November 2023
Steve Fischer is a member of the Susquenita community and resides in Rye Township with his wife, Jackie. His hobbies include outdoor activities such as hiking, snowmobiling, four wheeling and fishing. Steve grew up in Doylestown Pennsylvania and is a graduate of Central Bucks West HS where he was a two time state medalist in the pole vault. He went on to California University of Pennsylvania where he earned a BS in Technology Education.
In 1996, after teaching 3 years at Scotland School for Veterans’ Children, Steve came to Susquenita Middle School as a Technology Education teacher. In 1998, he became the Computer Education teacher at the Middle School, his current position.
He has also been the Middle School Co-Technology Coordinator for over 20 years. In this role his duties include problem solving software and hardware issues for both staff and students, as well as, being the first contact for Middle School parents who may have technology questions about PowerSchool, Canvas or their student's iPad.
In the Spring, Mr. Fischer is the meet manager for the track team. He is in charge of setting up and operating the track and field software, FinishLynx, which includes the photo finish and official scoring.
Mr. Fischer likes the challenge of problem solving technological issues but really enjoys working with Middle School Students and contributing to their computer literacy skills.
In 1996, after teaching 3 years at Scotland School for Veterans’ Children, Steve came to Susquenita Middle School as a Technology Education teacher. In 1998, he became the Computer Education teacher at the Middle School, his current position.
He has also been the Middle School Co-Technology Coordinator for over 20 years. In this role his duties include problem solving software and hardware issues for both staff and students, as well as, being the first contact for Middle School parents who may have technology questions about PowerSchool, Canvas or their student's iPad.
In the Spring, Mr. Fischer is the meet manager for the track team. He is in charge of setting up and operating the track and field software, FinishLynx, which includes the photo finish and official scoring.
Mr. Fischer likes the challenge of problem solving technological issues but really enjoys working with Middle School Students and contributing to their computer literacy skills.
October 2023
Erin Brown has been part of the Susquenita School District her entire life. Being born and
raised in Marysville, she remembers the excitement during the construction of the middle school and being among the second group of students to be able to attend the new building. After graduating from Susquenita in 2001, she pursued a degree in Elementary Education beginning at Harrisburg Area Community College and finishing at Penn State University. After
the completion of her degree in 2005, she returned to Susquenita and joined the team as a kindergarten teacher.
Erin has since earned a Master’s degree from Wilkes University in Educational Development and Strategies. During her years at Susquenita, she has grown in her passion to develop new ways to teach her students through actively seeking out new practices to help them to stay engaged and excited to learn.
She currently resides in Marysville with her husband and 4 children. Her oldest daughter also graduated from Susquenita and will be getting married in October. She is active with her church, Harrisburg First Assembly of God, where she and her husband teach youth programs. She spends a lot of her time attending her children’s sporting events and spending time with family. Erin loves living in the community that allows her to see her students doing the things they love best.
raised in Marysville, she remembers the excitement during the construction of the middle school and being among the second group of students to be able to attend the new building. After graduating from Susquenita in 2001, she pursued a degree in Elementary Education beginning at Harrisburg Area Community College and finishing at Penn State University. After
the completion of her degree in 2005, she returned to Susquenita and joined the team as a kindergarten teacher.
Erin has since earned a Master’s degree from Wilkes University in Educational Development and Strategies. During her years at Susquenita, she has grown in her passion to develop new ways to teach her students through actively seeking out new practices to help them to stay engaged and excited to learn.
She currently resides in Marysville with her husband and 4 children. Her oldest daughter also graduated from Susquenita and will be getting married in October. She is active with her church, Harrisburg First Assembly of God, where she and her husband teach youth programs. She spends a lot of her time attending her children’s sporting events and spending time with family. Erin loves living in the community that allows her to see her students doing the things they love best.
August 2023
Corey with his nephew, Silas, on one of their trips to Washington DC.
Corey Gochenaur is a social studies teacher at the high school. He began teaching at Susquenita in 2012. Currently teaching Modern American History and Pennsylvania History, he has also taught Sociology, Civics and Government, Contemporary Geopolitical Issues, and World Cultures.
Over the past 11 years, Corey coached many Susquenita sport teams including time as an
assistant for girls’ basketball (1 year, Tri-Valley Championship 2016), assistant and head boys’ basketball coach (5 years total), and an assistant football coach (6 years). He also had the honor to serve as the commencement speaker for the class of 2015.
Corey currently serves as the Vice President of the Susquenita Education Association. In
addition, he also serves in various leadership and committee positions at both the regional and statewide level for the Pennsylvania State Education Association.
In 2021, Corey started working as a part-time researcher for hire for the Army Heritage Center Foundation which allows him the opportunity to explore artifacts at the library of the United States Army Heritage Education Center in Carlisle.
Corey resides in Mechanicsburg where he grew up and graduated from Mechanicsburg Area High School in 2006 where he played both football and basketball. He then completed his undergrad education at Temple University where earned a degree in secondary education social studies and in history. He later earned a master’s degree from Wilkes University. In his free time, Corey likes to read history books, walk, and spend time with his friends and
family.
Over the past 11 years, Corey coached many Susquenita sport teams including time as an
assistant for girls’ basketball (1 year, Tri-Valley Championship 2016), assistant and head boys’ basketball coach (5 years total), and an assistant football coach (6 years). He also had the honor to serve as the commencement speaker for the class of 2015.
Corey currently serves as the Vice President of the Susquenita Education Association. In
addition, he also serves in various leadership and committee positions at both the regional and statewide level for the Pennsylvania State Education Association.
In 2021, Corey started working as a part-time researcher for hire for the Army Heritage Center Foundation which allows him the opportunity to explore artifacts at the library of the United States Army Heritage Education Center in Carlisle.
Corey resides in Mechanicsburg where he grew up and graduated from Mechanicsburg Area High School in 2006 where he played both football and basketball. He then completed his undergrad education at Temple University where earned a degree in secondary education social studies and in history. He later earned a master’s degree from Wilkes University. In his free time, Corey likes to read history books, walk, and spend time with his friends and
family.
July 2023
Melissa Zaring is a 1996 graduate of Newport High School. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown in 2000 and earned a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Wilkes University in 2008. She has been a member of the Susquenita Middle School family for 20 years teaching 6th grade reading and science. Melissa served as the 6th grade team leader for a majority of this time. During her tenure, she has served on committees such as the Care Club and PSSA Incentive Committee. She is also actively involved in the after school tutoring program and summer school. Beginning the 2023-2024 school year, she will be transferring to 7th grade to teach English and reading.
Miss Zaring resides in her hometown, Newport with her paramour Chris, son Hunter, and Yellow Lab Gunner. She is a member of the Red Hill Church of God where she served as the Bible School Director for many years. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys watching her son’s sports, spending time with family and friends, vacationing, camping, and exercising. She loves family competitions in badminton and ping pong.
Melissa dreams of one day being a star on Wheel of Fortune.
Miss Zaring resides in her hometown, Newport with her paramour Chris, son Hunter, and Yellow Lab Gunner. She is a member of the Red Hill Church of God where she served as the Bible School Director for many years. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys watching her son’s sports, spending time with family and friends, vacationing, camping, and exercising. She loves family competitions in badminton and ping pong.
Melissa dreams of one day being a star on Wheel of Fortune.
June 2023
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Gail Murray is the Career Facilitator, Transition Coordinator, and Career Readiness Teacher at the high school. She began teaching in 1986 at Little Brown Bear Childcare Center in Marysville, then served as a Learning Support Teacher, Transition Coordinator, and Co-op. Coordinator at Halifax Area School District for 30 years. In 2018, Gail began her tenure as a Blackhawk at Susquenita High School for the final five years of her teaching career. Several evenings a week, she teaches the Susan Barton System, a phonetically based reading system as a tutor for Schooling for You in Camp Hill.
Gail lives in Susquenhanna Township with her husband, Keith, her Golden Retriever, Bailey, her cats, Sassie and Bubbles, as well as her chickens, fondly known as “the ladies”. She is a member of Daughters of the Nile Ozemb Temple # 52, an organization that supports the Shriner’s Hospital. She also enjoys camping at Assateague State Park, canning, cooking, and spending time with her grown children, Holly and Brandon, along with their spouses and most of all, her 1-year-old grandson, Knox.
Gail grew up in Lower Allen Township, and graduated from Cedar Cliff High School in 1982. From there, she attended Shippensburg University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Special Education. Gail also earned her Cooperative Education certificate from Penn State University.
As Career Facilitator and Transition Coordinator, Gail has a role that is not that of a traditional classroom teacher. In addition to teaching Career Readiness classes as a part time classroom teacher, she also recruits and runs the internship program, manages all Junior Achievement events in the high school, and assists with Junior Achievement events in the middle school,as well as other career-related duties. As Transition Coordinator, she consults with case managers, attends students’ IEP meetings, and coordinates a continuum of transition services to prepare students with IEPs for life after graduation. When asked what is the most rewarding part of her work, Gail would say that she loves to hear from students after graduation to find out what they are doing as adults and how career experiences in high school have helped them shape their future.
Gail retires from her teaching career this year. Her time at Susquenita has been truly amazing. Gail loves the commitment the faculty, staff, and administration have to serving students and supporting career development initiatives.
Gail lives in Susquenhanna Township with her husband, Keith, her Golden Retriever, Bailey, her cats, Sassie and Bubbles, as well as her chickens, fondly known as “the ladies”. She is a member of Daughters of the Nile Ozemb Temple # 52, an organization that supports the Shriner’s Hospital. She also enjoys camping at Assateague State Park, canning, cooking, and spending time with her grown children, Holly and Brandon, along with their spouses and most of all, her 1-year-old grandson, Knox.
Gail grew up in Lower Allen Township, and graduated from Cedar Cliff High School in 1982. From there, she attended Shippensburg University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Special Education. Gail also earned her Cooperative Education certificate from Penn State University.
As Career Facilitator and Transition Coordinator, Gail has a role that is not that of a traditional classroom teacher. In addition to teaching Career Readiness classes as a part time classroom teacher, she also recruits and runs the internship program, manages all Junior Achievement events in the high school, and assists with Junior Achievement events in the middle school,as well as other career-related duties. As Transition Coordinator, she consults with case managers, attends students’ IEP meetings, and coordinates a continuum of transition services to prepare students with IEPs for life after graduation. When asked what is the most rewarding part of her work, Gail would say that she loves to hear from students after graduation to find out what they are doing as adults and how career experiences in high school have helped them shape their future.
Gail retires from her teaching career this year. Her time at Susquenita has been truly amazing. Gail loves the commitment the faculty, staff, and administration have to serving students and supporting career development initiatives.
May 2023
Angela Dell graduated from Bishop McDevitt High School in 1988. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Elementary Education in 1992, from Elizabethtown College. She received a Masters in Education Mathematics, Elementary and Middle School Track from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in May of 2023. From 1992 to 1999 she taught Second Grade at St. Peter’s Catholic School in Elizabethtown. In 1999-2000 she substituted in 13 local school districts. Starting in the 2000 school year Angela was hired as the building substitute for the Susquenita Elementary School. She held this position until December of 2003, when she was offered and accepted a full-time contract teaching Second Grade. In the Fall of 2004, Angela was moved to teach Third Grade. She remained in that position for 15 years. Angela is currently a Fourth Grade Math and Science Teacher.
Angela’s son, James Dell, is a senior at Susquenita High School. He will also graduate in May. Angela spends her time watch James run cross-country and the 800m and 1600m for track. She teaches an after-school program called Science Explorers. She also tutors before and after school and is involved in running the Adopt-A-Family program for Susquenita School District. She spends her free time with her dog and two cats, playing the organ or piano, reading, gardening, or just relaxing.
Angela was published in the PA Mathematics Teachers periodical in Winter of 2022. She wrote an article entitled a Test Worth Taking. She is also a Member of NCTM and Building Math Minds.
Angela’s son, James Dell, is a senior at Susquenita High School. He will also graduate in May. Angela spends her time watch James run cross-country and the 800m and 1600m for track. She teaches an after-school program called Science Explorers. She also tutors before and after school and is involved in running the Adopt-A-Family program for Susquenita School District. She spends her free time with her dog and two cats, playing the organ or piano, reading, gardening, or just relaxing.
Angela was published in the PA Mathematics Teachers periodical in Winter of 2022. She wrote an article entitled a Test Worth Taking. She is also a Member of NCTM and Building Math Minds.
April 2023
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Matthew Bingaman is a Special Education Teacher at the high school. He began his teaching career at Susquenita in 2007. Prior to teaching at Susquenita, Matt began his teaching career in 2001 as a Learning Support Teacher in the West Shore School District and later the Harrisburg School District. In the past at Susquenita, Matt has co-taught Algebra, Intermediate Algebra Geometry, Biology, General Science, Earth/Space Science, Human Geography and World Cultures, American History, English, and Health. He currently is teaching Special Education/Learning support classes in math classes.
Matt is a baseball umpire in his spare time. He has been an umpire since he was a teenager (that's more than 30 years ago). He also assigns all TriValley and Mid Penn Baseball Umpires to their games. In 2019, he was one of 16 umpires selected from around the world to umpire the 2019 Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA which was broadcast worldwide on ABC and ESPN. He is also a big supporter of the Camp Hill Challenger Baseball Program, which supports providing an opportunity for all children to be able to play baseball. In 2020, Matt was selected to umpire the Little League European Championships but this was cancelled due to the pandemic. In 2022, Matt was the plate umpire for a PIAA State Championship game at Penn State. Reach out to Matt if you wish to learn about how to umpire, he would love to speak to you about how to become involved in baseball umpiring.
Matt is originally from Lower Allen township where he graduated from Cedar Cliff High School in 1995. He is the oldest of four Bingaman brothers who all attended Cedar Cliff. A fun fact about Matt is that three of his grandparents were born and raised on a farm. Matt's paternal grandmother was actually born and raised in Perry County by her aunt. In the early 1900s, this great aunt of Matt's also happened to be a teacher in a one room schoolhouse outside of Newport, PA. In addition to Matt, two of his aunts become teachers and two of Matt's three brothers are also teachers.
Matt earned his Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Penn State University. While at Penn State, Matt danced in the 48 hour Four Diamonds Dance Marathon, helping raise money for researching pediatric cancer. Later, he earned his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Shippensburg University. Matt has also earned his Principal’s Certification. One of Matt's best friends at Penn State, Rob Kreamer, is a Susquenita graduate (1995). Rob was a major influence in Matt's journey to teaching at Susquenita High School.
Matt and his wife Janelle (5th grade teacher in the West Shore School District) are parents to two boys, Chase (16 in 10th grade) and Parker (13 in 7th grade). Chase is very active in his sophomore year and is a member of the CD East High Baseball Team. Parker loves being outdoors and fishing. As a family, the Bingaman's enjoy hiking and camping.
All members of the Bingaman family are active in their church, helping as a reader on Sundays, as well as greeting and ushering. Matt recently served his church as council president and currently helps with the landscaping crew during the spring, summer and fall.
Matt states his greatest honor is to hear from recent and past Susquenita graduates and students to learn about how they are doing. He takes great pride in the accomplishments of so many students who he has had the pleasure of teaching at Susquenita.
Matt is a baseball umpire in his spare time. He has been an umpire since he was a teenager (that's more than 30 years ago). He also assigns all TriValley and Mid Penn Baseball Umpires to their games. In 2019, he was one of 16 umpires selected from around the world to umpire the 2019 Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA which was broadcast worldwide on ABC and ESPN. He is also a big supporter of the Camp Hill Challenger Baseball Program, which supports providing an opportunity for all children to be able to play baseball. In 2020, Matt was selected to umpire the Little League European Championships but this was cancelled due to the pandemic. In 2022, Matt was the plate umpire for a PIAA State Championship game at Penn State. Reach out to Matt if you wish to learn about how to umpire, he would love to speak to you about how to become involved in baseball umpiring.
Matt is originally from Lower Allen township where he graduated from Cedar Cliff High School in 1995. He is the oldest of four Bingaman brothers who all attended Cedar Cliff. A fun fact about Matt is that three of his grandparents were born and raised on a farm. Matt's paternal grandmother was actually born and raised in Perry County by her aunt. In the early 1900s, this great aunt of Matt's also happened to be a teacher in a one room schoolhouse outside of Newport, PA. In addition to Matt, two of his aunts become teachers and two of Matt's three brothers are also teachers.
Matt earned his Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Penn State University. While at Penn State, Matt danced in the 48 hour Four Diamonds Dance Marathon, helping raise money for researching pediatric cancer. Later, he earned his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Shippensburg University. Matt has also earned his Principal’s Certification. One of Matt's best friends at Penn State, Rob Kreamer, is a Susquenita graduate (1995). Rob was a major influence in Matt's journey to teaching at Susquenita High School.
Matt and his wife Janelle (5th grade teacher in the West Shore School District) are parents to two boys, Chase (16 in 10th grade) and Parker (13 in 7th grade). Chase is very active in his sophomore year and is a member of the CD East High Baseball Team. Parker loves being outdoors and fishing. As a family, the Bingaman's enjoy hiking and camping.
All members of the Bingaman family are active in their church, helping as a reader on Sundays, as well as greeting and ushering. Matt recently served his church as council president and currently helps with the landscaping crew during the spring, summer and fall.
Matt states his greatest honor is to hear from recent and past Susquenita graduates and students to learn about how they are doing. He takes great pride in the accomplishments of so many students who he has had the pleasure of teaching at Susquenita.
March 2023
Myron Charowsky is a music teacher and band director at the Susquenita Middle School. Originally from Minersville, Pa., he started teaching at Susquenita in 2006 where he was the high school band director. While teaching at the high school he was the director of the marching band, concert band, jazz band and the award-winning pit band, which won the Hershey Theater Apollo Award for best pit band in 2011. Mr. Charowsky graduated from Minersville Area High School, Minersville, Pa. He holds a bachelor's of science degree in music education from Lebanon Valley College, Annville, Pa. and a master's of education degree from Alvernia University, Reading, Pa. As a music teacher, he is also a member of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association. He has studied with artists such as Dr. Jeremy Justeson, Tim Price and Tom Strohman. In his community he performs with the Cressona Community Band and M&J Big Band.
Mr. Charowsky enlisted in the United States Army in 1991 completing basic training at Ft. Jackson, SC. Upon completion of basic training, he spent 6 months at the Navy School of Music honing his skills as a musician. His first assignment was at Fort Stewart, Ga with the 24th
Infantry Division Army Band. He then transferred to Fort Jackson, SC and was a member of the 282nd Army "Victory" Band. He finally enlisted into the Air National Guard, and became a member of the Air National Guard Band of the Northeast in 1998. Mr. Charowsky retired from the military in 2021 with over 30 years of military service.
Mr. Charowsky enlisted in the United States Army in 1991 completing basic training at Ft. Jackson, SC. Upon completion of basic training, he spent 6 months at the Navy School of Music honing his skills as a musician. His first assignment was at Fort Stewart, Ga with the 24th
Infantry Division Army Band. He then transferred to Fort Jackson, SC and was a member of the 282nd Army "Victory" Band. He finally enlisted into the Air National Guard, and became a member of the Air National Guard Band of the Northeast in 1998. Mr. Charowsky retired from the military in 2021 with over 30 years of military service.
February 2023
Karen Gibney is a Title I Reading Specialist at the elementary school. She began her teaching career at Susquenita in 2000 teaching second grade. Since then, she has taught Kindergarten, third grade and now provides reading interventions to students in first through fourth grade. She finds it extremely rewarding to support the development of reading and writing in students.
Karen is from Coshocton, OH where she graduated from Coshocton High School. She then earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Miami University in Oxford, OH. Later, she earned her Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Penn State University. Karen has also earned her Reading Specialist Certification, Principal’s Certification and is a National Board Certified Teacher.
Karen and her husband Rick (’91 alum) are raising their three children here in Duncannon where they all attend Susquenita. Drew and Derek are juniors and keep the family busy with their sports’ schedules. Shea is in 3 rd grade and also enjoys sports, as well as dance.
Karen is from Coshocton, OH where she graduated from Coshocton High School. She then earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Miami University in Oxford, OH. Later, she earned her Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Penn State University. Karen has also earned her Reading Specialist Certification, Principal’s Certification and is a National Board Certified Teacher.
Karen and her husband Rick (’91 alum) are raising their three children here in Duncannon where they all attend Susquenita. Drew and Derek are juniors and keep the family busy with their sports’ schedules. Shea is in 3 rd grade and also enjoys sports, as well as dance.
January 2023
Janet Ray has been teaching English for Susquenita High School since 2005 when she married her husband, Dan, and moved to Central Pennsylvania. Prior to that, she taught at Upper Dublin School District in Fort Washington, PA, which is outside of
Philadelphia. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education at The Pennsylvania State University in State College, PA. She earned teaching certifications in English and in Communications. Janet has been teaching high school English and related courses since 1999 when she graduated from Penn State.
While at Susquenita, she has taught high school English at every grade level. She currently teaches English III, which is American literature, and she teaches both Advanced Placement courses in English, Language and Composition as well as
Literature and Composition. She completed additional training to learn how to effectively instruct at the Advanced Placement level.
She is originally from Greensburg, PA, which is outside of Pittsburgh. She attended Hempfield Area Senior High School, which is where she met and became friends with her husband. They have been married for 17 years and have two teenaged sons, Daniel and Dylan. They also have two pugs named Milly and Zoey.
In her spare time she enjoys reading, especially dystopian works. She also likes to travel with her family during the summer. Walt Disney World is among her happy places, and she visits with her sister and parents who live in the Orlando, Florida area now. During the school year, she spends most of her time with her family and attending her sons’ athletic endeavors, Daniel in cross country and track and field and Dylan in football and lacrosse.
She plans, in the very distant future, to retire from teaching from Susquenita High School.
Philadelphia. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education at The Pennsylvania State University in State College, PA. She earned teaching certifications in English and in Communications. Janet has been teaching high school English and related courses since 1999 when she graduated from Penn State.
While at Susquenita, she has taught high school English at every grade level. She currently teaches English III, which is American literature, and she teaches both Advanced Placement courses in English, Language and Composition as well as
Literature and Composition. She completed additional training to learn how to effectively instruct at the Advanced Placement level.
She is originally from Greensburg, PA, which is outside of Pittsburgh. She attended Hempfield Area Senior High School, which is where she met and became friends with her husband. They have been married for 17 years and have two teenaged sons, Daniel and Dylan. They also have two pugs named Milly and Zoey.
In her spare time she enjoys reading, especially dystopian works. She also likes to travel with her family during the summer. Walt Disney World is among her happy places, and she visits with her sister and parents who live in the Orlando, Florida area now. During the school year, she spends most of her time with her family and attending her sons’ athletic endeavors, Daniel in cross country and track and field and Dylan in football and lacrosse.
She plans, in the very distant future, to retire from teaching from Susquenita High School.
December 2022
Mrs. Deb Richmond has taught at Susquenita since 1999. She taught seventh-grade math for five years and currently teaches sixth-grade ELA and social studies. Deb is passionate about helping her students become life-long readers and fills her classroom with high-interest books of all kinds. She enjoys gathering and creating teaching resources that appeal to middle school students using research skills to study ancient cultures and unsolved mysteries. Deb was drawn to teaching because she wanted an excuse to continue her own learning experience.
Mrs. Richmond started her teaching career later in life. After her children went to school, Deb attended Harrisburg Area Community College to gather basic course credits, then transferred to Messiah College while raising two children as a single mom and working
three jobs. While commuting between Messiah College and Juniata County, she often studied the Susquenita campus and dreamed, "That looks like a great place to work. I want to teach there someday." And, so she did. After joining the Susquenita Middle School team, she
earned a Master's degree from Gratz College.
Deb brings a passion for writing to her ELA classroom as she walks her students through the publication process of developing storylines, writing, critiquing, and sharing narratives and essays. She has written an adult novel about Alzheimer's and is working on a middle-grades book series co-written with her granddaughter.
Deb enjoys reading, writing, going to the gym, riding bike, and playing Minecraft. She says, "I had to learn the game. It was the only way to communicate with my grandson." She serves as a church librarian and a teacher of special needs adults at her church. She doesn't mind spending time and money on worthy causes like community needs,
fundraising efforts, and crazy schemes to motivate students. She helps to organize an annual community event in Juniata County that supports artisans and crafts persons in developing countries. Deb and her husband, Rich, have six children (four in this world and two in a better place), ten grandchildren, and 16 sponsored children. Deb considers grandparenting the best job she's had so far.
Mrs. Richmond started her teaching career later in life. After her children went to school, Deb attended Harrisburg Area Community College to gather basic course credits, then transferred to Messiah College while raising two children as a single mom and working
three jobs. While commuting between Messiah College and Juniata County, she often studied the Susquenita campus and dreamed, "That looks like a great place to work. I want to teach there someday." And, so she did. After joining the Susquenita Middle School team, she
earned a Master's degree from Gratz College.
Deb brings a passion for writing to her ELA classroom as she walks her students through the publication process of developing storylines, writing, critiquing, and sharing narratives and essays. She has written an adult novel about Alzheimer's and is working on a middle-grades book series co-written with her granddaughter.
Deb enjoys reading, writing, going to the gym, riding bike, and playing Minecraft. She says, "I had to learn the game. It was the only way to communicate with my grandson." She serves as a church librarian and a teacher of special needs adults at her church. She doesn't mind spending time and money on worthy causes like community needs,
fundraising efforts, and crazy schemes to motivate students. She helps to organize an annual community event in Juniata County that supports artisans and crafts persons in developing countries. Deb and her husband, Rich, have six children (four in this world and two in a better place), ten grandchildren, and 16 sponsored children. Deb considers grandparenting the best job she's had so far.
November 2022
Lisa Perkins is a Title 1 Reading Specialist at the elementary school. She began her teaching career at Susquenita in 1999. She has taught first grade, second grade, and now works with children in grades first through fourth in reading intervention. Lisa is part of the WINGS team at the school. The program helps struggling students find ways to succeed. She is the chairperson of the Adopt A Family committee. She has worked with this program for 24 years. This committee helps children within our Blackhawk community during the holiday season with some basic needs and a few fun gifts. Lisa is also a member of the Sunshine club and helps plan retirement dinners to honor our teachers.
Lisa is from Gratz, PA where she graduated from Upper Dauphin Area High School. She then earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Lebanon Valley College in Annville, PA. Later, she earned her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Penn State University. Lisa has also earned her Reading Specialist certificate.
Outside of school, Lisa is active in her community. She runs the community food bank and her church’s bible school program. Additionally, she volunteers at the park association in her area, teaches Sunday school, and organizes many fundraisers for her church. Lisa enjoys spending time with friends and family at her farm. She also enjoys, crafts, baking, playing cards, shopping, reading and traveling.
Lisa is from Gratz, PA where she graduated from Upper Dauphin Area High School. She then earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Lebanon Valley College in Annville, PA. Later, she earned her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Penn State University. Lisa has also earned her Reading Specialist certificate.
Outside of school, Lisa is active in her community. She runs the community food bank and her church’s bible school program. Additionally, she volunteers at the park association in her area, teaches Sunday school, and organizes many fundraisers for her church. Lisa enjoys spending time with friends and family at her farm. She also enjoys, crafts, baking, playing cards, shopping, reading and traveling.
October 2022
Julie Heffner is a Business/Computer teacher at the high school. She began her teaching career at Susquenita in 2007. She teaches multiple courses consisting of Business Principles, Sports & Entertainment Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Accounting, Adobe Photoshop, MS Word/Excel, and Business Law. Julie also works at the football games and keeps the stats for the junior high basketball teams. Julie has previously been an assistant field hockey coach and Student Council co-advisor for 7 years. In March 2022, Student Council hosted Mini-THON, which raised over $15,000 for Four Diamonds. It was all due to the awesome students who participated and support from the faculty that this event was so successful.
Julie is from Dallastown, PA where she graduated from Dallastown Area High School. She then earned her B.S. degree in Business Administration with a minor in Human Resource Management from York College of PA. Julie then continued her education at Alvernia University earning her teaching certification and Masters in Education. She has also attended Clarion University online to earn a certification in Instructional Technology Specialist.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her dog (Mya). She and Mya spend time paddle boarding and hiking together. Julie also enjoys reading and traveling.
Julie is from Dallastown, PA where she graduated from Dallastown Area High School. She then earned her B.S. degree in Business Administration with a minor in Human Resource Management from York College of PA. Julie then continued her education at Alvernia University earning her teaching certification and Masters in Education. She has also attended Clarion University online to earn a certification in Instructional Technology Specialist.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her dog (Mya). She and Mya spend time paddle boarding and hiking together. Julie also enjoys reading and traveling.
September 2022
Ms. Mary Beth Simonic began her tenure with Susquenita School District with the 2001-2002
school year. She taught Spanish levels 1 through 4, guided by her enthusiastic mentor and colleague, Ron Julian. In 2017, Ms. Simonic transferred to the Middle School teaching Spanish to all 5 th , 6 th , and 7 th students. She also taught 8th grade students who wanted to begin their Spanish High school Spanish 1 course early, growing the program from 1 to 2 sections.
At the High School Ms. Simonic was advisor to an international exchange program matching our
local students with teenagers from other countries all over the world. She also Advised the
High School Spanish Club for about 10 years. Presently, she co-advises the National Junior
Honor Society at SMS.
The universities Ms. Simonic attended include the State University of New York at Fredonia with
a major in Spanish and minors in History and Political Science. During her junior year of college
she attended La Universidad de Salamanca in Spain for a deeper understanding of Spanish language, culture and history. In 1996, She returned to college to get a teaching degree from Wilson College in Chambersburg, PA. At the time, she was teaching at Harrisburg Academy and upon receiving the PA Teacher Certification, starting her career in public schools. Before coming to Susquenita, she also taught at the Hong Kong International School, Cumberland Valley, and Carlisle High Schools.
Ms. Simonic grew up near Niagara Falls, NY. She was a softball player, cheerleader and teen
journalist for a local student newspaper. Loving to travel, she has lived in Spain, Australia and
Hong Kong. In addition, she has visited over 30 countries around the world. Ms. Simonic has 3
adult children who share her love of travel and learning about other cultures. She has participated in 4 mission trips with her church and regularly works and supports the special needs ministry at her church as well.
Ms. Simonic likes arts and crafts, having knitted and crocheted since she was very young. Presently, she plarns, which is the recycling and transformation of plastic bags into a ball of plastic yarn. She has made over 5 homeless mats since the pandemic started as well as other craft projects using plarn. Last year’s NJHS even helped by cutting and assembling the bags in the balls needs for the homeless mats.
school year. She taught Spanish levels 1 through 4, guided by her enthusiastic mentor and colleague, Ron Julian. In 2017, Ms. Simonic transferred to the Middle School teaching Spanish to all 5 th , 6 th , and 7 th students. She also taught 8th grade students who wanted to begin their Spanish High school Spanish 1 course early, growing the program from 1 to 2 sections.
At the High School Ms. Simonic was advisor to an international exchange program matching our
local students with teenagers from other countries all over the world. She also Advised the
High School Spanish Club for about 10 years. Presently, she co-advises the National Junior
Honor Society at SMS.
The universities Ms. Simonic attended include the State University of New York at Fredonia with
a major in Spanish and minors in History and Political Science. During her junior year of college
she attended La Universidad de Salamanca in Spain for a deeper understanding of Spanish language, culture and history. In 1996, She returned to college to get a teaching degree from Wilson College in Chambersburg, PA. At the time, she was teaching at Harrisburg Academy and upon receiving the PA Teacher Certification, starting her career in public schools. Before coming to Susquenita, she also taught at the Hong Kong International School, Cumberland Valley, and Carlisle High Schools.
Ms. Simonic grew up near Niagara Falls, NY. She was a softball player, cheerleader and teen
journalist for a local student newspaper. Loving to travel, she has lived in Spain, Australia and
Hong Kong. In addition, she has visited over 30 countries around the world. Ms. Simonic has 3
adult children who share her love of travel and learning about other cultures. She has participated in 4 mission trips with her church and regularly works and supports the special needs ministry at her church as well.
Ms. Simonic likes arts and crafts, having knitted and crocheted since she was very young. Presently, she plarns, which is the recycling and transformation of plastic bags into a ball of plastic yarn. She has made over 5 homeless mats since the pandemic started as well as other craft projects using plarn. Last year’s NJHS even helped by cutting and assembling the bags in the balls needs for the homeless mats.
August 2022
Racheal Engle graduated from Susquenita High School in 2000. She continued her education at Harrisburg Area Community College and transferred to Shippensburg University where she graduated from in 2004. She has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a minor in early childhood education. After starting her career at the Susquenita Elementary School in 2005 she taught first grade for one year. After that Susquenita decided, they were going to have a full day kindergarten and they needed more teachers in kindergarten. Racheal jumped at the chance and has been there ever since. Racheal also has a master’s degree from Wilkes University in curriculum and instruction. She lives in New Buffalo with her husband Cory, three amazing children, and some adorable pets! In her free time Racheal loves to be outside, go shopping, do fun things with her family, and be with her amazing friends who keep her strong through everything!
July 2022
Tracy Hunter is Susquenita School District’s high school art teacher. She started her teaching career in 2005 as a long-term substitute and building substitute at Susquenita High School. In 2007 she got hired as a full-time art teacher and has been loving teaching here ever since. Tracy teaches a variety of visual art classes that include Two Dimensional Design, Introduction to Drawing/Painting, Advanced Drawing/Painting, Art Studio Seminar, Ceramics I, and Ceramics II. She is the advisor for the high school’s very active Art Club and also monitors After School Study Center. She supports Perry County Council of the Arts, having her students submit artwork to their Youth Art Day competition annually and hosting the event every four years.
Tracy is a native of Frackville, PA, where she attended North Schuylkill School District. She completed her undergraduate course work at Lycoming College in Williamsport, PA in 2005, graduating Magna Cum Laude. She earned her Pennsylvania K-12 Art Teaching Certificate and double majors in Art Generalist and Painting. After starting her teaching career at Susquenita, she attended graduate school at Millersville University in Millersville, PA. She earned her Master’s of Education in Art Education in 2012. Tracy is currently still furthering her education by taking continuing education classes through The Art of Education University, online. Tracy enjoys taking graduate classes to challenge her own skills and also to further her knowledge of the arts to better support the growth and creativity of her students.
Tracy is married to Jorge Hunter. They live in Millersburg, PA and have two children. Tracy loves being a mom and watching her kids participate and grow through various activities. In her free time, she enjoys going for walks, yoga, reading, crocheting, and making art.
Tracy is a native of Frackville, PA, where she attended North Schuylkill School District. She completed her undergraduate course work at Lycoming College in Williamsport, PA in 2005, graduating Magna Cum Laude. She earned her Pennsylvania K-12 Art Teaching Certificate and double majors in Art Generalist and Painting. After starting her teaching career at Susquenita, she attended graduate school at Millersville University in Millersville, PA. She earned her Master’s of Education in Art Education in 2012. Tracy is currently still furthering her education by taking continuing education classes through The Art of Education University, online. Tracy enjoys taking graduate classes to challenge her own skills and also to further her knowledge of the arts to better support the growth and creativity of her students.
Tracy is married to Jorge Hunter. They live in Millersburg, PA and have two children. Tracy loves being a mom and watching her kids participate and grow through various activities. In her free time, she enjoys going for walks, yoga, reading, crocheting, and making art.
June 2022
Jade Ruel is currently an 8 th grade Reading teacher at Susquenita Middle School. After
graduating from Bloomsburg University with an undergraduate degree in Education, she began her career at Susquenita High School in 2005 as a Special Education Teacher. After the birth of her second child in 2014, she transferred to her current position.
Jade holds a graduate degree from Shippensburg University in Education, with a focus on reading strategies. She has used these strategies to create activities that integrate technology and encourages student creativity and problem solving. Through the years, she has served on several district committees, and as co-advisor of the school newspaper.
In her spare time, Jade enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with her family and friends – many of whom are her co-workers. Jade has had the honor of working with exceptional team members who have made her a better educator through sharing their experiences and wisdom. She is the educator she is today, because she constantly strives to meet the standard that has been
set by her colleagues.
graduating from Bloomsburg University with an undergraduate degree in Education, she began her career at Susquenita High School in 2005 as a Special Education Teacher. After the birth of her second child in 2014, she transferred to her current position.
Jade holds a graduate degree from Shippensburg University in Education, with a focus on reading strategies. She has used these strategies to create activities that integrate technology and encourages student creativity and problem solving. Through the years, she has served on several district committees, and as co-advisor of the school newspaper.
In her spare time, Jade enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with her family and friends – many of whom are her co-workers. Jade has had the honor of working with exceptional team members who have made her a better educator through sharing their experiences and wisdom. She is the educator she is today, because she constantly strives to meet the standard that has been
set by her colleagues.
May 2022
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Dr. Alison Binger was born and raised in Perry County, Pa. She grew up in Blain and graduated from West Perry High School. Dr. Binger graduated from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania focusing in art, culture, and education. She graduated with a BS in Art Education, became a fellow of Kutztown University, and completed her Master in Education with her focus in art and culture.
Upon graduation, she entered the United States Peace Corps as an educational specialist. She worked in the West Indies on the island of Dominica. Her first year she spent living and working on the Kalinago reservation, teaching teachers’ US educational techniques, assisted developing quality curriculum that would assist their students to compete on the world stage, and teaching k-12 American English. She also spent time with the Kalinago Chief and council assisting with community development, cultural awareness, and women’s safety. Her second year she spent in the village of Trafalgar providing the local school as well as the Ministry of Education with expertise in curriculum development and teaching methodology. She wrote and received a grant to build the first library and media center for the Trafalgar School. She also developed the first Special Olympics program by identifying special needs children, teaching techniques on acceptance of difference, and teaching how to compete globally in the Special Olympics program which still thrives today.
Once back in the USA, Dr. Binger returned to Perry County and was hired by Susquenita School District to teach art k-4. In her time here at Susquenita, she has developed art curriculum based on the fine visual arts, famous artists, women artist, artist of color, and cultural art from around the globe. She has assisted in developing Susquenita School District’s social media presence through the creation of the Susquenita Art Department Facebook page, Susquenita Elementary Instagram page, and Dr. Alison Binger’s YouTube channel. Dr. Binger has brought in local cultural and diverse cultural artist receiving multiple grants to support artists in residency programs. She has assisted in Perry County’s art council through student participation yearly in Youth Art Day that brings young artists from around the county together in a collaborative art festival. Dr. Binger has also supported the growth of Perry County’s art council to develop their weekend arts programs. Dr. Binger recently brought an after school fine arts program to third and fourth graders to dive deeper into their creativity and develop their expressive communication.
After establishing her art program at Susquenita, she began her PhD in Global and Comparative studies graduating in 2019. Her research consists of exploring and increasing cultural awareness in education. Her research focuses on these four arenas: cultural competencies in national and global educational systems, multilingualism to increase cultural awareness, deep cultural immersive experiences, and developing cultural understanding through the visual and performing arts. She has presented at many universities including Western Georgia University, Clarion University, St. Francis de Sales College in Nagpur India, as well as multiple international conferences preparing teachers for global understanding in education. She is an active member of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education presenting and collaborating to assist in increasing cultural competencies globally. Most recently, Dr. Binger began researching the shortest amount of time needed to increase deep cultural awareness though traveling abroad asking Susquenita Elementary educators about their international traveling experiences. She recently sat on a panel of judges for Temple University’s Fox Business School for second year doctoral students as their cultural expert. Dr. Binger is also a professor in the Master of Education department at University of the People. She teaches educational courses in educational theory, living and learning globally, positive classroom experiences, and the final capstone courses guiding Master degree students through their research thesis. She teaches students from the USA and around the world creating community while instilling cultural competencies in her education classes.
Upon graduation, she entered the United States Peace Corps as an educational specialist. She worked in the West Indies on the island of Dominica. Her first year she spent living and working on the Kalinago reservation, teaching teachers’ US educational techniques, assisted developing quality curriculum that would assist their students to compete on the world stage, and teaching k-12 American English. She also spent time with the Kalinago Chief and council assisting with community development, cultural awareness, and women’s safety. Her second year she spent in the village of Trafalgar providing the local school as well as the Ministry of Education with expertise in curriculum development and teaching methodology. She wrote and received a grant to build the first library and media center for the Trafalgar School. She also developed the first Special Olympics program by identifying special needs children, teaching techniques on acceptance of difference, and teaching how to compete globally in the Special Olympics program which still thrives today.
Once back in the USA, Dr. Binger returned to Perry County and was hired by Susquenita School District to teach art k-4. In her time here at Susquenita, she has developed art curriculum based on the fine visual arts, famous artists, women artist, artist of color, and cultural art from around the globe. She has assisted in developing Susquenita School District’s social media presence through the creation of the Susquenita Art Department Facebook page, Susquenita Elementary Instagram page, and Dr. Alison Binger’s YouTube channel. Dr. Binger has brought in local cultural and diverse cultural artist receiving multiple grants to support artists in residency programs. She has assisted in Perry County’s art council through student participation yearly in Youth Art Day that brings young artists from around the county together in a collaborative art festival. Dr. Binger has also supported the growth of Perry County’s art council to develop their weekend arts programs. Dr. Binger recently brought an after school fine arts program to third and fourth graders to dive deeper into their creativity and develop their expressive communication.
After establishing her art program at Susquenita, she began her PhD in Global and Comparative studies graduating in 2019. Her research consists of exploring and increasing cultural awareness in education. Her research focuses on these four arenas: cultural competencies in national and global educational systems, multilingualism to increase cultural awareness, deep cultural immersive experiences, and developing cultural understanding through the visual and performing arts. She has presented at many universities including Western Georgia University, Clarion University, St. Francis de Sales College in Nagpur India, as well as multiple international conferences preparing teachers for global understanding in education. She is an active member of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education presenting and collaborating to assist in increasing cultural competencies globally. Most recently, Dr. Binger began researching the shortest amount of time needed to increase deep cultural awareness though traveling abroad asking Susquenita Elementary educators about their international traveling experiences. She recently sat on a panel of judges for Temple University’s Fox Business School for second year doctoral students as their cultural expert. Dr. Binger is also a professor in the Master of Education department at University of the People. She teaches educational courses in educational theory, living and learning globally, positive classroom experiences, and the final capstone courses guiding Master degree students through their research thesis. She teaches students from the USA and around the world creating community while instilling cultural competencies in her education classes.
April 2022
Michael Brandt is currently a Social Studies teacher at Susquenita High School. In 1991, after graduating from Washington and Lee University (Lexington, Virginia) with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics, he received his social studies teaching certification from the Pennsylvania State University.
In 1993, he accepted a position at Susquenita High School teaching Social Economics. Over his 29 year teaching career at Susquenita, he has taught Social Economics, World Cultures, Psychology, AP Psychology, Sociology, Career Readiness and Civics, and Government.
Michael has held numerous positions with the district including: Assistant Athletic Director, Teacher Mentor, National Honor Society Selection Committee, Social Studies Department Leader for 10 years, Statistician for Varsity Football for 25 years, Boy’s and Girl’s Basketball statistician, Softball statistician, School Security and Game Manager.
He has also coached Junior High Boy’s Basketball, Varsity Baseball Assistant and both Elementary Boy’s and Girl’s Basketball at Susquenita.
In his spare time, Michael enjoys reading, walking, kayaking, umpiring, coaching and spending time with his wife, Britt, a Susquenita alum and his family. He enjoys watching his four children: Zach, Addie, Kaydy and Drew participate in athletics and 4H activities.
Michael has had the privilege of working with an inspiring team of colleagues and coaches over his teaching career at Susquenita. He created both the sociology and psychology courses and curriculum at Susquenita. He was also honored to be the graduation speaker for the Class of 2010. Since he feels it is extremely important to support students outside of the classroom, he attends many of the events held within the district including plays, concerts, musicals and athletic events.
In 1993, he accepted a position at Susquenita High School teaching Social Economics. Over his 29 year teaching career at Susquenita, he has taught Social Economics, World Cultures, Psychology, AP Psychology, Sociology, Career Readiness and Civics, and Government.
Michael has held numerous positions with the district including: Assistant Athletic Director, Teacher Mentor, National Honor Society Selection Committee, Social Studies Department Leader for 10 years, Statistician for Varsity Football for 25 years, Boy’s and Girl’s Basketball statistician, Softball statistician, School Security and Game Manager.
He has also coached Junior High Boy’s Basketball, Varsity Baseball Assistant and both Elementary Boy’s and Girl’s Basketball at Susquenita.
In his spare time, Michael enjoys reading, walking, kayaking, umpiring, coaching and spending time with his wife, Britt, a Susquenita alum and his family. He enjoys watching his four children: Zach, Addie, Kaydy and Drew participate in athletics and 4H activities.
Michael has had the privilege of working with an inspiring team of colleagues and coaches over his teaching career at Susquenita. He created both the sociology and psychology courses and curriculum at Susquenita. He was also honored to be the graduation speaker for the Class of 2010. Since he feels it is extremely important to support students outside of the classroom, he attends many of the events held within the district including plays, concerts, musicals and athletic events.
March 2022
Tracy Jones has spent most of her life living and working in the Susquenita School District. As a graduate of Susquenita, class of 1989, she is proud to be part of Blackhawk Nation.
Tracy is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University, majoring in elementary education with certifications in middle-level math and science. She earned her Master’s Degree in Education from Wilkes University, her administrative certification from Shippensburg University, and is currently enrolled in the Master of Educational Technology program at Wilson College.
Upon graduating from Penn State, Tracy began her educational career as a substitute teacher for several area school districts. In 2001, she was hired to teach 7th grade Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1, a position she still holds. Through the years, Tracy has served on several school committees, including curriculum and school improvement. She is also the seventh-grade team leader and middle school Math 24 Coordinator.
In her spare time, Tracy enjoys reading, an occasional run, walking, camping and fly fishing with her husband Brian, also a teacher. She loves spending time with her three little grandsons and children: Madison, Nicole (class of 2016) and Colton (class of 2021).
Tracy has had the privilege of working with an amazing team of teachers, staff, and administration. She is thankful for this community as it has helped shape the educator she is today. Tracy truly enjoys teaching our future, hoping to inspire her students to work hard, love math, and achieve their dreams. You will also find her a true Blackhawk supporter as she attends many of the events held at the school including plays, concerts, and athletic events.
Tracy is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University, majoring in elementary education with certifications in middle-level math and science. She earned her Master’s Degree in Education from Wilkes University, her administrative certification from Shippensburg University, and is currently enrolled in the Master of Educational Technology program at Wilson College.
Upon graduating from Penn State, Tracy began her educational career as a substitute teacher for several area school districts. In 2001, she was hired to teach 7th grade Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1, a position she still holds. Through the years, Tracy has served on several school committees, including curriculum and school improvement. She is also the seventh-grade team leader and middle school Math 24 Coordinator.
In her spare time, Tracy enjoys reading, an occasional run, walking, camping and fly fishing with her husband Brian, also a teacher. She loves spending time with her three little grandsons and children: Madison, Nicole (class of 2016) and Colton (class of 2021).
Tracy has had the privilege of working with an amazing team of teachers, staff, and administration. She is thankful for this community as it has helped shape the educator she is today. Tracy truly enjoys teaching our future, hoping to inspire her students to work hard, love math, and achieve their dreams. You will also find her a true Blackhawk supporter as she attends many of the events held at the school including plays, concerts, and athletic events.
February 2022
Roxanne Baskin is relatively new to Susquenita School District. This is her fourth year teaching at the elementary school and seventeenth year in the classroom. She currently teaches first grade and serves as team leader. Roxanne loves making an indelible impression upon the amazing children in her classroom and cherishes seeing current and former students flourish and bloom.
Roxanne was born and raised in Texas. She received her undergraduate degree from The University of Texas at Austin. After moving with her family to Pennsylvania in 2000, she attended Wilson College and earned her Pennsylvania Elementary Education K-6 Certification.
She and her husband Fred have raised two children. Both children have recently graduated from Temple University’s honor program. Kyle is a Marine currently stationed at Fort Meade. Meghan is a wedding photographer and web designer based out of Philadelphia.
When not teaching or preparing educational materials, Roxanne enjoys spending time with her family, watching the wildlife along the Conodoguinet Creek in her back yard, and going to concerts of her favorite Indie Rock bands.
Roxanne was born and raised in Texas. She received her undergraduate degree from The University of Texas at Austin. After moving with her family to Pennsylvania in 2000, she attended Wilson College and earned her Pennsylvania Elementary Education K-6 Certification.
She and her husband Fred have raised two children. Both children have recently graduated from Temple University’s honor program. Kyle is a Marine currently stationed at Fort Meade. Meghan is a wedding photographer and web designer based out of Philadelphia.
When not teaching or preparing educational materials, Roxanne enjoys spending time with her family, watching the wildlife along the Conodoguinet Creek in her back yard, and going to concerts of her favorite Indie Rock bands.
January 2022
Kathy Kisner is a lifelong Blackhawk. A 1981 Susquenita graduate, she entered the doors of the Marysville Elementary School in 1969. During high school she fell in love with literature and her dream was to become an English teacher and return to her alma mater. After graduating from HACC and Penn State, she completed her student teaching here with some of the best mentors Susquenita has ever known. Kisner began her career here as a substitute teacher in 1985 which later led to a full-time position. Over the years, she has taught a variety of grades and classes; she currently enjoys teaching juniors in her American Literature class. Over the years, Kisner has kept busy serving as advisor and chaperone to almost every activity and club. These have included Bandfront advisor, play director, basketball coach, class advisor, NHS advisor, Varsity Club, and field hockey coach. The one that she enjoys most though is her role of Homecoming Advisor, keeping traditions alive has always been one of her goals. Her rapport with students has been her strength in and outside of the classroom. Over the years, when giving advice to her students about their future, Kisner always quotes author, Ray Bradbury, “Do what you love and love what you do.” This quote sums up how she feels about her career in teaching. “I feel fortunate to come to work every day knowing that my students and I will share and learn about human nature and universal life experiences through literature. Throughout the years, Kisner has witnessed how poetry can heal and uplift her students in times of tragedy. “Every day, I look forward to spending the day with my students, not many people can say, that after 30 years, they are still excited to go to work every day.
Kathy is married to John, her high school sweetheart, together they have two children, JD and “Stick”, also graduates of SHS. Currently their grandchildren attend Susquenita, the orange and black runs deep in this family. Thinking back over her long career, she has too many memories to count, but will always be especially humbled by the support of her students and colleagues when she underwent treatment for cancer. “Susquenita is my family and we support one another through good times and bad.” Looking forward to retirement in the near future, she plans to spend a lot of time at the beach with a tote full of books and a Pepsi in her hand.
Kathy is married to John, her high school sweetheart, together they have two children, JD and “Stick”, also graduates of SHS. Currently their grandchildren attend Susquenita, the orange and black runs deep in this family. Thinking back over her long career, she has too many memories to count, but will always be especially humbled by the support of her students and colleagues when she underwent treatment for cancer. “Susquenita is my family and we support one another through good times and bad.” Looking forward to retirement in the near future, she plans to spend a lot of time at the beach with a tote full of books and a Pepsi in her hand.
December 2021
Mary Lynn Hummel is currently a 7th grade English Language Arts teacher at Susquenita Middle School. In 1986, after earning an undergraduate degree and a teaching certificate in Elementary Education from Millersville University, she launched her teaching career at St. Barbara’s Catholic School in Philadelphia. After two years working for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, she was hired to teach 4th grade at Glenolden Elementary School in the Interboro School District where she spent three years.
In 1993, after moving home to Central Pennsylvania, she accepted a position teaching 4th grade at Susquenita Elementary School. Mary Lynn has had the opportunity to be enriched by amazing teachers and administrators throughout her years at Susquenita. She has experienced all middle levels of teaching from 4th grade through 8th grade.
Mary Lynn earned a Master’s equivalency from Millersville University with a focus on reading strategies. She is co-advisor for the Susquenita Middle School Yearbook, was a member of the Student Assistance Team for over 20 years, and has served on various committees throughout her tenure at Susquenita.
She has been married to her husband, Chuck, for 28 years and they have two grown children; Kaitlin, a medical assistant who is married and has a son, and Megan, a special education teacher, who is married and expecting a daughter in early January.
In 1993, after moving home to Central Pennsylvania, she accepted a position teaching 4th grade at Susquenita Elementary School. Mary Lynn has had the opportunity to be enriched by amazing teachers and administrators throughout her years at Susquenita. She has experienced all middle levels of teaching from 4th grade through 8th grade.
Mary Lynn earned a Master’s equivalency from Millersville University with a focus on reading strategies. She is co-advisor for the Susquenita Middle School Yearbook, was a member of the Student Assistance Team for over 20 years, and has served on various committees throughout her tenure at Susquenita.
She has been married to her husband, Chuck, for 28 years and they have two grown children; Kaitlin, a medical assistant who is married and has a son, and Megan, a special education teacher, who is married and expecting a daughter in early January.
November 2021
Janet Goodyear has been teaching at Susquenita Elementary School since 2004. She has a B.S. in Individual and Family Studies from Penn State and an Elementary and Early Childhood Ed. Certificate from Shippensburg. She and her husband Steve raised four children all who graduated from Susquenita. When not teaching, she loves gardening, traveling and spending time with her family.
October 2021
Andy Zeigler has been part of the Susquenita School District since the second grade. He was a member of the first class of second graders to attend the Susquenita Elementary School. Previous to that, he completed the first grade at the Penn Township building in Duncannon. Grades seven through twelve were completed at the Susquenita High School, where he participated in Spanish Club, Chorus, football, basketball, and track and field. He served as a captain his junior and senior year in football and his senior year in track.
After graduating in 1983, he worked for a year on his father’s farm and at the town variety store, the Duncannon Western Auto. In 1984, Andy started to attend Penn State University majoring in Animal Production and graduated in 1988. While at Penn State, Andy was a leader in The Navigator Christian Fellowship organization, participated in the Block and Bridle Club, and intramural basketball and soccer. He then returned home to manage the family farm and begin his coaching career as a varsity football coach. After two years of farm work and coaching, which now included Junior High Boys Basketball in addition to Varsity Football, Andy followed his fellow coaches’ advice and pursued his teaching degree through the Wilson College Teacher Intern Program.
After earning a Biology teaching certificate, Andy started his teaching career at Susquenita High School in 1995 as an Environmental Science teacher. Over the next 25 years, Mr. Zeigler taught a combination of Environmental Science, Biology, Physical Science, Anatomy and Physiology, and Life Science courses. In 2018, he started an Ag Science course at the request of interested students.
In addition to his numerous coaching and teaching duties, Mr. Zeigler founded the Enviro-Ag club, which now continues on as the Conservation Club, and The Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Additional sports that Coach Zig coached over the years include Girls Elementary and Middle School Basketball, Varsity Boys Basketball, Varsity Softball, Summer Weightlifting, Junior High Football, and Track and Field. In his limited free time, Andy enjoys bowling, golf, and coaching girls fastpitch softball pitchers and catchers, as well as hunting, fishing, and church activities.
Mr. Zeigler has one daughter, Kora Zeigler, 25 years of age, who graduated from Susquenita. She continues the coaching legacy started by Andy by giving pitching, hitting and catching lessons to players from Perry County. She also served as a JV coach at SHS and West Perry where the team accomplished an undefeated season.
As Mr. Zeigler’s teaching and coaching career winds down, he realizes the influence he has had on families in the SHS school district. He has been a teacher and coach to the children and grandchildren of his SHS classmates, as well as the children of former students that he taught. It is rewarding to him when former students share memories of their science class or sport seasons and the intangible lessons they learned that helped shape their character and work ethic. He will always be proud of the time and effort he poured into the students and athletes at SHS.
After graduating in 1983, he worked for a year on his father’s farm and at the town variety store, the Duncannon Western Auto. In 1984, Andy started to attend Penn State University majoring in Animal Production and graduated in 1988. While at Penn State, Andy was a leader in The Navigator Christian Fellowship organization, participated in the Block and Bridle Club, and intramural basketball and soccer. He then returned home to manage the family farm and begin his coaching career as a varsity football coach. After two years of farm work and coaching, which now included Junior High Boys Basketball in addition to Varsity Football, Andy followed his fellow coaches’ advice and pursued his teaching degree through the Wilson College Teacher Intern Program.
After earning a Biology teaching certificate, Andy started his teaching career at Susquenita High School in 1995 as an Environmental Science teacher. Over the next 25 years, Mr. Zeigler taught a combination of Environmental Science, Biology, Physical Science, Anatomy and Physiology, and Life Science courses. In 2018, he started an Ag Science course at the request of interested students.
In addition to his numerous coaching and teaching duties, Mr. Zeigler founded the Enviro-Ag club, which now continues on as the Conservation Club, and The Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Additional sports that Coach Zig coached over the years include Girls Elementary and Middle School Basketball, Varsity Boys Basketball, Varsity Softball, Summer Weightlifting, Junior High Football, and Track and Field. In his limited free time, Andy enjoys bowling, golf, and coaching girls fastpitch softball pitchers and catchers, as well as hunting, fishing, and church activities.
Mr. Zeigler has one daughter, Kora Zeigler, 25 years of age, who graduated from Susquenita. She continues the coaching legacy started by Andy by giving pitching, hitting and catching lessons to players from Perry County. She also served as a JV coach at SHS and West Perry where the team accomplished an undefeated season.
As Mr. Zeigler’s teaching and coaching career winds down, he realizes the influence he has had on families in the SHS school district. He has been a teacher and coach to the children and grandchildren of his SHS classmates, as well as the children of former students that he taught. It is rewarding to him when former students share memories of their science class or sport seasons and the intangible lessons they learned that helped shape their character and work ethic. He will always be proud of the time and effort he poured into the students and athletes at SHS.
September 2021
Beth Mader Johnson has been part of the Susquenita School District for almost her entire life. She began her academic career as a student at the Susquenita Elementary School and continued onto the High School to complete the first foundational part of her journey in 1991. After earning a degree in education at University of Pittsburgh – Johnstown, she returned to Susquenita as a substitute teacher in December of 1996. Five years later, she began her full-time teaching career as an 8th grade Physical Science teacher and has been teaching a combination of both 8th grade and 7th grade Life Science.
She has been married to her husband Jim for 26 years, also a graduate of Susquenita. They have one son Luke, who was a graduating member of the Susquenita Class of 2014. He is married to Kayleigh, a 2015 graduate. So Susquenita is a family tradition for the Johnson’s!
Beth has also earned a Master’s degree from Wilkes University. She is actively involved with Science Fair by serving as the judging chairperson for the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science fair and supporting her students who demonstrate a desire to participate in the science fair competitions. In addition, she is an active with the Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair. She has served a middle school yearbook advisor and continues the provide her time and energy to help out with other extracurricular activities and to support her colleagues through her professionalism and dedication. She has served a yearbook advisor as well as active in Science Fair. She serves as the judging chairperson for the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Fair and is active with the Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair as well. Beth serves as the Membership Chair for the Susquenita Education Association.
Over the years, she has been fortunate to be a member of both the local community of Marysville and the Susquenita community. She has had and continues to have the opportunity to work with amazing teachers, staff and administrators. Her life has been forever enriched by the students who have sat in her classroom and have taught her as much as she has hoped to have taught them.
She has been married to her husband Jim for 26 years, also a graduate of Susquenita. They have one son Luke, who was a graduating member of the Susquenita Class of 2014. He is married to Kayleigh, a 2015 graduate. So Susquenita is a family tradition for the Johnson’s!
Beth has also earned a Master’s degree from Wilkes University. She is actively involved with Science Fair by serving as the judging chairperson for the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science fair and supporting her students who demonstrate a desire to participate in the science fair competitions. In addition, she is an active with the Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair. She has served a middle school yearbook advisor and continues the provide her time and energy to help out with other extracurricular activities and to support her colleagues through her professionalism and dedication. She has served a yearbook advisor as well as active in Science Fair. She serves as the judging chairperson for the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Fair and is active with the Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair as well. Beth serves as the Membership Chair for the Susquenita Education Association.
Over the years, she has been fortunate to be a member of both the local community of Marysville and the Susquenita community. She has had and continues to have the opportunity to work with amazing teachers, staff and administrators. Her life has been forever enriched by the students who have sat in her classroom and have taught her as much as she has hoped to have taught them.
August 2021
Yvonne Ely grew up in Sunbury, Pennsylvania and attended Lycoming College for her undergraduate degree. She majored in elementary education and sociology while studying there. In the fall of 1994, she began teaching third grade at Susquenita Elementary School. A year later, she began work on her Master’s Degree in elementary education at Bloomsburg University. Ms. Ely has also taught kindergarten, first, and second grades during her career at SES. Over the years, she has helped as an after-school tutor, taught in the summer SOAR program, and piloted a Mindfulness Program in the Elementary school to promote classroom yoga. She believes children are one of the greatest gifts and she is very blessed to be a part of their lives.
Ms. Ely is the mother of three boys who are in middle and high school. She loves to go hiking and biking with them on various local trails. She also enjoys meeting friends for coffee and going to the beach with her family.
Ms. Ely is the mother of three boys who are in middle and high school. She loves to go hiking and biking with them on various local trails. She also enjoys meeting friends for coffee and going to the beach with her family.
July 2021
Steve Shirmer began teaching at Susquenita in the Fall of 1992 after graduating from West Chester University and working in the environmental lab at Gannett Fleming. Hired as a Chemistry teacher, he also volunteered as a wrestling coach continuing to be a part of that program over the next decade.
After his coaching debut he enrolled in a Masters degree program in Geo-Environmental Science at Shippensburg University. Upon completing his degree he included teaching Environmental Science and a newly formed AP Chemistry course to his repertoire. Mr. Shirmer is also involved as the Science Fair Coordinator, Fly-fishing Club advisor and Science department leader. He enjoys working with Susquenita students in every aspect of their lives whether it is academics, athletics, or hobbies.
In his spare time, Mr. Shirmer and wife (his high school sweetheart) are owners and manage an indoor rock climbing gym. Through this endeavor he has been able to connect and involve many Susquenita alumni in climbing and the outdoor experience. He is also an avid hiker, fly fisherman, and father of two. Each of his children are at the end of their undergraduate college careers. Both in science, go figure.
As he reflects on his time as a father and faculty, he has enjoyed watching students strive to become their best and truly believes that Susquenita is a hidden gem buried in the Appalachian mountains of Pennsylvania. He also believes that in life if you enjoy and learn from the process the rest will take care of itself.
After his coaching debut he enrolled in a Masters degree program in Geo-Environmental Science at Shippensburg University. Upon completing his degree he included teaching Environmental Science and a newly formed AP Chemistry course to his repertoire. Mr. Shirmer is also involved as the Science Fair Coordinator, Fly-fishing Club advisor and Science department leader. He enjoys working with Susquenita students in every aspect of their lives whether it is academics, athletics, or hobbies.
In his spare time, Mr. Shirmer and wife (his high school sweetheart) are owners and manage an indoor rock climbing gym. Through this endeavor he has been able to connect and involve many Susquenita alumni in climbing and the outdoor experience. He is also an avid hiker, fly fisherman, and father of two. Each of his children are at the end of their undergraduate college careers. Both in science, go figure.
As he reflects on his time as a father and faculty, he has enjoyed watching students strive to become their best and truly believes that Susquenita is a hidden gem buried in the Appalachian mountains of Pennsylvania. He also believes that in life if you enjoy and learn from the process the rest will take care of itself.
June 2021
Denise Boaz is a native of Audubon, Pennsylvania. She graduated from West Chester University in 1984 with her Bachelors of Science in Nursing. She received her MSN from Penn State University in 1994 and received her certification for school nursing at Millersville University. Denise and her husband Chris moved to Central Pennsylvania, after getting married in 1985, where she worked at Polyclinic Medical Center in Orthopedics and Pediatrics. She began working full time at Susquenita in 1996 as the elementary school nurse. She cherishes the opportunities to teach our youngest students the importance of healthful living and hopes she has made an impact on the many children she has worked with during her stay at Susquenita. Denise loves living in the community where she works, allowing her to see her present and past students in her daily life outside of school. The literary arts are also a passion for Denise as she has encouraged student entries for Perry County Youth Art Day for the past twenty years at the elementary level. This year has been a year of learning new skills in the nurse’s office. Denise never imagined that epidemiology and contact tracing would be a part of her job description. “ I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks!”
Chris and Denise have raised four children, all graduates of Susquenita and now have four beautiful grandchildren. Denise is active in her church in the music ministry at St. Bernadette, a member of Perry County Holstein Association, a board member of the Perry County Farm Bureau, and until her youngest son’s graduation; she was very active in Perry County 4H dairy Club. She spends her spare time working with her son raising beef cattle as he tries to teach her to drive “the big tractors.” Another passion for Denise is the art of photography as she enjoys sharing her view of the world through her camera lens. Her favorite subjects to photograph are children and farm animals, as they are “the most innocent creatures and honestly are the most comfortable in front of the lens”.
Chris and Denise have raised four children, all graduates of Susquenita and now have four beautiful grandchildren. Denise is active in her church in the music ministry at St. Bernadette, a member of Perry County Holstein Association, a board member of the Perry County Farm Bureau, and until her youngest son’s graduation; she was very active in Perry County 4H dairy Club. She spends her spare time working with her son raising beef cattle as he tries to teach her to drive “the big tractors.” Another passion for Denise is the art of photography as she enjoys sharing her view of the world through her camera lens. Her favorite subjects to photograph are children and farm animals, as they are “the most innocent creatures and honestly are the most comfortable in front of the lens”.
May 2021
Kimberly Funk is the health education teacher at the Susquenita Middle School. She began her career at Susquenita as a day-to-day substitute in 2004 and after a long-term substitute position was hired as a full time Physical Education/Health teacher in 2007.
Mrs. Funk graduated from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas with a B.S. in Education and M.Ed in Health Promotion. She taught elementary Physical Education in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada for 12 years, then moved with her husband, Craig and son, Matthew to central Pennsylvania.
Mrs. Funk, along with Mark Snitzer, started Susquenita’s first chapter of the National Junior Honor Society in 2009 and is currently a co-advisor with Mrs. Cutman.
Mrs. Funk enjoys traveling and camping with her husband, as well as sewing and crafting. She is looking forward to spending time with her son and his wife along with welcoming her first grandchild this summer.
Mrs. Funk graduated from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas with a B.S. in Education and M.Ed in Health Promotion. She taught elementary Physical Education in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada for 12 years, then moved with her husband, Craig and son, Matthew to central Pennsylvania.
Mrs. Funk, along with Mark Snitzer, started Susquenita’s first chapter of the National Junior Honor Society in 2009 and is currently a co-advisor with Mrs. Cutman.
Mrs. Funk enjoys traveling and camping with her husband, as well as sewing and crafting. She is looking forward to spending time with her son and his wife along with welcoming her first grandchild this summer.
April 2021
Susan Wenger has been with the Susquenita School district since July of 1989 when she was hired as a seventh and eighth grade English teacher. When the middle school opened, she moved with the seventh graders and has been teaching either seventh or eighth grade English Language Arts ever since. She is currently the only teacher from the original middle school staff. She has
served on various committees including the strategic planning and curriculum committees and continues to serve as the eighth-grade team leader.
Susan is known by her students for her puns and “Wengerisms” as referred to by her colleagues. Humor has always been a way to refocus the students’ attention or to lighten the tension in the room when the concept becomes too heavy.
She has been married to her husband Ralph for 31 years, and they have two grown children; Anna, a special education teacher, who is married to Connor, a technology education teacher, and their son Michael, a strength and conditioning coach with the Baylor Bears. Teaching and working with young people is part of Susan's family’s genes going back to her grandmother, an elementary teacher. Susan and Ralph have also been blessed with their first grandchild Weston.
At Millersville University, she earned her undergraduate degree and teaching certificate to teach secondary English. She earned a Master’s equivalency with a focus on learning styles and student-centered teaching strategies. After her first experience teaching in a middle school, she knew that being part of middle school was in her future, and she is very proud to say that her
experiences at Susquenita have enabled her to grow as a person, parent, and professional because she has been surrounded by students, parents, and professionals who have brought out the best in
her and have given her the opportunities for this growth that she has shared through teaching her students and collaborating with her colleagues.
served on various committees including the strategic planning and curriculum committees and continues to serve as the eighth-grade team leader.
Susan is known by her students for her puns and “Wengerisms” as referred to by her colleagues. Humor has always been a way to refocus the students’ attention or to lighten the tension in the room when the concept becomes too heavy.
She has been married to her husband Ralph for 31 years, and they have two grown children; Anna, a special education teacher, who is married to Connor, a technology education teacher, and their son Michael, a strength and conditioning coach with the Baylor Bears. Teaching and working with young people is part of Susan's family’s genes going back to her grandmother, an elementary teacher. Susan and Ralph have also been blessed with their first grandchild Weston.
At Millersville University, she earned her undergraduate degree and teaching certificate to teach secondary English. She earned a Master’s equivalency with a focus on learning styles and student-centered teaching strategies. After her first experience teaching in a middle school, she knew that being part of middle school was in her future, and she is very proud to say that her
experiences at Susquenita have enabled her to grow as a person, parent, and professional because she has been surrounded by students, parents, and professionals who have brought out the best in
her and have given her the opportunities for this growth that she has shared through teaching her students and collaborating with her colleagues.
March 2021
Christine Miller (Dolbin) aka C. Miller first set foot in Susquenita High School as a substitute teacher upon graduation from Shippensburg University in May 1988. Hired as an English teacher in December 1988, she has fully embraced what it means to be a Blackhawk.
Not only teaching senior English, Communications and the new Media/Studio class, C. Miller is the senior class advisor, prom advisor, and English department leader. She loves working with the seniors preparing them for real life, “I just love seeing the excitement in the students’ faces as they prepare for the next chapter in their lives. Helping them succeed so that they can walk across the stage at graduation makes my teaching career worth it!”
In her spare time, C. Miller shows her Bedlington Terriers and Samoyeds at AKC dog shows. You may have caught a glimpse of her or her daughter (now a SHS substitute) on the televised dog shows.
As her years at SHS are coming to a close, she hopes that she has encouraged all her students to reach for their dreams, striving to always do their best and to be kind to others and animals alike.
Not only teaching senior English, Communications and the new Media/Studio class, C. Miller is the senior class advisor, prom advisor, and English department leader. She loves working with the seniors preparing them for real life, “I just love seeing the excitement in the students’ faces as they prepare for the next chapter in their lives. Helping them succeed so that they can walk across the stage at graduation makes my teaching career worth it!”
In her spare time, C. Miller shows her Bedlington Terriers and Samoyeds at AKC dog shows. You may have caught a glimpse of her or her daughter (now a SHS substitute) on the televised dog shows.
As her years at SHS are coming to a close, she hopes that she has encouraged all her students to reach for their dreams, striving to always do their best and to be kind to others and animals alike.
February 2021
Abby Foy grew up in Summerdale and moved to Marysville 36 years ago. She attended
HACC for her undergraduate degree, Penn State for her graduate degree, and Shippensburg University for her Master’s Degree. She completed her student teaching in first grade at Susquenita with Mrs. Hoover.
In 1989 she began working at Susquenita.
Abby has taught first, second, third, and fifth grade. She enjoys being at the elementary
school the most. It’s exciting to see how much the students grow and change throughout the year. It’s also fun to see the children of previous students coming through our school.
In her spare time Abby enjoys reading mystery stories, gardening, making things out of stained glass, and volunteering with Duncannon EMS. She and her husband go camping as often as possible and are planning a trip to Africa next year!
HACC for her undergraduate degree, Penn State for her graduate degree, and Shippensburg University for her Master’s Degree. She completed her student teaching in first grade at Susquenita with Mrs. Hoover.
In 1989 she began working at Susquenita.
Abby has taught first, second, third, and fifth grade. She enjoys being at the elementary
school the most. It’s exciting to see how much the students grow and change throughout the year. It’s also fun to see the children of previous students coming through our school.
In her spare time Abby enjoys reading mystery stories, gardening, making things out of stained glass, and volunteering with Duncannon EMS. She and her husband go camping as often as possible and are planning a trip to Africa next year!
January 2021
Tina Hazard grew up in Juniata County and still resides there today with her husband, Robert, and their two children, Zane and Emma. She attended Shippensburg University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood Education. She actually completed her student teaching experience in a 6th grade classroom at Susquenita Middle School! Later, she received her Master’s in Education from Marygrove College.
Tina has been employed as a teacher at Susquenita School District for 23 years. She began her employment as a 4th grade teacher at the elementary school. She then moved to both second and first grade before moving across the street 4 years ago to teach 6thgrade at the middle school. She has experienced many changes throughout her career, but she feels these have helped to keep her fresh and on her toes.
Outside of school, Tina loves to go camping and hiking with her family. They have taken several trips across the country to visit national parks and see the beautiful sites.
Tina has been employed as a teacher at Susquenita School District for 23 years. She began her employment as a 4th grade teacher at the elementary school. She then moved to both second and first grade before moving across the street 4 years ago to teach 6thgrade at the middle school. She has experienced many changes throughout her career, but she feels these have helped to keep her fresh and on her toes.
Outside of school, Tina loves to go camping and hiking with her family. They have taken several trips across the country to visit national parks and see the beautiful sites.
December 2020
Charles Stanbery has been teaching at Susquenita High School since August 1993. This year he is teaching Academic and Basic Geometry, and Consumer Mathematics. He has a BS in Math and Physics from Jacksonville University, 1983; a MSEd in Secondary Math and Science Education from Old Dominion University, 1992; and a M. Ed in Mathematics from Millersville University, 2015.
While employed at Susquenita, Chuck served in the Army Reserve in Kosovo in 2003-2004 and Iraq in 2006-2007. He retired from the reserves in 2014 after serving his country for thirty-one years.
He is married to Cindy and has two adult children, Joshua and Abigail. Chuck enjoys reading, gardening. woodworking, soccer and bicycling.
While employed at Susquenita, Chuck served in the Army Reserve in Kosovo in 2003-2004 and Iraq in 2006-2007. He retired from the reserves in 2014 after serving his country for thirty-one years.
He is married to Cindy and has two adult children, Joshua and Abigail. Chuck enjoys reading, gardening. woodworking, soccer and bicycling.
November 2020
Donna Kerstetter is a native of Philadelphia. She went to Slippery Rock University to earn her teaching degree. While at SRU, she met Mr. Jeff Kerstetter. They married and settled in Duncannon, eventually moving to Halifax to raise their family. In 2012, she completed the Masters in Education program through Cabrini College and earned her Administrative Certificate.
Mrs. Kerstetter has been a teacher at Susquenita for 29 years. She taught first and second grade for ten years. In 2003 in an effort to boost math grades at the elementary school, Mrs. Kerstetter helped create the Title I math position which she held for eight years. Her current position is that of Intervention Coordinator: overseeing reading/math support and working with teachers/families to provide appropriate interventions to increase student success.
Mrs. Kerstetter has two grown children and three grandchildren. She is enjoying meeting the children of her former students as they enter the elementary school.
Mrs. Kerstetter has been a teacher at Susquenita for 29 years. She taught first and second grade for ten years. In 2003 in an effort to boost math grades at the elementary school, Mrs. Kerstetter helped create the Title I math position which she held for eight years. Her current position is that of Intervention Coordinator: overseeing reading/math support and working with teachers/families to provide appropriate interventions to increase student success.
Mrs. Kerstetter has two grown children and three grandchildren. She is enjoying meeting the children of her former students as they enter the elementary school.
October 2020
Dennis Shambaugh (Denny) is a Perry Countian, growing up in a dairy farm at Alinda in West Perry. He earned his mathematics degree at Messiah College (now University) where he played interscholastic men’s soccer. He began teaching math at Susquenita High School in the fall of 1980, beginning with a long term sub position for George Reisinger. After teaching math for several years, he then moved to teaching Computer Science. Early in his career, he started the district soccer program, coaching at both the Varsity and JV level. Currently he is in his 41st year of teaching at Susquenita. Along with his teaching duties, he coaches the boys middle school soccer team as well as advises the Computer and Respect Life Clubs. For the past 4 years, he has been privileged to read (grade) Advanced Placement Computer Science tests. Shambaugh also currently serves as the president of KEYTA, the Keystone Teachers Association.
September 2020
Rick Knepp has been with the Susquenita School District since December of 1979 and started teaching 8th grade Physical Science January 2nd of 1980. He has been working with the long-distance runners at Susquenita since the spring of 1980. He is currently the head XC coach, teaching the young Blackhawks the joys of long-distance running. He has been mentored on his coaching career by the likes of J.E.Smith, Bill Day and Gary McCoy.
He earned his undergraduate degree at Lock Haven, where he participated in Track and Field, running in the distance events. It was at Lock Haven where he met his bride to be, Miss Penny Beth Walsh. They will be married 40 years this month.
Academically speaking, His undergraduate degree just says “General Science” even his Masters degree from Shippensburg, only says “General Science” now all degrees are very specialized. Remember he was born when the US flag had only 48 stars.
If you were in his class you will remember the very first note that goes into a students notebook each year “Science is a Verb.”
He earned his undergraduate degree at Lock Haven, where he participated in Track and Field, running in the distance events. It was at Lock Haven where he met his bride to be, Miss Penny Beth Walsh. They will be married 40 years this month.
Academically speaking, His undergraduate degree just says “General Science” even his Masters degree from Shippensburg, only says “General Science” now all degrees are very specialized. Remember he was born when the US flag had only 48 stars.
If you were in his class you will remember the very first note that goes into a students notebook each year “Science is a Verb.”
