The awards ceremony was hosted recently in the Mead Family Library Room of the Struthers Library Theatre and included music and dancing in addition to the awards presentation. Sponsored by the Kinzua Youth Development Center, the event was held by teachers and was for teachers, to celebrate a year of hard work done in county classrooms.

“I wanted to end the year on a high note and congratulate my colleagues on all the dedication that I know they exhibit week in and week out,” said Joe McClellan, event organizer. “I want to thank the Kinzua Youth Development Center for sponsoring the event and making it a total success. Their mission of growing personal and social responsibility among our youth just works hand in hand with those of us teaching in the schools.”

The evening began with a food spread catered by the Shaw House of Sheffield. McClellan then presented more than 20 teachers with awards based on nominations they received from their peers. The awards had titles such as The Guiding Light Award or The Voice of Reason Award. The first award was presented to Pat Pollard, the guest of honor at the event and the wife of Andrew Pollard, a longtime Warren County educator who passed away in February 2025.

Pollard obtained a master’s degree in Vocal Performance at the University of Rhode Island as well as a master’s in education from Edinboro University before spending 21 years employed by the Warren County School District as an elementary teacher, instructor of the Warren County gifted program, school psychologist, and art teacher at Eisenhower Elementary and Middle School. Pollard also served as a eucharistic minister, licensed preacher, senior warden, and church musician at St. Francis of Assisi of Youngsville.

Photo submitted to the Times Observer Olivia Zapel is pictured with an award she received during the recently held Andrew Pollard Awards event at the Struthers Library Theater. Zapel is pictured with Joe McClellan, who organized the event.

Pollard played more than 30 instruments and had performed in Anam Cara as well as many musicals and plays at the Struther’s Library Theater.

“Only the people in these classrooms everyday can truly know the challenges we face and the tenacity it takes to educate today’s kids. I enjoyed creating the situation where they could recognize each other for these accomplishments,” McClellan said. “I wanted to name the awards after someone who loved learning and teaching and made every day not only fun but worthwhile in the classroom. That was Andrew Pollard. Having his wife Pat here and being able to give her the first award was very special.”

Local band Echoes on Water entertained the crowd.

“The energy of the teachers and staff in the room was electrifying! Exactly the recognition and appreciation needed for the teachers to close out the school year,” said Jen Dilks, who managed the house for the evening and was a friend of Andrew Pollard’s. “It was great to see everyone catching up with each other from different buildings and dancing the night away. A good time was had by all!”