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Ben Donlin Becomes Principal
Ben Donlin Becomes Principal
By: Izabella Guaglianone (Class of 2026)
Mr. Ben Donlin loves his new job as principal of the high school and elementary school.
After spending 12 years as a math teacher at the elementary school, Mr. Donlin got the chance to become our K-12 principal. He spends his time moving between both buildings.
"I wanted to move up to principal because I can make a bigger impact working with the student body and the staff," he said. Because of his schedule, he has to be very organized. He makes sure he spends time in each building.
Since the high school starts earlier, he is often seen at the main entrance greeting every student as they enter the building. "I am able to help more students than just the few I’m teaching in my classroom," Donlin said. "It’s busy, but I feel like I can make connections that will help students years down the road."
Shannon Yeager Brings Experience to Brockway
Shannon Yeager Brings Experience to Brockway
By: Maddison Anderson (Class of 2026)
Brockway High School has had the same administrators for years now, but a new addition to staff has changed that.
Mr. Shannon Yeager, who has been in education for 17 years and previously worked at Warren Area School District, has moved to Brockway for a nice change of pace. He claims he wanted a smaller life for his family and himself. This is his first time being a part of a high school staff, and he is very excited for the opportunities it will present.
Growing up, he had a fairly common life, a good family and a good education. He knew he wanted to be a part of a school district when he was a senior in high school. He really enjoyed learning, specifically history and social studies, which led to his passion of teaching.
Yeager’s favorite thing pertaining to Brockway would be the size. He believes here in Brockway we have quite a big spectrum of personalities and accomplishments to be made, but still a charming small town. His future plans for Brockway are to practice procedures more, evaluating what changes should be made, and overall giving students a comfortable learning environment.
While being careful not to trample any past administrator’s hard work, Yeager intends to find any and all issues.
He wants to be able to give more activities and opportunities for the students to thrive, while also being able to keep the programs we already have. For example, he’s working on student government.
All together, Yeager intends to build off of the work past administrators have created, to allow Brockway to reach its fullest potential.
ARTISAN MARKET WINNINGS LEAD TO NEW EQUIPMENT
ARTISAN MARKET WINNINGS LEAD TO NEW EQUIPMENT
By: Andrew Bundy
A winner of last years’ annual Brockway Area Junior-Senior High School Artisan Market finally saw her victory lead to a tangible result this past April.
Jorja Fitzgerald, who is now a senior at Brockway, was one of the top earners at last year’s Artisan Market, an event where Brockway juniors design products and sell them in the school parking lot to raise money for local causes. Fitzgerald decided to use her win-nings to give elementary students new ways of having fun. "I wanted to give back to the elementary school," she said. "I had a good time there. The kids smiled and were excited to see the toys. It felt great to do that and see how excited the kids were." Elementary teachers picked out what they thought their students could use, and Fitzgerald’s money went toward purchasing those items.
Kindergarten Teacher Lindsay Zimmerman said that her class received two Candyland games, play kitchen dishes, a bulldozer, a dump truck, and a box of sidewalk chalk.
"Most of the items will be able to be used outside during recess," Zimmerman said. "The toys will be able to provide additional play opportunities under the pavilion and grass areas. Kindergarteners look forward to using sidewalk chalk when the weather gets nice." "Our first grade also got flag football sets and footballs," Rachel Frederick said.
"The kids are really enjoying the flag football sets for either football use or tag. The students really appreciate her kind donation." "Second grade was so very excited and appreciative when Jorja donated baseball and flag football equipment!" Chrissy Wise added. "Such a generous surprise! Our students have been so excited to use the engaging and fun equipment during our recess." "We already had one football, which was mostly always used by the boys as they played pick-up football games on the playground," Jacqueline Manno said. "With two extra footballs, more groups of students can play with each other and practice their throws. Some of the girls have awesome throwing skills!" Manno added that whiffle ball is very popular during recess, and the big orange bases came with the kit makes it clear who is safe on first. "The kids love the new equipment, and it helps to keep almost everyone active and engaged in play." Wise added that Jorja is a good role model for her students. "Jorga set a wonderful example to our young students about thoughtfulness and kindness," Wise said. "Our second grade students want Jorja to know how very awesome she is."
Joanne A. Fonner graduated from Brockway High School back in 1949 and lived all of life here in Brockway. She was employed with Brockway Glass as an Executive Secretary for many years. She and her husband, Ed, were active members in the community and she always enjoyed supporting her Alma Mater.
They had no children and she wanted to leave something for the benefit of the School and Students. The Joanne A. Fonner Estate will be giving the Brockway Schools and Community Education Foundation a significant donation along with donations to five other worthy charities.
When designing your estate plan, consider a donation to the Brockway Schools and Community Education Foundation to benefit the students of your alma mater, dear old Brockway High.
Enterprise partners with BSCEF
Enterprise partners with BSCEF
Enterprise have developed a relationship with the BSCEF. Recently Enterprise made a donation of $1500.00 to the Foundation with no restrictions on the money. Board member Tim Rogos filed the grant paperwork and received word that they will be sending the donation in July.
BSCEF is truly appreciative of Mr. Rogos' efforts and are excited to continue this relationship with Enterprise.
Brockway Schools & Community Education Foundation
Brockway Schools & Community Education Foundation
What Is the Foundation?
The Brockway Schools & Community Education Foundation gives new and exciting enrichment opportunities to students in the Brockway Area School District. However, the Foundation is not funded by the school district. Instead, the Foundation is an independent public charity that receives its funding from Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) money and tax-deductible donations from partners like you.
This is an important distinction. The school district’s money goes to continuing the quality education that Brockway Area School District has always offered, but additional opportunities need funding. That’s where the Foundation comes in. Through EITC money and your help, the Foundation has offered dual enrollment opportunities to seniors for college credit while they’re still in high school. It has also paid for visiting artists to offer workshops to students. In addition, Foundation money has helped fund SAT preparation as well as AP tests. The high school has a 3D Printer provided by Foundation help, and the elementary school enjoys iPads with the Foundation’s help. On top of meeting these needs, the Foundation has its sights set on many more opportunities for students within the community, but it needs your help.
What Types of Donations Are Available?
Any donations made to the Foundation is tax-deductible. Individuals, corporations, alumni groups, graduating classes, and more can provide money to be used to help build the futures of students within the community. Right now, you can give charitable gifts at any time. Many can also take advantage of EITC tax credits. An advantage of donating now is that you can come see how the money is being used by setting up school visits with the district office. Any donation of any size will help provide an enrichment opportunity that could change the career trajectory of a Brockway student. However, there is another way to help out even after you’re gone, knowing you are leaving a lasting legacy to the community: long-range estate and financial planning.
The easiest way to make your mark on the future is to set up a bequest in your will. When planning your will or adding a codicil to an existing will, set up ways to give to the community. The bequest can be set up as a specific dollar amount, a residual of your estate, or even a percentage of your estate. There are many ways to structure this, such as an unrestricted bequest where the Foundation’s leadership determines how the money is to be disbursed within the Foundation, or a restricted bequest where you determine how the money is to be used – such as to provide art supplies or to assist with the costs of AP exams. It’s a great way to make sure your money stays in Brockway instead of in Washington DC.
How Can This Be Done?
Donations to the Foundation can be made by calling the school district business office at 814.265.8411. If you wish to create a bequest, talk to your financial planner or attorney to structure it into your will. Any amount – large or small – will give unique enrichment opportunities to students who walk the halls of dear old Brockway High like you once did.
Ways to draft a will or add a codicil that will help the Foundation
General bequest: Specific dollar amount to be donated to the Foundation
“I bequeath to the Brockway Schools & Community Education Foundation, Brockway, PA, the amount of $____________________.”
Residuary bequest: After all other bequests are made, the remainder of your estate is left to the Foundation
“I bequeath the rest of my estate to the Brockway Schools & Community Education Foundation, Brockway, PA.”
Unrestricted bequest: “To be used for purposes as deemed appropriate by the Foundation’s board of directors.”
Restricted bequest: “To be used in the following manner, [INSERT REQUIREMENTS], in accordance with the Foundation’s overall objectives.”
Contingent bequest: “Bequest to the Foundation provided that my final estate valuation is greater than $________________.”
Other methods to donate to the Foundation
Make tax-deductible, charitable donations at any time
Get involved with EITC Tax Credits
Make the Foundation a beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance policy
Contact the district office today at 814.265.8411 or talk to your attorney or financial planner.
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