Local teachers win Pittsburgh Pirates All-Star Award
Two teachers from Greene County were honored last month with the Pittsburgh Pirates All-Star Teacher Award.
Kevin Willis, a science teacher at Carmichaels Area High School for 23 years, and John Kopp, “Fab Lab” teacher at Intermediate Unit 1 Educational Campus near Waynesburg, received the honors presented March 25 by Chevron, Pirates Charities and The Grable Foundation.
Willis was recognized for the contributions he makes to students both inside his classroom and district. According to a press release from Chevron, Lisa Zdravecky, Carmichaels Area High School principal, nominated Willis “for his commitment to mentorship, as demonstrated through his work with award-winning Envirothon Team.”
Kopp was nominated for his continual pursuit of professional development to further enhance his teaching skills and provide more learning opportunities for his students.
The each received tickets to an upcoming Pirates game, a $1,000 check to use in his classroom, a Pirates jersey and a Pirates chest filled with gear. They’ll also be honored at an upcoming Pirates game.
“Teachers are amazing at their craft. They’re caring, creative, flexible, thoughtful, and always thinking about ways to support their students,” said Gregg Behr, executive director of the Grable Foundation.

John Kopp, “Fab Lab” teacher at Intermediate Unit 1 Educational Campus near Waynesburg, was nominated for his continual pursuit of professional development to further enhance his teaching skills and provide more learning opportunities for his students.