New Teachers

Mrs. Mance

Written by Erin Reisinger

Due to Mrs. Wilson leaving the district, Mrs. Mance, a former middle school science teacher, is filling her shoes at the high school! She returned to the high school after 18 years of working in the middle school. This isn’t her first time teaching with the older kids though, she was happy to explain that she previously worked at the high school 19 years ago. We are happy to have her back! When asked what she misses most about the middle school she said that she misses her friends, but followed up by saying that her botany class might just be her favorite thing about the high school! Mance also appreciates the maturity of the high school students. She is constantly bringing science with her everywhere she goes, and is even referred to as, “science Kim” by her close friends. We look forward to all she will do for us at the high school! 

Mr. Stofko

Written by Bianca Pratt

The Yough Senior High School welcomes our new art teacher this year, Mr. Stofko. We decided to interview him to learn more about him, and if you see him around, make sure to welcome him! Mr. Stofko previously worked at Frazier before joining Yough, and he enjoys how welcoming and helpful the students and staff are, stating that their support made his transition to a new school much easier. His journey to becoming an art teacher began during his senior year of high school when, unsure of what career suited him, a teacher jokingly suggested he pursue art since he had five art classes on his schedule. Although he didn’t initially feel passionate about it, he eventually grew to love the profession during college. Outside of teaching, Mr. Stofko enjoys golfing, working on projects, and bowling. He shared that he has bowled a perfect 300, a rare achievement with odds of about 11,500 to 1. Additionally, he looks up to his elementary art teacher, Raphael Pantalone, who famously painted the thunderbolt sign at Kennywood.

Mr. Greece

Written by Emily Kovac and Izabella Seaton

In April 2024, Mr. Greece came to replace Mrs. Hildenbrand who had been the director of special education for 33 years. Izabella Seaton and Emily Kovac had the opportunity to interview Mr. Greece, and to ask about his future at Yough. Mr. Greece has over 15 years of experience in special education in different schools including Greensburg Salem and Belle Vernon.  Kovac asked, “How did you end up focusing on special education as a career choice?” He responded there were two vital moments that made him choose special education as a career. He first went to IUP for elementary education, while also receiving a job working with students with autism. After college, he was a substitute teacher at an elementary school and got a job offer as a PCA at Greensburg Salem. He then realized that special education was the choice for him. He went to Saint Vincent and got a degree in special education. Seaton then asked, “What do you find most rewarding about your job?” He answered, “The most rewarding part of my job would be getting to help students succeed.” When asked what the most difficult part is, he stated that solving problems for students is the most difficult part. The specific processes they must do for every student can make his schedule more difficult and can change his to-do list every day. Kovac asked, “Do you have any goals for your first year at Yough?” He responded that his goals are to observe and become familiar with the Yough community and programs available for students. Seaton’s last question was, “What do you enjoy doing in your free time?” He answered, “In my free time, I like to lift weights, hunt and fish. I also enjoy coaching my son’s football team and spending time with family.” We welcome you to Yough, and look forward to your visions for the future of Yough’s programs!

Mr. Shoaf

Written by Emily Kovac and Izabella Seaton

After 21 years of teaching at Yough, Mrs. Joy Grandi retired last year. To replace her, Yough hired Mr. Shoaf.  Emily Kovac and Izabella Seaton had the opportunity to interview Mr. Shoaf and to ask questions about his career. This is Mr. Shoaf’s first teaching job, and previously he was a student in the Yough School District. Kovac asked him, “ What made you want to come back after  graduation and teach at Yough?” He responded that the home-like atmosphere and the want to come back to an area that felt familiar was what inspired him to come back.  Seaton then asked, “What made you want to focus on special education?” He answered that when he first majored in history, he discovered that that area was not his passion. His personal passion was finding and filling the certain needs of his students. When asked where he went to college, he responded that he went to Mercyhurst University. Kovac asked, “Where did you do your student teaching at?” He responded, “I did my student teaching in General McLane School District which is located in Erie County.” Seaton then asked, “Do you have any advice for your students this year?” He answered that any challenge you face affects your character and future, and that you should embrace it. Finally, Kovac asked what he enjoyed doing in his free time. He replied, “I enjoy coaching high school football for Jeannette, and working on my farm.” We all welcome him to the Yough School District, and hope his first year at Yough goes great!