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Wednesday, April 10, 2002

Some high school students excel in a sport, work with a favorite community service or focus on their academic studies. This year's All-Star Achievers, however, do it all.

They are skilled in the classroom, in music and other artistic endeavors, in sports, in helping to make the community a better place. Of the many nominees, 10 were chosen from the Post-Gazette's South circulation area by Post-Gazette reporters and editors. Each student also nominated and wrote an essay about a teacher who has been an inspiration. Here are the 2002 All-Star Achievers and their teachers:

Student: Tara Baptiste
Clairton

Junior Council vice president and National Honor Society officer. Volunteers at senior soup kitchen and mentors youth. Member of the Gethsemane Mime Ministry, AmeriCorps and Girl Scouts. Will major in computer science and photography.

Teacher: Adam Headrick

"Mr. Headrick has always tried to push me and his other students to accomplish goals which we thought were unattainable. He achieves this by relating personal and real-life examples to illustrate his lessons. Above all, he teaches perseverance and self-worth."

Student: Brian Fusco
Bethel Park

Ranked first in his class. Attended governor's school for technology. Volunteers at a local library and is Webmaster of the district Web site. Lettered in volleyball. Developed his own Internet company. Will major in business and information systems.

Teacher: Gene Wargo

"During the last two years, Mr. Wargo has taught me much about physics, calculus and how the world works. In our free time, he has stimulated my great interests in economics and the stock market. Due to his unparalleled sense of humor, he will be a teacher I never forget."

Student: Kimberly Kicielinski
Baldwin

Has earned all A's since ninth grade. Lettered in cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field, and basketball. Runs school peer mentoring program. Raised money for cancer research. Member of concert band, student council. Will major in biochemistry and English.

Teacher: Margaret Robertson

"Latin teacher Margaret Robertson challenges students to explore Roman culture. Her relaxed approach succeeds as pupils strive to maintain the mutual respect that pervades her classroom. Lessons on infinitives inevitably intertwine with guidance on navigating life."

Student: Robert F. Kircher III
Brentwood

National Honor Society member for three years; in gifted program since first grade. Lettered in football and soccer. Ranked No.1 at PMEA All-State Band for trumpet/cornet; performs at volunteer community activities. Will study music at Carnegie Mellon.

Teacher: Kenneth Solomon

"Mr. Solomon is one of the most influential teachers that I have had the privilege to not only study with, but also work under his direction. Mr. Solomon encouraged me to get involved with the class play, which gave me the opportunity to sing and act in front of my peers."

Student: Holly Law
Upper St. Clair

Ranked first in her class; captain of the soccer team. National All-American in soccer. Member of Interact service club. Volunteers at a food bank. Special Olympics ice skating instructor. Will major in psychology or pre-med.

Teacher: Joseph DePalma

"Mr. Joe DePalma, my senior English teacher, is someone who has had a strong influence on me. He presents difficult material in a way that captures your interest and then stretches your thinking with pertinent writing assignments. I feel confident heading into college having had Mr. DePalma first."

Student: Bridget Meacham
Seton-LaSalle

National Merit Finalist, president of National Honor Society. U.S. Lacrosse Academic All-American. Special Olympics volunteer. Sports editor of the school paper, member of string ensemble. Captain of basketball and lacrosse teams. Will attend Notre Dame.

Teacher: Brian Klisavage

"Mr. Klisavage motivates in lacrosse, guides the Pro-Life club, and inspires in the classroom. In addition to teaching, coaching and moderating, he serves as school activities director. To me, he is a selfless and dedicated educator, motivator and friend, a role model for students and faculty alike, and an integral member of the community."

Student: Caitlyn Mooney
Baldwin

Attended governor's school for health. National Honor Society treasurer. Volunteers at running events, Special Olympics and children's reading program. Cap-tain of cross-country team and member of indoor and outdoor track. Will attend Notre Dame.

Teacher: David Vandermer

"Mr. Vandermer, my chemistry teacher for two years, was the first teacher who showed faith in my abilities. He increased my confidence and has helped me discover that my love and talent is in the sciences. The challenge of his class has influenced me to pursue a career in chemistry."

Student: Braden Smith
Bethel Park

Has taken 11 advanced classes. Volunteers at a preschool for Bosnian refugee children through South Hills Interfaith Ministries. Was a camp counselor, enjoys scuba diving. Member of varsity rifle team. Will major in education at Penn State Honors College.

Teacher: Gene Wargo

"My physics I and II teacher, Mr. Wargo, has had a strong influence on me. He is able to connect with students, teaching us not only the subject matter but also giving practical life advice. I hope some day students will look at me the way they look at Mr. Wargo."

Student: Loandra Torres
Bethel Park

Has a 4.0 average after taking 14 advanced classes. Tutors at a community center. First-chair violinist who performs at parties and for nursing homes. Co-captain of the cross-country team. Will study biology at University of Rochester.

Teacher: Christopher Nagel

"Not only is Mr. Nagel a fine teacher of the arts, he makes his classroom a place to let loose and get your creative juices flowing. By far one of the best teachers I've ever encountered in my lifetime, Mr. Nagel enjoys teaching his students how to think outside the box and solve problems."

Student: Nicole Yagelski
Seton-LaSalle

Attended governor's school for health; awarded Boston College Book Award. Writer for school paper and yearbook. Student tutor, member of choir. Plays softball. Volunteers for church and Special Olympics. Captain of dance squad and actor in school plays. Will major in pre-med.

Teacher: Geraldine Mullen

" 'Never rest until your good is better and your better is best.' These words were spoken to me by one Geraldine Mullen and they have made an everlasting impression. This woman put the highest expectations on me and demanded excellence at all times. She ...didn't accept mediocrity."