Mr. Scott Kallal

Student Nominator: Jenna Cooper – School of Education: Major: Secondary Education (Physics Concentration)

Mr. Scott Kallal received his undergraduate at Kutztown University in Secondary Education with concentrations in Physics and Mathematics. He began his career in education after graduation teaching various levels of Mathematics, from pre-algebra to honors calculus. During this 10-year period, Scott went on to get married, have three children, and receive his Master’s degree in education from Cabrini University. After his time teaching math, Scott changed school districts and began teaching High School Physics. He has been teaching Physics and serving as an advisor with the school's science olympiad ever since. Scott looks forward to many more years in education, building relationships with students, teaching, encouraging, and helping students to grow in their self-confidence as they move on from their high school career.

Mrs. Connie Ramsey

Student Nominator: Claire Landis - Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design: Major: Entertainment and Arts Management

Mrs. Connie Ramsey has been teaching Latin in the North Allegheny School District in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for 19 years. She attended Duquesne University for both her undergraduate and graduate degrees, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Latin, a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, and a Master of Science in Secondary Education. Mrs. Ramsey has taught all levels of Latin offered at North Allegheny from Exploratory Latin to AP Latin and sponsors the local chapter of the North Allegheny Junior Classical League. Mrs. Ramsey resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with her husband, Jason, and their two children, Mitchell, and Claire. She is proud of the relationships she has built with students over the years, and she is honored and humbled to be a recipient of the Harold W. Pote Award.

Mrs. Linda Romano

Student Nominator: Deanna Telesford - College of Nursing and Health Professionals: Major: Nursing

Mrs. Linda Romano is Health Science Educator and Nurse Aide Program Coordinator for the Newburgh Free Academy North Campus where in 2006 she started the nurse aide training program for the Newburgh Enlarged City School District which has grown from 12 students to 300 students in a three-year health science pathway. Within her school community, she is highly involved serving on committees for her school community and developing student leaders through a Saturday morning volunteer program she created called Scholars in Scrubs. Linda received her bachelor’s degree in Nursing from American Sentinel University. In addition, she holds professional teaching degrees for licensed practical nursing and Nursing assistant issued by the New York State Education Department. In 2015 she received a master teacher certification from the National Consortium for Health Science Education. In 2018 Linda was awarded ACTE National Teacher of the Year. Linda lives in Pennsylvania and commutes to New York for her job. Her commute may be long but her love and dedication to her students is her driving force. She lives with her husband, Peter and their pet cat, Pamela. Linda has been an inspiration to her daughter Victoria who is now a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Linda’s mission and lifestyle is that of a servant leader, her joy is helping others!!

Mr. Edward Sykes

Student Nominator: Emerald Smucker - College of Engineering: Major: Chemical Engineering

Mr. Edward Sykes upon retiring from Armstrong World Industries in 2002, began teaching at Dayspring Christian Academy in Lancaster County. He taught Science, PA history, AP Psychology, and higher-level Math classes for eighth to twelfth grades. Upon graduation from Virginia Tech University with a BS in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research, he started as an in plant Industrial Engineer for Armstrong World Industries. Later, he was responsible for introducing new technology to Armstrong Plants, and then was in charge of some production facilities. While at Armstrong, he earned a MS in Psychology at Millersville University to better understand people’s motivations. He ended his first career as a Project Manager and teaching was a good second career. Edward resides in Millersville with Judy, his wife of 53 years. They have two children: Robert an Electrical Engineer for Northrop Grumman and Ruth, an Assistant Professor at Mount Saint Mary’s University. The have 5 grandchildren where there continues to be opportunity to educate and inspire!!