DR . YERACE WINS NATIONAL AWARD
In early December 2023 , high school teacher Dr . Felix Yerace was recognized by the National Association for Student Activities ( NA4SA ) with its highest honor , the 2023 National Earl Reum Award . This award is given annually to someone who , through personal experience and expertise , encourages and inspires others in the field of student leadership ; as well as someone who is instrumental in student leadership training and who promotes student leadership within their state and at the national level . This recognition began in 1991 , and Dr . Yerace is only the second recipient from Pennsylvania in the award ’ s 33-year history .
“ I ’ m so glad to be able to represent South Fayette and our student government , as well as PASC , NASC and NASSP , and NA4SA , in working with adults who are daily making a difference in the lives of their students by helping them to become better leaders ,” said Dr . Yerace . “ As classroom educators , we are tasked with teaching our students on particular subject matter , but I believe one of the greatest contributions we can make is by preparing our students for the real world . Developing and encouraging their leadership skills will take them far no matter what they choose to do after high school .”
This award highlights Dr . Yerace ’ s work on local , state , and national levels to promote and enhance student leadership development . Just a few of his achievements include creating a college-in-high-school class in leadership at SF that is now offered in 12 high schools across the state , serving as the Assistant Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils ( PASC ) and as co-director of their Advanced Summer Leadership Camp , and working with the National Association of Secondary School Principals ( NASSP ) and the National Association of Student Councils ( NASC ) to host the National Student Council Conference at South Fayette High School .
In addition to teaching at South Fayette High School , Dr . Yerace is co-advisor to the high school Student Government , Interact Club , and SF BeWell , and also coordinates the high school ’ s annual trip to Washington , DC . He is the founder of the school ’ s renowned MiniTHON , which has raised over $ 1.4 million dollars during the past ten years for Four Diamonds to combat pediatric cancer . He is also responsible for creating the Homecoming Carnival , Glow Run , and student representative program on the South Fayette School Board . outh Fayette SOUTH FAYETTE TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
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