Champions of Learning awards honor local educators

Jennifer Neill has been a teacher long enough that she’ll soon be seeing her former students’ children coming through her classroom at Laurel Highlands Middle School, and her students know what to expect from her.

“I’m like your school mom,” she said. “You’re not always going to like what I’m going to say, but I’m saying it for your benefit.”

The guidance she gives her students earned her a Champions of Learning Award for best educator of grades 7-12, presented this month by the Consortium for Public Education and United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

“I was laughing, then I was crying. It was an emotional day,” she said.

The Champions of Learning awards recognized six Southwestern Pennsylvania residents for their contributions to education.

“All of these professionals contribute both through their work and their examples to support our region’s children and youth,” Mary Kay Babyak, executive director of the consortium, said in a statement. “We’re delighted to recognize their efforts, and we’re just sorry we couldn’t present these awards in person this year.”

The awards would have been presented at a ceremony in May. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, they were postponed and presented online this month.

Joseph Demar, principal of Fort Couch Middle School in the Upper St. Clair School District, won the leadership award.

“I was definitely honored, shocked and excited,” he said.

He said in his 17 years as principal, he’s emphasized finding the right people for the job. Most teachers say they like kids, but middle school kids present a unique challenge, he said.

“You’re looking for people who truly want to be here in the middle school,” he said.

The complete list of winners:

• Joseph DeMar, a principal in Upper St. Clair School District, in the Leadership category

• Jerone Morris, a Pittsburgh Public Schools teacher, in the K-6 Educators category

• Jennifer Neill, a Laurel Highlands School District teacher, in the 7-12 Educators category

• Lora Zemanek, a youth program manager for Venture Outdoors, in the Community Partner/Providers category

• Glynn Newcamp, a bus driver in Pine-Richland School District, in the School Staff category

• Susan Rendulic, from South Hills Interfaith Movement, in the Volunteers category