ANDOVER – Pymatuning Valley Local Schools has renamed one of its staff honors in memory of the late Joe Cooper, with preschool teacher Emily Compan being the September recipient of the renamed award.
Compan received the Joe Cooper Hard Hat Award during the Board of Education’s Monday, Sept. 14, meeting.
The award recognizes employees who demonstrate the grit, heart and dedication to students that characterized Cooper’s service, according to Cyndi Feydo, administrative secretary.
Cooper served as a Geneva Area City School District Board of Education member and worked as a school resource officer in both Geneva and Pymatuning Valley schools. He died Saturday, Aug. 22, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.
Colleagues praised Compan for stepping into a leadership role this school year as PV welcomed new preschool staff.
“She has spent countless hours getting her own classroom ready while tirelessly helping two new teachers get up to speed, ensuring the entire program maintains its high standards,” colleagues wrote in nominating her for the award.
They also cited Compan’s dedication to her students’ social and emotional needs and her willingness to devote her own time and resources to creating an engaging classroom environment.
“Mrs. Compan puts everything she has into her classroom,” colleagues wrote. “She leads with her heart, giving every preschooler the same love, care, and attention she would give her own child.”
Colleagues said Compan regularly spends Sundays planning learning activities and gathering materials for the coming week. They also commended her positive attitude and willingness to work early and late to make sure her students have what they need.
“Her selflessness, kindness, and hard work make her an invaluable part of the Pymatuning Valley team,” they wrote.
Superintendent Christopher Edison said the award was officially renamed the Joe Cooper Hard Hat Award beginning with this school year.
The district also received an update on the annual Laker Back to School Bash.
Venie Hinson reported that 490 students from preschool through high school attended the event. The event was supported by 36 sponsors, three grants and about 70 volunteers.
Volunteers included members of five area churches, as well as the Eagles and Laker Ruritans clubs. The groups contributed both volunteer labor and donations to the event.
The district’s 31st annual PV Laker Chili Cook-Off is scheduled for 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at Pymatuning Valley High School.
The first grading period will end Friday, Oct. 30.
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