IN Peters Township December 2019/January 2020 | Page 78

The result was creating quarterly
subscription-based boxes that focus
on supporting optimal mental health
and overall wellness. Each box contains
items such as relaxation books, healthy
foods, and tools to relieve stress and calm
the mind. This project not only helps
spread awareness about how serious
and prevalent mental illness can be, but
it also provides numerous ways to cope
with and move forward from these issues.
Julia Broglie is pleased with the efforts
of USC and PT to spread awareness and
destigmatize mental illness. When she
was a high school student, she thought
she was the only one struggling.
“I think it is wonderful what Peters
Township and Upper St. Clair are doing to
open up the conversation with students
about mental health, especially since the
biggest transition in their lives is about to
occur,” she said.
At the walk, the keynote speaker,
Jordan Corcoran, talked about her
personal experience with battling anxiety
and panic disorders and how she has
coped with it throughout the years.
Audience members were able to ask her
questions about her life or even consult
her about struggles or accomplishments
in their own lives.
Corcoran has a website called
listenlucy.org which has more
information about her struggle with
mental illness, but also works to help
others who are struggling. Through
Listen, Lucy, Corcoran provides a
supportive community of people who
understand and can relate to the issues
people bring to the website.
About the Student Authors: Senior
Alexis Lynch is the co-print editor-in-chief of
the high school news magazine. She plans
to attend the University of Kentucky to
major in special education.
Junior Bella Folino is the business editor-
in-chief of the high school news magazine.
Aside from studying and preparing for
college, she enjoys taking photos, hanging
out with friends and family, and writing.
GET TO KNOW: TJ PLACK, PTHS TEACHER
I
n any visit to our schools you will
encounter talented and dedicated
individuals who make each child’s
school day fun and challenging. In
each issue, we are profiling some of our
staff members to help the community
get to know some of these people.
This month, we asked High School staff
member Mr. TJ Plack to answer our
questions. Since 2007, Mr. Plack has been
a learning support teacher at PTHS and
for the past four years he has also been
the Head Coach of the Varsity Football
Team. We wanted everyone to get to
know Mr. Plack!
What made you want to become a
teacher?
I always enjoyed helping my dad coach
my little brother’s baseball teams. I took
pride in watching them improve over
the weeks, and I believe there is a direct
correlation with coaching and teaching.
What other interesting jobs have you
held?
I often joke with my children that I’ve
held almost every odd job. I’ve been a
newspaper boy, a cook at KFC, garbage
man, paved roads, cut grass on the side,
waiter, worked at Giant Eagle, packed
Asset Science kits, and loaded trucks in
the Strip District for Pitt Ohio Trucking to
name a few.
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PETERS TOWNSHIP
What is your favorite thing to do
outside the classroom?
I enjoy spending time with family and
friends. We support each other, attending
games and other events where my kids,
nieces, and nephews are participating. In
the summer months, we definitely enjoy
heading to the swimming pool.
How is your day different in the
classroom vs on the football field?
There is honestly not much of a
difference. In both venues, there is a great
deal of planning that is involved. What do
the students/players already know, what
important information do they need to
receive, how is that information going to
be provided, what forms of motivation
will work today, who needs a pat on the
back or a positive message, build off
their strengths and improve their weaker
areas, and prepare for some form of an
assessment (project/test/Friday night
football game).
I equally enjoy walking into Peters
Township High School every morning,
as well as onto the football field every
afternoon.
What has been one of your favorite
projects/events/days at PTHS or on the
Football field?
We truly had a magical 2018 football
season. Looking back at the quality of
young men that we had leading our
team on and off the field, the younger
players that seemed to feed off the
senior leadership, the friendships and
relationships that were on display, and
finally the high level of competitiveness
each and every week was absolutely
inspiring to our coaching staff.
What do you wish every student would
know after a year in your classroom?
About learning, about themselves,
about anything!
If there is a particular outcome you are
looking to achieve, you need to look at
your circumstances and figure out a way
to make that outcome happen. Do not
use your circumstances as a reason to not
produce the outcome you want.
TJ Plack