Pennsbury Partners Honored During Recognition Dinner

Provided by the Pennsbury School District: 

The Pennsbury Partners Program celebrated its 16th annual partnership recognition dinner on Thursday, April 23rd at William Penn Middle School. As in previous years, awards were presented to one outstanding business partner and one outstanding non-profit partner. A special recognition award was also added to this year’s program. The 2015 celebration, which resembled a Hollywood awards party, featured musical entertainment by members of the Pennsbury Concert Jazz Band and members of the Pennsbury High School Symphony Orchestra.

Business and non-profit partners known for enhancing academic instruction, career awareness, and community service were recognized at the event, which was organized by Dr. Christine Zervos, Coordinator of partnerships and Grants, and Ms. Robin Peters, Partnership Program Assistant. “In addition to benefiting students, partnering with Pennsbury offers many advantages for community agencies and businesses,” said Dr. Zervos. “Partnerships enhance marketing and public relations, provide greater visibility in the community, and offer the personal satisfaction that together, we will help shape the workforce of the future. As a result, we are all winners.”

Pennsbury’s administrative and professional staff members were also recognized for their commitment, time, and the collaborative efforts they extend to their Pennsbury partners. Approximately 150 guests attended the recognition dinner.

The recipients of the outstanding partnership award statuettes for the 2014-2015 school year included:

PECO and The Franklin Institute–Business Partnership of the Year with William Penn Middle School. 

According to William Penn Middle School Science teacher, Kristin Slota, “PECO and the Franklin Institute, along with the NEED Project, offer a ‘project-based’ program that combines classroom lessons with an energy-focused community outreach project. This program promotes the development of effective communication skills as students apply higher-level thinking and creative problem solving strategies during the scientific inquiry process. As a result of participation in this program, students develop a more comprehensive understanding of the real-world and how their actions and the actions of others can affect the future of the world they live in. This program also promotes the development of the leadership skills that students will need to be successful in their future careers.”

With a principal focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, PECO supports programs that encourage students from all backgrounds to
stay in school, develop their talents, and continue their education beyond high school. PECO has provided $1.25 million to the PECO Energizing Education Program, a project-based energy education program for middle schools in our five-county region.

PECO also contributes more than $150,000 annually in scholarships for limited-income students at local colleges and universities.

Yardley VFW Post 6393 and the Jewish War Veterans Post 697–Non-Profit Partnership of the Year with Charles Boehm Middle School.

This strong community partnership has allowed students “to spend time with the veterans, learn from them, and grow into better citizens and adults,” according to Charles Boehm Middle School Principal Theresa Ricci. “Students and staff are enriched by this collaboration and have many opportunities to work closely with the veterans and build meaningful relationships with them.”

”Student involvement in the 2015 recognition ceremony included comments from Charles Boehm Middle School student, Emma Kraus, and PHS student, Charlie Santella, in recognition of the Non-Profit Partnership of the Year, and William Penn Middle School students, Samantha Mongiello and Ryan Collins, in support of the Business Partnership of the Year.

Special Recognition Award

An additional Pennsbury Partner was recognized for making a unique contribution to the Pennsbury School District. Dr. Gregg Amore, the Pennsylvania State Affiliate of the national group, Character,org, was honored for his support of the Pennsbury School District in its quest to become the first school district in Pennsylvania to be named a State District of Character. In addition, eight Pennsbury schools were named State Schools of Character over the past two years, and one – Charles Boehm Middle School – has achieved the distinction of being named a National School of Character. Dr. Amore is a psychologist and the Associate Dean of Students for Student Development at DeSales University. Dr. Amore’s award of recognition was presented by Dr. Donna Dunar, Pennsbury’s Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction.

Sponsors

Among this year’s dinner sponsors were Exelon Generation –Gold sponsor; ShopRite of Yardley, Lifetouch Photography,and The Nutrition Group–Bronze sponsors. Funds provided by the 2015 sponsors will enable the Partnership Program to provide mini-grants to Pennsbury teachers in the coming school year. Over the last 20 years, the Pennsbury Partners Program has grown to be a highly successful, collaborative effort involving over 1,000 partners in the Pennsbury community. For information on the Pennsbury Partners Program, visit www.pennsbury.k12.pa.us/partners.