KC teacher named educator of the year
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BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS
Mrs. Christina Onuskanich poses outside her classroom with her award and poster.
MILL HALL -- One Keystone Central School District teacher received a high honor this week.
Central Mountain Middle School teacher, Christina Onuskanich, was recently recognized as a Jostens Renaissance Educator of the Year.
Onuskanich wasn't aware of the honor until a special ceremony Thursday afternoon, where many of her students showed their love of the educator.
Onuskanich and other Jostens Renaissance award winners will be honored at the 30th annual Jostens Renaissance Global Conference in Dallas, Texas from July 13-15, 2023.
The Jostens Renaissance Educator of the Year award honors educators who have demonstrated superior performance and achievement in the operation of their schools' Jostens Renaissance program.
This year Jostens selected Onuskanich and two others for this highly honorable award.
"Jostens is honored to recognize Christina Onuskanich as a Jostens Renaissance Educator of the Year," said Mike Wolf, Vice President of Jostens Renaissance Education. "This award is designed to recognize the passion and dedication of educators who are a driving force in impacting students' academic performance and character. Christina has certainly demonstrated that at Central Mountain Middle School and we are honored to celebrate her accomplishments."
Onuskanich has been a teacher at Central Mountain Middle School for the past seven years.
Assistant Principals Laura Fragassi and Ashton Brady credit her enthusiastic implementation of Jostens Renaissance recognition for significant improvements to student achievement and school culture during that time.
"Christina's passion and energy for building sustaining relationships with students truly sets her apart and creates the culture and climate within our middle school that we aim to achieve with all of our staff."
Kyle Everett, one of Onuskanich's students, writes, "Mrs. O is not only a spectacular leader and teacher, but also a teacher that makes every student feel special to her. Every time I have gone to see her to talk, whether to chat and relax or express a new idea to better the school, she will always listen and engage in conversation. No matter what the plan is she will always see a way that we could make it work or better it and is always on board. After you get everything worked out, she will always keep you motivated to follow through with your plan. Many times, I have gone down to her room in the morning, and she would be sitting there waiting, ready to chat and make sure you are the best version of you. She truly is like a second mother, always watching out for you, pushing you to your limits and best potential, and is an important role model in your life. When it is time to go to class or leave her room, she will always be there waiting arms open to give you a hug or fist bump. But on the way out she will make sure to let you know how much you are valued and loved by her."