CARS, SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED AS PART OF EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION BANQUET

The Indiana County Chamber of Commerce awarded two cars and several scholarships at the 3rd Annual Indiana County Excellence in Education awards.

The awards celebrate the best students and teachers from each of Indiana County’s Public Schools and the Indiana County Technology Center.  A panel of judges then select an educator and student to receive a new car from the Colonial Family of Dealerships.  This year’s recipients were Mike Dolges from Indiana Area School District for teacher of the year, and Giavanna Previte from ICTC as the student of the year.

Dolges was quick to credit the students for his success.

Previte was excited to be named the winner.

Giavanna Previte of ICTC reacts to the announcement that she won a new car at the Excellence in Education Banquet.

IASD Teacher Mike Dolges poses with his new car from the Colonial family of dealerships.

KDKA-TV Morning News Anchor and Indiana Native Lindsey Ward addresses students alongside Laurie Kuzneski before the banquet begins.

All photos provided by Kris Mellinger

The guest speaker was KDKA-TV Morning News Anchor, Penn Run native and a graduate of Penns Manor and IUP Lindsey Ward.  She said it was great to return home to visit and was impressed with the program.

The other finalists were given $500 scholarships from the United Way.  Two $1000 philanthropy scholarships were also awarded to teacher Tim Bash with ICTC and student Max Julin from Indiana School District.