"I hope that I have taught my students to have respect for knowledge and for other people," says Thomas Kupchella, principal of Blacklick Valley Junior and Senior High School in Nanty Glo. Dr. Kupchella helped implement a district-wide staff-development program that reflects his emphasis on issues of personal growth and integrity. "Change within the individual will ultimately effect change within the organization," he says. Dr. Kupchella's concern for environmental education has won him the Environmental Educator of the Year award from the Cambria County Soil and Water Conservation District. By developing the science curriculum to reflect environmental concerns, Dr. Kupchella has spurred student interest in issues pertinent to an area that has been affected by deep-mining operations. The "Outdoor Education" program implemented by Dr. Kupchella teaches students about their environment, engages them in problem-solving activities and promotes teamwork and trust among students, parents and teachers.
1966 California University of Pennsylvania, B.A.
