, but because of who it was. Frank cares about the kids he teaches and the kids know it! My parents were teachers in the Philadelphia School System so I greatly appreciate Frank and all the blood, sweat and tears he has put out for over 30 years. Frank is one of the best teachers still in the public school system and he really needs to know how much he is appreciated and loved.

Winning Teacher: Trish Felix, Philadelphia Academy Charter School (Philadelphia, PA)
Nominator: Gennie Devlin, parent of Billy
Mrs. Felix should be selected as a Teacher All-Star because she goes beyond the expectations of her job every day. She is exuberant about learning and her high energy is infectious, helping motivate the children to reach beyond others expectations. She has a unique style of teaching, a hands on approach that engages their interest. She looks at all the children's potentials and tires to adapt everything to the individual child's level that goes way past any IEP requirements. She assists some students so that they can be included more in regular education by teaching them the needed prerequisite skills and helping them with difficulties all with personal attention and caring. Mrs. Felix also combines real life skills with academics. She patiently taught my child how to use a vending machine by using dollar after dollar of her own money until my son Billy, who has Autism, pushed the right button to get the selection he wanted. She did all this on her own - this was told to me by another parent.

At my son's school, Philadelphia Academy Charter School, her expertise has been requested for developing the expanding high school program. Her day does not end at 3:00 either. She has volunteered to attend after school activities to oversee the support of her students. She attends school parent meetings giving tips and pointers for families to use at home. Her life has been dedicated to her students, their progress and love for her are a prized reward. Once I experienced her excellence, I knew Bill would accomplish everything we'd hoped and he now had the tools. There is no doubt that Mrs. Felix gets her students to reach their highest potential. Please consider Mrs. Felix as a Teacher All-Star because in my eyes and the eyes of her students she already is.

Winning Teacher: Dr. Barry Flicker, North Coventry Elementary (Pottstown, PA)
Nominator: Cindi Bevevino, NCPTA President
Hi! I am writing to you in regards to our principal Dr. Barry Flicker. I would like to nominate him for your All-Star Award.

After meeting him for the first time I thought he was crazy! How can someone have so much energy and smile so much? I soon figured out that it was of no effort to him. He plainly enjoys his job.

I have seen with my own two eyes Dr. Flicker taking money out of his pocket so that a child will have lunch that day. It is not uncommon for him to pay for children's field trips or whatever else may arise. If there is a will there is a way and Dr. Flicker will find it.

At the end of the school year, we have an auction for teachers. Each child can purchase tickets and choose which teacher they would like to do something special with. You can bet that Dr. Flicker's bag is always overflowing. Even though he is only to pick a couple of names he hates to disappoint and picks a few extra.

Last June our community was hit with floods. Dr. Flicker went right up to bat when he should have been taking it easy and enjoying a few weeks of vacation. He opened the school to collect donations of clothing, toys, furniture, home goods, etc. He helped put together a committee to collect funds for those who were in need of finances. He was right in the middle of it all. He would not rest until he knew that all of his "families' were taken care of.

On "Make a Difference Day" Dr. Flicker was once again on a mission. His goal was to fill a school bus with nonperishable items to be donated to the local food pantry. Along with the other school in the district we filled that bus two and a half times!

He is a man who doesn't like to be fussed over, he will be the last to take credit but in our eyes he is our All-Star.

Winning Teacher: Nadine Gordon, J. Hampton Moore School (Philadelphia, PA)
Nominator: Monica Holmes parent of Nadia-Simone
When I learned that the Inquirer was having a contest for the coolest teachers and coaches, but only the best, I stopped what I was doing and thought of you right away. I thought of all my Nadia's fears that she had on the very first day.

That cool September morning, she begged me not to leave her alone and then you embraced her, taught her and loved her like your own. In this one year it's amazing how much she's grown! She is reading ardently and now ready to explore what the world has to offer and even some more!

In the beginning of the year she was afraid to count dollars and cents. Now she answers aloud and with such confidence!

I am convinced you are an Angel. It shows in all you do and say. Thank you, Mrs. Gordon, my Nadia-Simone will be a teacher one day!

Winning Teacher: Lynn Hughes, Miquon School (Conshohocken, PA)
Nominator: Sherry Marcantonio parent of Andrew
Lynn Hughes fills her fifth and sixth grade classrooms with boundless energy, a contagious love of learning, gentle manner and edgy humor. For more than forty years, Lynn has taught students at Miquon. In addition to teaching the important basic courses, Lynn has taught her students to embrace diversity, go camping, construct bridges, create autobiographies, play the penny-whistle, celebrate the infinity of pi with pie on 3/14, and implement a hoagie sale to raise money for orphans in Zimbabwe. Lynn's dynamic teaching style is undoubtedly influenced by her varied history, which includes a stint as a race car driver, a devotion to Irish history, and a love of the Phillies. Lynn guides her students with such aplomb that I can only hope that all children have the chance to have a teacher like her at some point in their lives.

Winning Teacher: Fred Irvin, Walton Farm (Lansdale, PA)
Nominator: Ellen Allen, fellow teacher
"Good morning Walton Farm!" bellows the familiar morning voice on our intercom each morning. This deep male voice delivers school news, sports updates, student kudos, and birthday celebrations on a daily basis. No. It is not the husky voice of Adrian Cronauer who commands the same attention in the popular movie "Good Morning Vietnam," but the characteristics of these two men can be equally matched in spirit and vitality.

Herein, I will describe the effervescent personality of our physical education teacher, Fred Irvin. Fred arrives early each day and is a morning greeter at the door as the busses arrive. Faculty members take advantage of his warm hello not to mention the costumes he may be wearing. He is a powerful pendulum for making the days move forward at Walton just like at Adrian did for his team.

Spirit days are a high priority for Fred! Our Walton Farm photo album holds photos of him disguised as Elvis, a turkey, shaved heads, Lady Liberty (Olympic Day) and even a slice of pie! His showmanship is also demonstrated as an emcee or on stage each year with our Oldies Nights. He works tirelessly with other faculty producing our faculty show for the students and family audience. I think he was the only one in each number. What a star!

Like Adrian and those who clung to his words, our students at Walton Farm respect Fred Irvin. He has earned their respect by his demeanor, by his patience, and by his shared respect toward them. He is a star among the student body. They cheer for him and work hard to please him.

Fred is a leader in our building, but more than that Fred is a friend.

Winning Teacher: Maryann Snyder, Pennsauken High School (Pennsauken, NJ)
Nominator: Mary Lechleidner, fellow teacher
Mrs. Maryann Snyder teaches American History at Pennsauken High School in Pennsauken, New Jersey. Eleventh grade students meet more than just a teacher when they walk into her classroom in September. Over the course of the school year, many of them will discover she will also be their mentor, role model, and hero. She challenges them to reach their greatest academic potential in a safe, yet unconventional environment that can inspire even the least motivated student. If she's not dressed in an authentic World War I army uniform, she's teaching them to dance the Charleston or the Mashed Potatoes. Her annual guest speakers have included one of the Tuskegee Airmen and local residents who experienced the challenges of the home front during the Vietnam War. She's a bundle of energy and unflagging devotion to her students who brings history to life!

Winning Teacher: Sandy Stowell, Coatesville High School, 9/10 Center (Coatesville, PA)
Nominator: Laurie Cook, fellow teacher
Sandy Stowell is a Life Skills teacher at Coatesville High School, 9/10 Center. She is one of the most dedicated teachers I have ever known. I am her classroom aide and to see on a daily basis the way she works with her students is amazing. She is more like a mother to "her kids." Our students are MR (mentally retarded) and some have other disabilities. We like to say we have some of the best students in the school. They are polite, happy, and are eager to learn. She has been out of school for a few days, due to a knee surgery and she was in constant touch with me, making sure everything was running smoothly. The students clearly miss her when she is not there. She is their teacher, their mentor, their coach, their comfort zone. She is a like a second mom to all of them. She keeps in touch with her former students, taking them to dinner for a birthday or some other special occasion. Sandy is also very involved in Special Olympics, volunteering much of her time going to state competitions with her students.

Most of her students are with her from the age of 14 through 21. During that time, she sets up volunteer jobs for them so they can go out in the community and find a job that they like, and may be good at doing. By the time they graduate, her goal is to have them working competitively either in the community or at a sheltered workshop. Many of them that have graduated since I've been her aide, in fact, are still working. Without her tireless effort, arranging, rearranging schedules, endless phone calls, etc. these students would be lost. They clearly rely on her. And somehow as busy as she is, she still manages to teach them important life skills, those in the classroom and outside of the classroom.

Winning Teacher: Diana Voci, Holly Glen School (Williamstown, NJ)
Nominator: Alexis Schauer, student
My name is Alexis Schauer and I'm 8. I would like to nominate my teacher Mrs. Diana Voci. She is my first grade teacher. Mrs. Voci is one of my biggest heroes because she has taken time to help me. See I'm a deaf child who recently got a cochlear implant and I had to repeat the first grade. I was unable to read. I would not answer in class, I was very quiet. Mrs. Voci helped me build my spirit and taught me how to read. Now I can't keep my hand down in class. She also has taught me that not all people are nice. I was being bullied earlier this year by fellow students because of the way I speak. My mom said to speak with my teacher about it. I was scared at first but she taught me that not everyone is perfect that some people can be mean and she showed me how to be a better person and how to deal with people like that and how to try to turn them around and you know what, it worked.

Mrs. Voci is very supportive of me she has come to my soccer games to cheer me on and now will come and watch me play softball. She is an awesome teacher and I will remember her for just the difference she has made in my life. She also selected me for terrific kid. Not all kids get this award but she picked me. I hope you will pick my teacher because she is great. To meet her is to love her. What more can I say about her other then there should be more like her. Thank you.


2006 Teacher All-Star Winners


Robert Becker, nominated by John Barry
Deborah DePhillipo, nominated by Christopher Alessandrini
Sharon Duczkowski, nominated by Terry Duczkowski
Mark Effendian, nominated by Alina Gaffney
Sheila O'Callaghan, nominated by Christian P. Conaty
Mr. Shelley Partlon, nominated by Josh Fisher
Judith Ransom, nominated by Trevor Haak
Fred Santoro, nominated by Tyler W. Focht
Dr. Donald Venema, nominated by Christine Liberaski
Antoinette Wimberly, nominated by Lorraine and Justin Abdalla

Winning Teacher: Robert Becker, Cinnaminson High School (Cinnaminson, N.J.)
Nominator: John Barry
I am nominating Robert Becker as a Philadelphia Phillies Teacher All-Star. A history teacher at Cinnaminson High School, Rob was just selected the Cinnaminson Teacher of the Year. He is the advisor for the Class of 2007, coach of the Mock Trial Team, advisor for STOP (Students Teaching Others Prevention) and American Cancer Society volunteer. As a chair for the ACS Relay for Life, Rob, a cancer survivor, has rallied hundreds of students and teachers (including me) and raised thousands of dollars for cancer research. What impresses me the most, however, is the reaction of his students outside of the classroom. Wherever we go in South Jersey, Rob is recognized and the look of admiration and love on their face is something to behold. According to his former students, Rob is one of those teachers that a person never forgets. Rob is truly a Teacher All-Star!

Winning Teacher: Ms. Deborah DePhillipo, Union Valley Elementary School (Sicklerville, N.J.)
Nominator: Christopher Alessandrini
My teacher should be appreciated because she always puts us first. If we need extra help she lets us stay in with her at lunch. Instead of eating her lunch she helps us understand our work. Third grade was hard for me at first. Even though I always get A's and B's, we had to do a lot of writing and comprehension questions on our stories. I hated it. I just couldn't find the answers, or write them correctly. When we had to write stories and paragraphs of mine always had lots of run on sentences. I couldn't get my thoughts straight. Ms. DePhillipo always kept encouraging me, she'd proof read my papers and give me ideas to make my writing better. Now writing is easy for me. Ms. DePhillipo calls me Charlie Brown, she says I brighten her day and make her laugh, but what she doesn't know is that it's her who makes me love coming to school.

Winning Teacher: Sharon Duczkowski, The Philadelphia Electrical and Technology Charter High School (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Nominator: Terry Duczkowski
Sharon is a Special Education Teacher for the 11th and 12th grades at PET. Sharon is so protective of her students and wants them to do well, she will do anything at all to help them. I know that every child in her classroom feels special because of her. She recently chanced off two donated Philadelphia Eagles tickets in her classroom, for a contest that the school ran for the highest homeroom donations for Toys for Tots, her classroom was the winner of the contest but Sharon was really upset because only one person was able to win the Eagles Tickets and she wanted all of the kids to go. Her enthusiasm and happy personality just have such a contagious effect on students and everyone around her. Sharon is also involved in everything that goes on after school hours. She just recently lined up her baseball knowlegable boyfriend, Fred Burke, to be a coach for the school's baseball team. I would need many pages to talk about all of the things that Sharon is involved in.

When Sharon is finished her day with the student's at PET, she goes to her other job at Furness Junior high School, where she is an after school teacher for the Variety Club ( children with learning disabilities). These kids love her and she really wears her heart on her sleeve with them. She takes them somewhere every Friday. They go to the movies, out to eat, sightseeing, and most recently to a Phantoms game (last Friday night). One day not so long ago, she took the time after school and walked a child home because some children in the neighborhood were making fun of him and he was afraid. If someone were to look at my heart right now, after talking about her, you would see it glowing because I am Sharon's mom.

Winning Teacher: Mark Effendian, Anna Lane Lingelbach School (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Nominator: Alina Gaffney
Have you ever had someone in your life that does so much for you, that you feel that there is no way you can give back as much love that person has given you? If you have, then you know how I feel about Mr. E! He is my gym teacher and also my basketball coach. Mr. E is the kind of person that allows every child to feel safe and loved, because if you don't have a way to get home after practice, he'll make sure you had a ride. He checks to make sure everyone is taken care of at all times.

In addition, he is a great mentor, role model, and hero. In fact, he shows determination, confidence, and strength, and that is what every person should have. He does this daily with every gym or health class from the little kindergarten children to the tough eight graders. Furthermore, Mr. E provided a lesson, I will never forget. This lesson was that winning isn't everything, but wanting to win is most important. He also taught me to be a good sport: even if I'm losing the race, finish it out, make it through the line. On top of that, he taught me that no matter how far you're down, just keep climbing and you will reach the top. He taught me that, its okay, to fall down at times, because if you don't, how are you ever going to experience getting back up.

Beyond that, Mr. E believes there is no such thing as "I can't." He shows he believes this when students say they can't do this or that, he will let them know, they can do it if they try. He says, "Just stay with it and it'll come to you!" In fact, Mr. E never gives up on anything or anyone, he always sticks with it.

Finally, from my perspective, I think Mr. E is more entertaining than television. Even though he is serious at times, he is also very funny. He is a comedian, actor, singer, and/or dancer. I have learned more from Mr. E, and have been entertained as a bonus, than from watching television which will not help me progress.

In conclusion, I nominated Mr. E for "Teacher All-Star", because he has all the qualities of a GREAT teacher, and he has all the qualities of a STAR. I learned a lot from Mr. E and I will never forget him or what he has done for me. I thank Mr. E for helping me become the person I am today and for being the person he is, too.

Winning Teacher: Sheila O'Callaghan, St. Ann's School (Wilmington, Del.)
Nominator: Christian P. Conaty
My name is Christian P. Conaty and I am a 4 grade student at St. Ann's School in Wilmington, Delaware. I would like to nominate my teacher Ms. Sheila O'Callaghan (Miss O) as a candidate for this role model contest that is being sponsored by the Philadelphia Phillies. Miss O has been a teacher at St. Ann's for over 30 years. she is my role model because she is an excellant teacher but she also teaches the value of life. She teaches us to set goals and to never stop believing in our dreams. She makes sure that we understand everyone is equal regardless of race, color or nationality and to treat everyone with respect. The lessons that she teaches us inspires me to do the best I can with my schoolwork but also to strive to be a better person everyday and to help people that are not as fortunate as me or my classmates. Our class and school because of Miss O we raised more money for the missions than any other school in our diocese and our school has less than 300 students. Some of the schools have over 700 students. She also arrives at school a 7:15 AM and leaves at 6:30 PM. She is in charge of the aftercare program. She comes to our classroom on Saturdays and scrubs our entire classroom and works all summer ordering the books for the whole school.

Miss O is helping me and many other understand the true meanings of life.

Winning Teacher: Mr. Shelley Partlon, Churchville Elementary School (Churchville, Pa.)
Nomination by: Josh Fisher
Mr. Shelley Partlon, a sixth grade Churchville Elementary School teacher for 34 years, is definitely a teacher all-star. He has done so much for both our school and the greater community by encouraging students and their families to get involved in community service projects. I went with him when he took students to shelters to make holiday decorations and sing mini-concerts at local nursing homes. He organized bi-monthly drives for nonperishable food, personal care items and new clothing for needy families in Bucks County shelters to which my family always makes contributions. Mr. Partlon runs a special collection during the holiday season for students, staff and their families. I participate in this collection by donating my spare change and more to purchase store and movie theater gift certificates for families living in Bucks County shelters.

Whenever there is a major disaster, Mr. Partlon always makes sure our school is involved in the relief effort. After Hurricane Katrina, our school raised over $21,000! He has organized a senior prom dance for several years for sixth grade students, their grandparents and senior citizens from local nursing homes, which my older sister attended four years ago when she was in sixth grade. This year we are having a special senior bingo, which I am looking forward to attending in May with my grandmother.

For 18 years Mr. Partlon directed over 250 combined fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students double-casted in each yearly Broadway style musical school production complete with several choreographed dance sequences. These school musicals involved over four months of rehearsal and preparation with an enormous time commitment from Mr. Partlon as the chief organizer of the productions. Between my sister and myself, we were in four different shows: Annie, Alice In Wonderland, Mary Poppins and The Wizard of Oz.

Mr. Partlon has been such a great role model providing community service to all Churchville Elementary School students and has been a great mentor to students to become involved in theater productions during their elementary school years and beyond. He truly is a very deserving teacher all-star!

Winning Teacher: Judith Ransom, Chichester Middle School (Boothwyn, Pa.)
Nominator: Trevor Haak, Christopher Columbus Charter School
When I started 6th grade this year I was in Chichester Middle School. On my first day I had a Mohawk and was running around the school hallway. My sixth grade math teacher Mrs. Ransom asked someone who I was and then found out I was in her class. She sat me in the front row so she could keep an eye on me. What she soom found out was that I was good in math. She knew I was ADHD and did things differently but she still believed in me. I did great in her class and was recommended for math league. I drew whales for her and she hung them up around the room. Unfortunately, we moved in January and I went to a different school. Mrs. Ransom kept in touch with my mom and called to see how I did the first day. That is what kind of teacher she is and I miss her.

Winning Teacher: Fred Santoro, Gwynedd Mercy Academy Elementary Division (Spring House, Pa.)
Nominator: Tyler W. Focht
I could say how I enjoyed learning about Europe and how my friends and I liked making an Oasis out of food but that would be just telling you why Mr. Santoro is a creative teacher. He also finds time to coach our football, baseball and basketball teams so he is my coach too. Now he's my friend.
On Sept. 27, 2005 my Dad died of cancer. In February, my grades dropped and I kept forgetting things and while other teachers told me I couldn't come to their class anymore he offered to help me out on his own time. He'd talk with me and told me I could meet with him if I wanted to talk. I felt that I had a friend among the teachers instead of someone who was always pointing out my faults. Only an All-Star steps up to be a mentor and friend to his teammates.


Winning Teacher: Dr. Donald Venema, Assistant Superintendent North Penn School District (Lansdale, Pa.)
Nominator: Christine Liberaski

Donald Venema walked into a North Penn School District classroom 37 years ago and his heart hasn't left since. He started as a biology teacher and retires in June as assistant superintendent. During his career he has made an indelible mark on students and staff alike. He can tell you what grade an elementary student is in by how many baby teeth are missing from her smile. His visits to schools are never quick because he is greeted with hugs, handshakes and genuine admiration at every turn.

Donald is a teacher in the school of life to me. From fatherly lessons like the importance of saving for retirement, to invaluable on-the-job advice like smiling in the face of criticism and making unpopular decisions, Donald has taught me and guided me the last 8 years. He is an All Star Teacher and Mentor to me, and many before me I'm sure.

Winning Teacher: Antoinette Wimberly, A.S. Jenks School (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Nominee: Lorraine Abdalla and son Justin Abdalla
I am witting this on behalf of my son Justin, as a parent I know the worry about a child being in school, and getting a good education. My son who has A.D.H.D. and needs a little bit of attention, and needs to be doing something or knowing that he is helping out. So he can sit and concentrate on his school work, is very hard for him in the past, but now after being in Ms. Wimberly's classroom he is learning not only school work but respect and the ability to try complete and to succeed at what ever he wants to do.

Ms. Wimberly is wonderful she tells every student you can you can do this, and if you can not you will. My son comes home from school and wants to sit and do his homework, Justin had no self esteem at the beginning of the school year but he does now. MMs. Wimberly makes every child feel special and even if a child is having a problem in school and that child is not in her room she will help them. Amazing how Ms. Wimberly knows every child's name, and knows how to support them and to teach them how to deal with any kind of a problem.

My son has a reading problem but Ms. Wimberly never says to him not good or you are wrong, she will sit there and figure out what Justin is trying to spell and then go over and help him. Justin's head is held high in her class room. And he is learning, Ms. Wimberly allows him to earn her respect and the respect of the other children by teaching them how things in the real world are done. She is stern but gentile like a mom.

The president says no child should be lost in the system, this is a true statement when it comes to Ms. Wimberly, I believe in my heart that if she had her way no child would be lost, every child would be an equal.

When I read the letter to nominate a teacher and I saw only 150 words, I did not know how to shorten this letter. I could go on and on about this wonderful teacher. My son wants to be an architect, he has since he has been about 4 years old and for a long time he would say I am not good enough or how can someone like me become an architect? and I would say you can it will just take time. But this year he is telling me that he can and Ms. Wimberly has given him the courage and the heart to say "I can, I can be anything I want to be". And I sat there ant I thought this is my son and I only want the best for him and he now at 10 has it with this teacher.

Years from now, my son will remember Ms. Wimberly, and he will say with a smile on his face this teacher made a difference in my life.