Hilton Schools' Teacher of the Year, Jan Pecora, was congratulated by Superintendent of Schools John Cooper, right, at the annual Staff and Faculty Convocation held Tuesday, September 4, at Hilton High School.

Hilton Central Schools Teachers Association President Kathleen Donahue announced the selection of the 2001-2002 Hilton Teacher of the Year at the annual staff and faculty convocation at Hilton High School on September 4.

Twenty-two year teaching veteran, Jan Pecora, art teacher at Merton Williams Middle School, was named Teacher of the Year based on letters of recommendation submitted by faculty, staff, parents and students. "She is a teacher who is dedicated, unselfish and works closely with fellow teachers implementing innovative and successful interdisciplinary learning experiences," Donahue said. "Her students benefit from her willingness to give them exciting and purposeful projects and she naturally brings out the best they have to give. She allows them a variety of options to show their strengths and enhance their skills. One of her students remarked about how she 'brought about ability I never knew I had.' She is a strong volunteer within Merton Williams Middle School and inspiration to the entire school."

Also named as semi-finalists for 2001-02 were : High School - Maureen Ballerstein and Charlene Ferrell; Merton Williams Middle School - O.J. Vidas; Northwood Elementary School - Rebecca Collins; Village Elementary School - Jeri Cobb and Donna Lodge.

The annual 'back to school' convocation calls all staff and faculty together to kick off the new school year on a positive and uplifting note. Superintendent Cooper presented a program designed to help teachers and staff focus on how to create "the place of most potential" for each student. "My job is to help release the passion in you," Superintendent Cooper said.