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BALD EAGLE AREA
SCHOOL NEWS
814-355-4860 • www. beasd. org
Community Members Recognized by Bald Eagle Area School District
The BEASD recently recognized three members of the BEA community whose dedication to students, families, and their schools exemplifies the lasting legacies of two beloved former employees. All of them share a common commitment: going above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of BEA students.
Diana Weaver received the Bindy Bracken Award, which was established in memory of Bracken, a remarkable employee who dedicated more than two decades to the students, families, and community of Port Matilda Elementary School. This year’ s recipient, Diana Weaver, has served Bald Eagle Area for 24 years and has worked in the Attendance / Athletic Office since 2018. Weaver goes out of her way to make sure every student she encounters knows she is there for them. That same willingness to help extends to her coworkers, where she is known as a team player who is always ready to lend a hand. Her sense of humor and positive personality also have a way of bringing a smile to those around her. Her contributions reach throughout the community. She has served as treasurer of the Eagle Ambassadors for the past three years and has played an instrumental role in improvements to the district’ s Environmental Center.
Cortney Schall received the Elementary Carolyn D. Connelly Devotion to Students Award, which was created to honor dedicated teachers who give their heart and soul to the students of BEASD. Schall joined Bald Eagle Area in 2005, beginning her career as a teacher and fostering a love of learning among her students. In 2018, she transitioned into an intervention role, helping students become stronger and more confident in reading and mathematics. As a PBIS Coach, Schall also helps foster a positive environment at Mountaintop Elementary, where students are recognized for making good choices, showing kindness, and becoming the best versions of themselves. Through her involvement with the Mountaintop PTO and greater school community, Schall has helped organize and support experiences such as the Rooftop Challenge, Family Ornament Night, Fall Festival, sled riding, and all-school field trips. Schall has earned a reputation for consistently going above and beyond.
Mrs. Heidi Ridgway was also selected as a recipient of the Carolyn D. Connelly Devotion to Students Award, carrying forward Connelly’ s legacy through the compassion and enthusiasm she brings to her students each day. Since joining Bald Eagle Area six years ago, Ridgway has brought positive energy, joy, and love to her classroom. She works to help each student reach their full potential by recognizing their individual needs, celebrating their accomplishments, and encouraging them every step of the way. For Ridgway, supporting students extends far beyond classroom instruction. She can be found Christmas caroling with her students, riding alongside them at Hersheypark, dancing with them at a Life Skills Dance, and attending evening concerts to make sure students participating in band and choir know they have someone there cheering them on. She also plans engaging activities designed to help her students grow both academically and socially, creating a classroom environment where students are excited to come to school.
Although the awards honor the legacies of two different individuals, the qualities they celebrate remain closely connected: kindness, service, compassion, dedication, and a willingness to go beyond what is expected for students and families. Through their work each day, Diana Weaver, Cortney Schall, and Heidi Ridgway demonstrate those qualities and continue traditions of service that have helped shape Bald Eagle Area for generations. The BEASD congratulates all three recipients and thanks them for the countless ways they continue to make a difference in the lives of BEA students,
families, staff, and the greater community.
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