MILL HALL, Pa. — Sixth-grade teacher Christina Onuskanich was in charge of organizing the teacher appreciation celebration at Central Mountain Middle School in Lycoming County.
Little did she know, the ceremony was actually for her. She was presented with the Jostens Renaissance Educator of the Year Award.
"This is so huge. I mean, I love Jostens Renaissance, and I love teaching, but oh wow, I don't even know what to say," Onuskanich said.
The Jostens Renaissance Educator of the Year Award is only presented to a handful of teachers each year. Onuskanich says teaching is her passion.
"It gives me everything I need to come to school every day and just put in the extra hours before school, after school, and outside of school," Onuskanich said.
"She is just that person who is so positive, and kids just kind of flock to. She finds a way to connect with students as well as to make sure they get the opportunities they are looking for," said David Peters, the school's principal.
Kyle Everett, a seventh grader, presented a speech about his teacher in front of the whole school.
"She is one of the nicest ladies in the world. What she has done in this school has not only changed the environment but has made it look way better than when she first got here," Everett said.
"I am known for being up all hours of the night working on special projects and making sure things are planned out for the kids. You know, going that extra mile to do the fun things that they enjoy but still tackling the content," Onuskanich said.
Onuskanich will go to Dallas, Texas, in July to be a presenter at the Jostens Renaissance Global Conference and will be formally recognized as an Educator of the Year.
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