The event is held each year by the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce to recognize outstanding area high school seniors, educators and alumni of the two local colleges and a business partner in education.

“All of the nominees are exceptional. They expressed gratitude for the opportunities that they have been given,” said Andree Phillips, chair of the Education Committee in introducing the slate of seniors chosen to represent their schools.

“Themes emerge as we interview these students every year and this year is no exception. The most significant thing this year has been their humility,” she said.

That humility was evident as Williamsport Area High School senior Benjamin Manetta accepted the honor of being chosen as the “Outstanding Senior.”

KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette The Outstanding Educator Awards were presented to, front row from left, Kim Sauers, Montoursville Area School District; Kaylene Francis, Loyalsock Township School District; Alexis Warf, East Lycoming School District; Jodi Bohart, Muncy School District; back row from left, Kelly Shearer, South Williamsport Area School District; Erin Bonsell, Jersey Shore Area School District; Bess Lowry, Montgomery Area School District; and Patricia Bower, Williamsport Area School District. Not pictured is Christine Litchfield, St. John Neumann Regional Academy.

“When I think about these last four years…the one thing that comes to mind for me is gratitude,” Manetta said.

“I know I’m the one with the microphone in my face and the camera pointing at me, but there’s a whole lot of people behind me that aren’t in the shot that are the ones that put me here today,” he said.

Manetta went on to thank the school district and his teachers.

“I’ve had some of the best teachers I could have ever asked for — educators that are passionate about what they do,” he said.

“They’ve truly transported me from being a kindergarten student to someone that’s ready to take on the world,” he added.

He also thanked his personal support system, especially his mother for “everything that she’s done to get me where I am today.”

Manetta, who is first in his class at the high school, has been accepted at Harvard University, where he will study biology with the goal of being a physician.

Other area seniors recognized at the event were: Jadyn McGinley, Hughesville High School; Elijah Bower, Jersey Shore Area High School; Emma Strickland, Loyalsock Township High School; Kailyn Woltz, Montgomery Area High School; Ruby Muse, Montoursville Area High School; Alaina Brelsford, Muncy High School; Benjamin Manning, South Williamsport Area High School; and John Brann, St. John Neumann Regional Academy.

Each student was given a $50 charitable gift from the Lycoming County United Way to designate as a gift to one of the United Way’s community outreach partners. The outstanding senior was also given a $250 cash prize sponsored by M&T Bank and a $500 textbook scholarship from the Williamsport Sun-Gazette.

Receiving the outstanding alumni awards were Joe Feerrar, Lycoming College, Class of 2002; and Andrea Reed, Pennsylvania College of Technology, Class of 2007.

Feerrar, who graduated with a degree in business administration was chosen for being one of the “region’s greatest entrepreneurs,” according to Dr. Philip Sprunger, Provost and Dean of the Faculty at Lycoming College, who presented Feerrar with the award.

Feerrar and his wife founded Bald Birds Brewing Company in Jersey Shore and Audubon.

“Every single step of the way in my career somehow way shape or form, Lycoming was involved,” Feerrar said.

Reed, who serves as the Director of Nursing and Patient Care at UPMC Muncy, received the award from Dr. Michael Reed, president of Penn College. He described her as a “shining star in health care.”

Speaking of her time at Penn College, Andrea Reed said that it was instrumental in setting her up for “success in my new role as a nurse.”

“I continue to be successful because of that solid foundation that I received at Penn College,” Andrea Reed said.

For their role in partnering with local school districts in offering opportunities for students to learn about the construction field as well as educating them about equipment and tools, T-Ross Brothers Construction was given the Business Partner in Education Award. The company has also established a scholarship at the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania for graduating seniors interested in a construction-related field of study.

Outstanding area educators were also recognized at the celebration. They are: Alexis Warf, East Lycoming School District; Erin Bonsell, Jersey Shore Area School District; Kaylene Francis, Loyalsock Township School District; Bess Lowry, Montgomery Area School District; Kim Sauers, Montoursville Area School District; Jodi Bohart, Muncy School District; Kelly Shearer, South Williamsport Area School District; Christine Litchfield; and Patricia Bower, Williamsport Area School District.

In introducing the outstanding educators, Daphne Bowers, superintendent at the Montgomery Area School District, highlighted the importance of public education.

“Education is the foundation of any successful society and essential for our children’s future,” she said.

“Public education is the cornerstone of democracy. It gives all students the opportunity to reach their full potential and achieve their dreams,” Bowers said.

Noting that there has been a decline in the state in new educators joining the workforce in the last ten years, Bowers stressed the importance of having “highly qualified dedicated teachers.”

“The role of the teacher is one of the most important occupations to our society. Teachers are more than just educators. They are mentors, coaches, advocates, mental health workers and are accessible long beyond the workday especially with today’s educational technologies,” she said.

“To all our teachers here tonight, I want you to know that you are valued and appreciated,” Bowers said.