The Foundation honors an Elementary and Secondary Educator of the Year each year. The teachers are nominated by their students, co-workers, parents and community members.
We also have an Impact Award to recognizes any staff person, that is not a teacher, that makes a positive impact on students or co-workers.
Elementary Educator of the Year
2025
Maria Mikolajczyk, 3rd Grade Teacher, Frankstown Elementary
Left to Right: Front Row – Curtis A. Whitesel, Superintendent Of Schools; Peggy Hancuff, HASD Foundation Treasurer; Dr. Penne Edgell, HASD Foundation President; Maria Mikolajczyk, Frankstown Elementary Grade 3; Melissa Peppetti, HASD Foundation Board Member; Deborah Faith, HASD Foundation Director; William Madden, Frankstown Elementary Principal. Back Row -Katelyn Prosser M.Ed, Director of Special Education; Dr. Tracy Boone Assistant Superintendent; Holly Wertz, Fiscal Coordinator; Autumn Fiscus, Business Manager/Board Secretary; Joy Bell, Accounting Operations Director; Ben Caldwell, Human Resources Director.
As a loyal and supportive Hollidaysburg Alumni, Maria Mikolajczyk consistently demonstrates her love of our respectable district by dedicating her time and attention to numerous HASD activities. Currently, Mrs. Mikolajczyk is an extremely dynamic member of the Frankstown Elementary Morale, Data, and School Improvement Committees. It is not unusual to see Maria at a student’s sporting event or extra-curricular activity. Maria is a generous soul with a desire to help students/families in need. While these efforts are impressive, Maria doesn’t require any recognition. She is humble and truly inspiring. More importantly, Maria is an exceptional educator and colleague. Displaying patience, stability, and compassion, she creates an exceptional classroom centered around the needs of ALL children. Under even the most extreme circumstances, Maria remains steadfast and committed to her students. Holding certifications in both Elementary and Reading Specialist, she is equipped with a plethora of strategies to teach various learning styles and abilities. Making her an extraordinary mentor, Maria is reliable, approachable, and experienced. She is the pillar of our 3rd grade team and a persistent contributor to the success of Frankstown Elementary School.
-Kimberly Bridenbaugh, FKS Co-worker
Secondary Educator of the Year
2025
Stephanie Everett, Music/Drama/Tiger TV Teacher, Senior High
Left to Right: Back Row -Melissa Peppetti, HASD Foundation Board Member; Katelyn Prosser, M. Ed, Director of Special Education; Curt Whitesel, Superintendent; Dr. Tracy Boone, Assistant Superintendent; Deborah Faith, HASD Foundation Director; Autumn Fiscus, Business Manager/Board Secretary; Holly Wertz, Fiscal Coordinator; Ben Caldwell, Human Resources Director; Front Row – Joy Bell, Accounting Operations Director; Dr. Maureen Letcher, Senior High Principal; Stephanie Everett, Teacher Senior High; ; Dr. Penne Edgell, HASD Foundation President; Peggy Hancuff, HASD Foundation Treasurer
It is impossible to capture all of Stephanie’s contributions to the School District. Having over 30 years of classroom experience with music, drama, and technology classes, Stephanie’s approach to teaching is completely student-centered and highly collaborative. She is a transformative teacher and her positivity and enthusiasm is contagious. She continually provides meaningful experiences for every student as she encourages them to develop their own creative and musical identities. I have personally observed that her dedication and perseverance has enabled hundreds of students in the music and drama programs to thrive both here in Hollidaysburg and beyond graduation.
Scott Sheehan, Senior High Music Teacher
Impact Award
The Impact Award, implemented in 2019, is designed to recognize an individual in our district that has a positive impact on our students but who is not an educator. This opportunity is open to paraprofessionals, custodians, food service providers, etc.
2025 Impact Awards: Larry Daugherty, Head Custodian, Foot of Ten Elementary.
From Left To Right: Front Row-Curtis A. Whitesel, Superintendent of Schools; Mrs. Peggy Hancuff, HASD Foundation Treasurer; Marissa Cerully, Foot of Ten Elementary Principal; Larry Daugherty, Head Custodian Foot of Ten Elementary; Melissa Peppetti, Foundation Board Member; Deborah Faith, Foundation Director; Dr. Penne Edgell, HASD Foundation President; Back Row – Katelyn Prosser, M.Ed, Director of Special Education; Holly Wertz, Fiscal Coordinator; Dr. Tracy Boone, Assistant Superintendent of Schools; Joy Bell, Accounting Operations Director; Autumn Fiscus, Business Manager/Board Secretary; Ben Caldwell, Human Resources Director;
Larry has served as the head custodian at Foot of Ten Elementary for 17 years, and his impact on our school community is immeasurable. He takes great pride in keeping our building in excellent condition and goes above and beyond to ensure the needs of staff and students are met. Larry communicates clearly, responds quickly to issues, and consistently anticipates what needs to be done—especially during special events, where his support and coordination are invaluable. With safety always top of mind, Larry’s reliability and dedication are unmatched. Beyond his custodial duties, he brings warmth and positivity to our school. He is kind-hearted, interacts meaningfully with students, and is truly a beloved presence in our building. As Larry prepares to retire in the fall of 2025, we would be honored to recognize his years of service and the lasting impact he has made at FOT
Marissa Cerully, Principal, Foot of Ten Elementary
Christy Feathers, Paraprofessional, HASD Senior High School.
Left To Right: Front Row – Mrs. Peggy Hancuff, HASD Foundation Treasurer; Dr. Penne Edgell, HASD Foundation President; Christy Feathers, Paraprofessional Senior High School; Deborah Faith, Foundation Director; Melissa Peppetti, Foundation Board Member; Autumn Fiscus, Business Manager/Board Secretary; Holly Wertz, Fiscal Coordinator; Ben Caldwell, Human Resources Director; Back Row – Dr. Tracy Boone, Assistant Superintendent; Curtis A. Whitesel, Superintendent of Schools; Dr. Maureen Letcher, Senior High Principal; Katelyn Prosser M.Ed, Director of Special Education; Joy Bell, Accounting Operations Director.
Christy is an amazing coworker, role model, and friend. She makes connections with students every year and is truly invested in their wellbeing. She is always able to put a smile on their faces, no matter what they may be going through. In her schedule, Christy teaches many students that have difficult home lives and she is extremely generous. She supports every fundraiser that kids bring to her, and when she finds a student that is in desperate need, she always finds a solution to help. I am extremely thankful to work alongside Christy in the classroom and on the field. She has made a difference in the lives of many students, athletes, and co-workers and she truly deserves the impact award.
Colleen Ciprich – Co-worker, Senior High