Community foundation names award recipients
The Washington County Community Foundation named Thomas Trettel, an English teacher from Trinity High School, the recipient of this year’s Dr. Howard Jack Outstanding Public Educator Award, and Dave Richards, the recipient of the annual Louis E. Waller Humanitarian Award.
Inspiring students of all abilities, earning the respect of colleagues, students and parents, and being actively engaged in the community are criteria for the educator award.
”Much like this award’s namesake, Dr. Howard Jack, Thomas Trettel is a well-respected leader who has a special gift for connecting with his students,” said Deborah Takach, WCCF chairwoman. “Whether teaching them about literature or teaching them about life, Mr. Trettel has spent his career helping adolescents of diverse abilities realize their individual potential and work towards success.”
Fellow Trinity English teacher Mary Ann Berty wrote, “Tom Trettel is a true educator – both in and out of the classroom. He has written countless job recommendations, sought jobs, and counseled more students than anyone else I know.”
After graduating from Charleroi High School, Trettel was a 1977 graduate of California State Teachers College, now California University of Pennsylvania. At the time, he hoped to be a journalist, but since the college offered no journalism program, opted for an English degree and discovered his passion for education while conducting his student teaching.
Trettel has spent the last 38 years in the classroom and has taught students of all abilities from grades 7 to 12. He taught in both Avella School District and Parkersburg, W.Va., before being hired by Trinity Area School District in 1983. He spent 15 years at Trinity Middle School and then moved to Trinity High School, working mostly with alternative education program participants, such as at-risk youth, special education students and those in the judicial system.
“I always try to be the most excited person in the room. If the kids think that you think what you are doing is really, really important, they will think it is really important,” stated Trettel, who will retire at the end of this school year. “Teaching is the best job anybody can have, at least for me it is … the kids have kept me young.”
The humanitarian award recognizes a local individual or organization devoted to the promotion of human welfare or the advancement of social reform as evidenced by humanitarian deeds in the community, whether local, national or international.
Through Richards’ involvement with the Blue Knights, a nonprofit fraternal organization consisting of active and retired law enforcement officers who enjoy riding motorcycles, and Washington Lodge 164 Free & Accepted Masons, he has spent over a decade as the lead organizer of the Blue Ride, a popular local motorcycle ride that benefits local charities. To date, the Blue Ride has raised more than $347,000.
In 2004, the inaugural event included 185 bikes, nearly doubling all expectations. By 2009, there were approximately 700 bikes registered for the event.
Today, on average, the Blue Ride draws nearly 1,000 participants and riders from all across the East Coast – even Canada.
“Hosting a successful charity fundraiser year after year takes remarkable dedication and leadership. Through his initiative, Dave Richards has proven that it is possible to transform a great idea, like the Blue Ride, into a popular annual event from which many worthy charitable organizations benefit,” Takach said.
It takes a huge network of people to ensure the event is a success – both financially and logistically.
A core group of dedicated individuals begin planning months in advance. On the day of the event, there are many who give of their time to ensure that all runs safely and smoothly, including police and fire departments who help to control traffic.
Richards said, “The ride would never come off without the sponsors who donate, the riders who come out, and the community that gets involved,” Richards said.
In 2014, 40 charities that provide a community, children’s, or family-oriented program shared the proceeds from the Blue Ride.
The organizers’ goal is to continue to support all the charities who have received a check in the past and grow the list when resources permit.
Richards is a sergeant in North Strabane Township Police Department with a 30-year career in law enforcement. In addition to his participation in the Blue Knights and Washington Lodge 164 F&AM, he is president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 22 and a member of Elks Lodge 776, Scottish Rite (Pittsburgh and Coudersport), Syria Shrine Pittsburgh, Tall Cedars Forest 149, Pin Club Masonic Ceremonial Unit and the Masonic Temple Association.
“When you’re busy, it’s easy to say ‘I don’t have time for that,’ but I have always made the effort to help when someone asks for help, even if it is just returning a call,” Richards said. “If you are able to help someone, you do. You make that effort.”
The awards will be presented to Trettel and Richards Thursday at the WCCF’s annual Legacy Celebration.
In Trettel’s honor, the foundation approved a $1,000 grant to Trinity Area School District in support of the English department.
In Richards’ honor, the foundation approved a $1,000 grant to the International Order of the Rainbow Girls Martha Assembly No. 11 in support of their adaptive bike fundraiser.