Joe McClellan is pictured with a sample award.

The Kinzua Youth Development Center is proudly sponsoring the first annual Teacher Awards Night this Friday night at 6 in the Mead Family Library Room of the historic Struthers Library Theatre.

The Awards seek to recognize Warren County School District teachers for the hard work they do educating today’s youth. The awards intend to be named after Andrew Pollard, a long time and well loved educator in Warren County who passed away in February of 2025.

“Andrew had a love of learning and music that just lifted anyone’s spirits who came in contact with him. I wanted these awards to help uplift our staff and honor his legacy,” said event organizer, Joe McClellan. He explained that the awards have come from nominations amongst the staff. “Being able to recognize some of our colleagues who are working hard every day to move young minds in the right direction is something I’m really looking forward to.”

The Kinzua Youth Development Center (KYDC) lists their mission as fostering personal and social responsibility in children, adolescents, and young adults through dynamic, positive youth development programs. Working together seemed like a great way to strengthen the bonds between local teachers and the center.

The event will begin with refreshments and award presentations, followed by live music by the band Echoes on Water. “I love their music and their keyboard player is a great music teacher, Parker Neal, so I’m excited to have them at the event,” McClellan said.