SAMS preps for 143-Day “Upstander Awards”

By Mr. Duermeyer’s WIN periods

The 4th Annual 143 Day of Kindness will take place on Thursday, May 22, at Shaler Area Elementary School on Scott Avenue. This year’s celebration will include the launch of a new initiative: the inaugural “Upstander Award,” which will be awarded to three soon-to-be retirees.

Created by students, sponsors, teachers, and clubs, the Upstander Award recognizes individuals who have made tremendous contributions to the Shaler Area community. This year’s winners are math teacher Melissa McConnville, librarian Ingrid Kalchthaler, and resource officer Frank Spiker.

The SAMS Student Council and the LIGHT Foundation will formally recognize the trio during the event, which was organized by students and staff members throughout the winter. The district’s 143 Day honors the life and legacy of Fred Rogers.

No one contributed more than art educator Shauna Ferris, who led a “positive painting” project with eighth grade students, resulting in portraits of each honoree. These paintings were unveiled at the SAMS Art Show on May 14 and 15, and they will be permanently hung at SAMS to showcase the Upstanders’ accomplishments.

Librarian and student council sponsor Jill Millard helped create and deliver personalized invitations for the awardees. She also held regular meetings leading up to the event. With support from student council president Nate Lorence, the group designed wooden plaques, which were engraved by Mr. Reagle’s and his GATE students.

To further celebrate the Upstanders, members of the SAMS Salmon newspaper club profiled each. These stories were made possible through interviews conducted by Ms. Brenda Barner’s Podcasting Club, which generously scheduled appearances for each winner.

The Upstander Awards will be presented at the conclusion of the 143-Day, with the presentation starting around 7:30 pm.