DISTINGUISHED EDUCATOR AWARD
SOUTH FAYETTE TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
outh Fayette
Distinguished Educator Award
The Tri-State Area School Study Council, University of Pittsburgh, Executive Committee established the Distinguished Educator Award in 1981 to acknowledge exceptional leadership by administrators, retired educators and university faculty who have proven a commitment to the mission of Tri-State.
The nominee’ s accomplishment of distinction is recognized by his / her contributions to education in one or more of the following ways: by contributing to Tri-State’ s goals and objectives; by providing leadership to professional organizations, school, and community activities; and / or by making contributions to educational research or publications. Accomplishments also include the personal qualities that make the nominee a distinguished educator.
This year’ s Distinguished Educator Award was presented to Dr. Bille P. Rondinelli, Superintendent of South Fayette Township School District, at the annual Tri-State banquet hosted at the Edgewood Country Club on March 17. The banquet is an annual opportunity to recognize outstanding achievements in education through the presentation of this award. Our South Fayette School Board of Directors, Administrative Staff, peers and close family
South Fayette Nutritional Services Partners Again with CCAC’ s Dietetics Program
Director of Food Services Tricia Wood serves on the Community College of Allegheny County’ s Advisory Board, and for the past five years has served as a mentor to its dietetic students. Our intern student this year is Ben Obusek.
Obusek is a person who has multiple passions, the largest being nutrition and exercise. Throughout his life, he has always looked for new challenges and ways to improve upon himself.
Following high school, he joined the Army and served six years before injuries sustained in combat inevitably ended his military career. Upon returning home, he married, purchased a home, and found success as an Industrial Mechanic where he worked for 9 years. Obusek decided to follow another passion and begin a journey toward achieving his RD( Registered Dietitian) degree. His interest is working with children regarding diabetes, health, and fitness. Obusek is currently completing his course work at CCAC and will be transferring to IUP for the completion of his dietetics degree. Obusek is enjoying his internship here at South Fayette and likes
62 South Fayette members attended this event to join in the celebration of this prestigious honor.
“ Dr. Rondinelli has the vision and passion of a true leader. She is forward thinking, compassionate and driven; however, it is her personal qualities that make her a genuine leader. As part of the Administrative Team, it is important for everyone to be on the same page, heading in the same direction. Each year she hosts the Operational Planning Meeting for the entire Leadership Team, so that we may
DISTINGUISHED EDUCATOR AWARD
discuss the district’ s vision and strategically map out that course for the upcoming school year. It is very fulfilling to have a plan in place and be able to accomplish these goals as a team. She places the students’ best interest first and is a great example of how a true leader leads,” says Tricia Wood, Director of Nutritional Services.
“ Dr. Rondinelli has led from the philosophy that if one is to lead, one needs to embrace lifelong learning as well as
creating an environment that promotes innovation and collaboration. To see all of the school administrators, teachers, and colleagues in the room who have been mentored by Dr. Rondinelli throughout her career was moving, and most importantly a testament to her leadership and passion for providing quality education for all children in the region. Dr. Rondinelli is most deserving of the Distinguished Educator Award,” notes Maureen Pedzwater, Career and Workforce Development Specialist.
Dr. Rondinelli has served in public education since 1979. She focuses on working with the South Fayette Township School District’ s community of educators, staff, students, parents, and community members to create an environment that fosters academic, athletic, and arts opportunities and enables all students to achieve.
As a district, we would like to congratulate Dr. Rondinelli on this prestigious award. It is through her hard work, dedication, and determination that she continues this innovative drive that allows South Fayette to be the number one district in the region for the second consecutive year. We want to thank her for all she does for the students, staff, and families of the South Fayette Township School District.
interacting with the students. He also enjoys working with the school nurse regarding the new technology associated with the insulin pumps. The South Fayette Nutrition Department oversees 281 special needs diets daily and serves over 52,000 meals a month, which keeps the staff hopping. Not only does the food service department serve breakfast and lunch, it is also open until 4:00 PM to serve approximately 300 students who stay after school for the arts, athletics, and tutoring services.
Ben Obusek
Obusek’ s goal is to one day work with students to instruct on health and fitness, while providing instruction regarding diabetes.“ Working with the students is a very different experience for me. It is amazing to visit the food courts and see how much food is served each day. The cafeteria staff does an amazing job. The food quality is superb,” says Obusek.
We wish him the best of luck as he pursues his dietetic career, and we look forward to working with him in the future regarding the health and fitness of our South Fayette students.