The Butler Eagle asked schools and colleges across Butler County to submit a number of their exceptional employees. Below are those that were submitted:

Varden Armstrong is the performing arts coordinator and directors of bands at Seneca Valley School District. He has been employed at the school district for 22 years.

He was nominated by communications director Linda Andreassi.

“Mr. Armstrong, who is a proud graduate of Seneca Valley, is an advocate for all students in the arts at Seneca Valley, not just those who participate in instrumental music.

“A talented musician himself, Mr. Armstrong is well respected and viewed as a role model by students and staff alike. Because of Mr. Armstrong and his colleagues, SV's marching band is an award-winning band that is considered one of the finest in Western Pennsylvania.

“Mr. Armstrong received his undergraduate degree in Music Education from the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University and has continued his education at Duquesne University studying conducting, music administration and music technology.”

Catherine “Katie” Smolter is a special-education teacher and girls lacrosse coach at Seneca Valley School District. She has been employed by the school district for 15 years.

She was nominated by communications director Linda Andreassi.

“Ms. Smolter has a way of connecting with her students and teaching them the importance of having a positive attitude.

“She also goes above and beyond in helping to expand opportunities for her students beyond the classroom. For example, she launched and coaches the district's first-ever boccie team and annually leads the Polar Plunge, a fundraiser for Special Olympics and Unified Sports.”

Emmalynne Waseleski is a secondary music teacher and chorus director at Butler Area School District. She has been employed by the school district since 2010.

She was nominated by superintendent Brian White.

“Mrs. Emmalynne Waseleski is an exemplary educator whose passion for music education has transformed our choral program,” White said. “Each day, Mrs. Waseleski steps into the classroom with an infectious enthusiasm that is nothing short of inspiring.”

Under Waseleski’s leadership, the school’s chorus program has grown to include 210 members, which White said is a “testament to her ability to create a vibrant and inclusive musical community.”

Under her guidance, 10 students were selected for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association Honors Choir this year.

“Mrs. Waseleski has a unique ability to ignite a spark of passion for music among her students, encouraging them to do their very best every single day,” White said. “The growth of the chorus program, both in numbers and in musical excellence, is a direct reflection of Mrs. Waseleski’s efforts.

“She sets high expectations for students and herself alike, challenging each member of the chorus to strive for excellence in class and in their lives.”

Merle Whitmer is a high school math teacher at Slippery Rock Area School District. He has been employed at the school district for 38 years.

He was nominated by superintendent Alfonso Angelucci.

“Mr. Whitmer continually gives his time, effort and professional knowledge to helping to sustain a superior learning environment at Slippery Rock Area High School,” Angelucci said.

Besides serving as a math instructor, he also serves as the district’s varsity golf coach, head ninth grade boys basketball coach and assistant athletic director.

“He puts in many hours to ensure the success of our students both in and out of the classroom. He is a model educator who is respected by the entire school community,” Angelucci said.

Whitmer attends over 50 different events and activities each year, according to the superintendent.

“Our students (first and foremost) and our staff are extremely fortunate to have him teaching at Slippery Rock Area High School,” Angelucci said.

John Wesley is assistant director of buildings and grounds at Mars Area School District. He has been employed at the school district for 13 years.

He was nominated by superintendent Mark Gross.

“Mr. Wesley has a work ethic and skill set that is second-to-none. He is able to troubleshoot and resolve many maintenance-related needs for Mars Area School District. He excels in his position,” Gross said.

Christopher Churilla is a STEAM Educator at Centennial School in Mars Area School District. He has been employed at the school district for six years.

He was nominated by superintendent Mark Gross.

“Mr. Churilla is a student-centered, highly motivated, and creative educator. He excels in his position and always goes above and beyond in meeting the needs of his students,” Gross said. “He is a team-player at all levels and is always willing to go above and beyond in fulfilling his responsibilities.”

Chelsea Grubbs is an art teacher at Karns City Area School District. She has been employed by the school district for eight years.

She was nominated by the elementary school principal Shane Spack.

“Ms. Grubbs is an exceptional educator deserving of recognition for several compelling reasons. First, she fosters creativity, self-expression and values that extend far beyond the canvas. Through art, our students learn to think outside the box, solve problems creatively and embrace their unique perspectives,” Spack said.

Grubbs encourages individuality, nurturing the growth of each student's artistic voice, Spack continued.

“Moreover, she inspires a lifelong appreciation for the arts, helping students develop a deep-seated love for culture and creativity,” Spack said. “She often goes above and beyond to ensure students of all abilities and backgrounds find success in their artistic pursuits. In doing so, she creates a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel valued, fostering self-esteem and confidence.”

Christine Karshin is the dean of the College of Health Professions at Slippery Rock University. She has been employed at the university since June 2022.

She was nominated by Justin Zackal, interim assistant director of communication.

Karshin provides leadership for SRU’s College of Health Professions, the university’s newest college that was established for the fall 2022 semester. The College houses 10 academic departments and was created in part to further address the demand for skilled professionals in our region’s health care industry, Zackal said.

“In addition to leading faculty and guiding accreditation processes, she is heavily involved with developing and executing the college’s new strategic plan,” he said. “She is also a champion of interprofessional education that is vital for health care professionals.

“Leading a new college requires significant leadership skills and the ability to collaborate well with faculty and administrators, as well as employers and other industry partners.”

Mikayla Moretti is the director of special events at Butler County Community College.

She was nominated by coordinator of news and media content William Foley.

“Mikayla is highly active, both at BC3, with regard to her work with the college's Pioneer Pantry, and in the community, with regard to her work with Butler Downtown,” Foley said.

Moretti was selected as Butler Downtown's volunteer of the year in 2022.

Kenneth Clowes is community initiatives center assistant at Butler County Community College.

He was nominated by coordinator of news and media content William Foley.

“Ken leads BC3's 5-year-old opioid addiction recovery program, which includes Hope is Dope and Hope Night programming in Butler County, and was recognized in September with a Pittsburgh Recovery Walk Award (Recovery Pathway Supporter),” Foley said.

Lynne Rodrigues is the Haine Elementary and Middle School nurse at Seneca Valley School District. She has been employed by the school district for 10 years.

She was nominated by communications director Linda Andreassi.

“When you think of someone who goes above and beyond on a daily basis, without hesitation, Ms. Rodrigues immediately comes to mind. Ms. Rodrigues is truly supportive of the staff, students and community.

“As a school nurse, she sends weekly emails full of positivity and helpful hints. If she notices a practice which could be improved to help keep everyone healthy and safe, she is not afraid to bring it to the attention of others and work in collaboration to help mitigate.

“When families have expressed a need for food, but are unable to acquire it, she has made deliveries and has even gone to the grocery store to help. We have also witnessed Lynn respond to other health-related emergencies with a high degree of professionalism and skill.

“She is truly a gem of Seneca Valley.”