Prime Stage Theatre Presents A Hampton Middle School Teacher With Award

In keeping with its mission to promote literacy for young people, Prime Stage Theatre is pleased to announce that a Hampton Middle School teacher has been named the first recipient of the "Inspiring Teachers Inspiring Readers" Award.

Dr, Deborah Van Maele is being recognized for her energy and dedication to adolescent literacy.

A teacher since 1977, Van Maele has been with the Hampton Township School District for over 25 years. She received her Doctorate of Education (Ed.D) in Administration and Policy Studies from the University of Pittsburgh. She also holds a Masters of Education as a Reading Specialist and a B.S. in Elementary Education, both from California University of Pennsylvania.

According to Van Maele, "As a person who was not a voracious reader as an adolescent but later recognized the value of it, I strive to transfer to my students my love of reading and appreciation for the world of opportunities that reading can open."

Van Maele was nominated for the award by her colleague Rita N. Ruscetti, Chair of the English Department at Hampton Middle School, as well as a number of former students.

In her letter of nomination, Ruscetti wrote of Van Maele, "...she has devoted many of her lunch periods over the years to a popular reading club which fosters interest in current literature. In my twenty-nine years of teaching, I know of no other educator who has given so much of herself for the betterment of her students and has done so with professionalism, humor, and genuine love for teaching."

A reception and ceremony will be held in Van Maele's honor will be held on February 26 at 6:30pm at the New Hazlett Theatre on Pittsburgh's historic North Side. Dignitaries at the ceremony will include William Eisler from the Board of the Pittsburgh Public Schools as well as KDKA-TV personality Jon Burnett.

Following the presentation will be the production of Prime Stage Theatre's Tuesdays With Morrie.

Tuesdays With Morrie will run February 20-28 at the New Hazlett Theatre, located at 6 Allegheny Square East. For tickets, call ProArts at 412-394-3353.

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