Foundation Honoree: Pamela Chesser, English Teacher at YHS

 English teacher Pamela Chesser is one of six school district staff members who at the annual Foundation for Excellence in Yorktown Education fundraiser next week.

Chesser has worked at the high school since 1996.  

principal Joe DeGennaro, in his nomination, said she has presented at meetings and worked closely with middle school personnel to bridge the two buildings.

"Our core group of students were the same students that participated in the middle school program," he said. "Pam [Chesser] initiated a Random Acts of Kindness program where students receive awards at an end of year celebration for being nominated for kind acts. Each classroom and the hallways in the high school have a character education poster displayed. Pam is an active participant on our PBIS team, has led Operation Santa, a pancake breakfast, a YHS to elementary school reading program and is currently working on a garden project with the younger students in the district. Pamela Chesser has clearly gone above and beyond and continues to do so."

Patch caught up with Chesser to ask her about the honor she is receiving from the school district.

Patch: What do you enjoy the most about your job?

Pamela Chesser: The best part of my job is working with the students on a daily basis. I enjoy listening to their ideas and comments and suggestions. Through kids anything is possible. I have the opportunity and good fortune of living this every day.

Patch: What have been the highlights of your experience at Yorktown?

Chesser: This is a difficult question. Every day is special because you never know what is going to happen or what connection a student will make. To me, a highlight isn't about a big moment. It is about the small things we hope students will take with them like a moment when a student understands his impact on others, or a moment when a student realizes his or her potential.

Patch: Why do you think you were chosen as a representative from your school and what does this honor mean to you?

Chesser: I am truly honored to have been chosen among so many talented professionals. I believe that I was chosen because the allows students to share their talents and compassion with those around them. The students are able to reach beyond their classroom and put theory into practice. I am happy that the work through Operation Grace has given the students an opportunity to share part of themselves with others. I am so proud of them and the work they have accomplished.

Patch: What is the greatest accomplishment? Of what have you been a pioneer?

Chesser: It is difficult to say a greatest accomplishment. I receive great satisfaction from watching my students try to touch the heart of another especially when they visit the elementary schools. When my students realize the impact they have on the future through working with younger students, I am proud of them and touched by how genuine they are.

Patch: Anything else you would like to add?

Chesser: I would like to add that I am so fortunate to work for an administration, Dr Ralph Napolitano, Ms. Florence O’Connor, Mr. Thomas Cole, Mr. Joseph DeGennaro, Dr. Randall Glading, Ms. Lori Roberts, and Mr. Joseph Cassarini who value the importance of character education. Without their support and guidance we would have not been able to achieve these milestones. In addition, middle school principal, Ms. Linda Grimm and the middle school staff have done an exceptional job of promoting character education and have made it easy for us at the high school level to continue this important work. I am also grateful to the F. Cecil Grace foundation for their continued support of the character education in the Yorktown School District.

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