Seneca Valley Teachers Named Advisors of the Year

Two of Seneca Valley’s student council advisors have been named District 2 Advisors of the Year.

At the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils Region A Conference in March, John Motyl, an advisor at the middle school, was named District 2 Middle Level Advisor of the Year. Katherine Halliday, a high school advisor, was named District 2 High School Advisor of the Year.

District 2 takes in eight counties including Lawrence, Beaver, Butler, Clarion, Armstrong, Jefferson, Indiana and Mercer counties. 

“It is such a tremendous honor for Seneca Valley to have both Advisors of the Year,” said PASC District 2 Director Rose Ann Fulena in an email to Seneca Valley administrators.

Both Seneca Valley’s middle school and high school principals spoke highly of the advisors, and the importance of encouraging students to embrace leadership.

“John’s role as an advisor helps build important skills in young adolescents such as confidence and advocacy,” said Seneca Valley Middle School Principal Andrea Peck.  “His leadership guides students to take an active role in the school. As students take initiative within our own school and interact with other schools, they grow and mature into young leaders—a strong vision of John’s for each member of the council. 

 I am very proud to have such a dedicated educator and passionate leader in our National Blue Ribbon Middle School.”

Mark Korcinsky, senior high school principal, added his praise for Halliday.

“Katie Halliday personifies the role of leadership and assists high school students to become active, engaged leaders in their schools and communities,” he said. “Ms. Halliday provides opportunities for young men and women to lead, and she guides them in decision-making processes they ultimately will take with them after graduation. 

Seneca Valley is fortunate to have a person of Katie’s character, talents, and leadership.”

Seneca Valley officials recognized both advisors at Monday’s school board meeting. Motyl and Halliday also will be honored at the PASC 2013 State Conference at Boyertown High School in November.

They will each be considered for Pennsylvania Student Council Advisor of the Year for their school level—an award presented at the conference.

-- Information submitted by Seneca Valley School District. Have news you'd like to share with Patch readers? Email Editor Jessica Sinichak at jessica.sinichak@patch.com or become a blogger in our "Local Voices" section. 

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