My Favorite Teacher Contest
Event Completed!
When: Thursday, October 05, 2023 - Friday, December 01, 2023
Prizes include:
- First place: Two round-trip Delta Airlines tickets to the destination of their choice (flights can be used within the continental U.S. and must be booked by February 13, 2024. The recipient can travel up to 300 days after February 13.)
- Second place: $500 worth of Nemacolin gift cards
- Third place: "Dinner on JA" gift card package, estimated $150 value
JA will accept nominations for teachers, principals and other educators from schools within the 56-county footprint of western PA and northern WV. The nominations close December 1st.
Tammi Martin, JA's Educator of the Year
Dr. Martin's teaching career started in 1993 within the Grove City Area School District. She served as an emotional support teacher, Guidance Counselor, Assistant Principal & Principal at the George Junior Republic School. Following 17 years of service at the George Junior Republic School, Dr. Martin transitioned to Hillview Elementary School and serves as the Elementary Principal. In addition, she is an Adjunct Professor at Grove City College in the Department of Education. The collaborative work between the college and the elementary school has been an amazing growth opportunity for the pre-service teachers and the elementary school community.
Dr. Martin entered education with a heart for changing the learning environment to serve students emotionally, physically, and academically. For a period of time, she was the homeless liaison for the school district. Through this role she was able to partner with Wendy Kinnear, Regional Coordinator, and many other community organizations to create supports for the children within the Grove City Area School District. The greatest support for the children is the staff and faculty of Hillview Elementary School. This is a group of generous, genuine, and hardworking professionals who care equally for the hearts and minds of the children they serve.
Tammi Martin
Kelly Winovich
Kelly Winovich is a performing arts educator at Northgate Middle/Senior High School and has won many awards in her career including multiple Gene Kelly Awards, the National Teacher of the Year Awardee (2021), All-Star Teacher Nominee (2021), and the Grammy Awards Music Educator of the Year finalist.
Mrs. Winovich is honored for this special recognition and thanks Junior Achievement for acknowledging the significance of music education in schools across our region. She has also trained at the former Rosalene Kenneth Professional School Of Dance, and was a Four-Year Duquesne University Dukes Cheerleader. Mrs. Winovich previously coached at Ambridge Area High School and North Allegheny (Ingomar and Marshall Middle Schools). She is extremely proud of numerous students continuing on to have successful careers both on stage and screen. Kelly was cast as lead actress in various musical productions and enjoys performing in the Broadway Theatre District and across the U.S.
Kelly Winovich
Lucas Mihelcic
Lucas Mihelcic is a second grade teacher at Shanksville-Stoneycreek School District. An inspiring educator and teammate, Lucas has stepped up to co-teach the entire second grade class when his teaching partner received a cancer diagnosis.
Lucas is also committed to meeting student needs, both academically and behaviorally. He has a calm, positive manner with students of all backgrounds and abilities.
Lucas Mihelcic
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