TED PEDAS - FASD DONATIONS AND SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

Ted Pedas Planetarium

Farrell Area School District
1600 Roemer Boulevard
Farrell, PA 16121-1754

Date: September 14, 2009

To: Dr. Lawrence Connelly, Jr., Acting Superintendent
Members, FASD Board of Education

From: Ted Pedas, Planetarium Director Emeritus

Subject:       Contributions to further enhance Farrell Area School District
                   Programs, Activities, Alumni, Facilities and the Communities
                   of Farrell and Wheatland

It gives me great pleasure to once again present you with a contribution which I am making to the Farrell Area School District. This is my 40^th annual donation.

This year’s contribution is in the amount of $30,000.00 to be utilized for the following purposes:

· To sponsor the sixteenth annual secondary school “Student of the Month” awards.
· To sponsor the thirteenth annual elementary school “Student of the Month awards.
· To sponsor my newly established elementary and high school “Student of the Year” awards.
· To re instate and sponsor the “Employee of the Month” awards for non-instructional staff.
· To fund the Alumni “Hall of Fame.”
· To further enhance the school district’s Planetarium facility.

This contribution for the 2009-2010 school year is to be utilized for the 6 mentioned areas of activities:

I. High School “Student of the Month” Awards
$2,700.00

This sponsorship covers the cost of 54 cash awards of $50.00 each to be presented from September 2009, through May 2010, to Farrell High School Students in Grades 7-12. The monetary award will be accompanied by a certificate and other recognition.

II. Elementary School “Student of the Month” Awards
$1,350.00

This contribution is to be used to fund the Thirteenth Annual Farrell Elementary School “Student of the Month” awards for the 2009-2010 school year. This sponsorship covers the cost of 54 cash awards of $25.00 each to be presented from September 2009, through May 2010, to Farrell Elementary School students in Grades 1-6. The monetary award will be accompanied by a certificate and other recognition developed by the elementary school principal.

Of all the awards I have sponsored, the yearly 108 “Student of the Month” awards have been the ones that have provided me the most joy in giving because they have touched the most students. To date an astounding 1,458 students have received over $35,000. We can all be proud of the fact that the Farrell Area School District is one of only a few districts nationwide that provides a monetary award to students in grades 1 through 12 for “Student of the Month” achievement.

I would suggest the following procedures be continued for this year:

1.     Criteria should be established and followed for “Student of the Month” selection with the full support of administrators and teachers.
2.     Students should be selected in a timely fashion with awards presented before the middle of the following month.
3.     Students would receive appropriate certificates.
4.     Students would receive both the check from the Ted Pedas Awards account and a copy of this check to be retained as a souvenir.
5.     Photographs of each month’s recipients would be taken and put on display in the respective high school and elementary buildings as in the past.
6.     Names of the recipients would be posted on the Farrell Area School District website.
7.     Awards should be presented in a short ceremony on either public address system or school assembly.

III. Elementary and High School “Student of the Year” Awards – new award
$1,200.00

This will be an award of $100 given to one student each grade 1 through 12. Criteria will be to honor a truly outstanding student that has distinguished himself/herself in the classroom, not only academically but through attitude. The 12 students do not necessarily have to be one of the year’s “student of the month” recipients. Nominations may be made by staff members, administration, citizens, or fellow students. The student will be chosen by the third week of April. Nominations forms will be made available. The Student of the Year awards will be presented at the May school board meeting. This will provide an opportunity for students to see another aspect of how a school operates as well as providing added meaning to the award by giving it at a public meeting.

IV. “Employee of the Month” Awards for Non-Instructional Staff – reinstated award
$1,200.00

Forty years ago when I began presenting awards I asked for input from teachers, students, administration, and citizens for suggestions. This year I was very pleased to have Business Manager Mike Stabile suggest reviving the “Employee of the Month” award. This award pleases me greatly because it upholds my long held belief in giving merit for going beyond set duties.

This funding will provide an award of $100.00 per month for non-instructional employees (secretarial, clerical, custodial, maintenance, cafeteria, etc.) to be given monthly all 12 months of the year.

It is suggested that Mr. Stabile and the superintendent set the criteria for choosing the monthly recipient of this award. May I suggest that the recipients’ names be posted prominently to promote additional recognition.

V. Farrell Alumni “Hall of Fame”
$5,000.00

This marks the 5^th year for the Farrell Alumni “Hall of Fame.” In observance of this anniversary and marking the fact that 5 years is a turning point towards success in any organization, I am donating $5,000.00 to the Farrell Alumni “Hall of Fame.” (More detail on this year’s recognition dinner will follow later in this report.)

VI. Planetarium Equipment, Supplies and Maintenance
$18,550.00

For the 40^th year I am funding the Planetarium and its activities. I am pleased that the Planetarium is again in operation for the students of Farrell and Wheatland. There will be a total of 144 presentations for grades 1 through 12 given by our 2 planetarium instructors.

We have been fortunate for the third year to retain the services of Youngtown State University Planetarium Lecturer, Sharon Shanks, for a total of 72 presentations of planetarium instruction for grades 1 through 6. Ms. Shanks is an outstanding planetarium educator with an international reputation in her field. She serves as executive editor of the “Planetarian,” a journal of the International Planetarium Society.

This year Ms. Shanks will be joined by Mr. Mike DiMuzio. Mr. DiMuzio is a 1988 graduate of YSU where he received his Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in physics and astronomy with a minor in mathematics. He received his Master of Science degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1991, majoring in physics with a minor in astronomy. Mr. DiMuzio has worked as a planetarium lecturer for both YSU and Nebraska Wesleyan University. Mr. DiMuzio will be working with classes in grades 7 through 12 giving 72 presentations. There will be no additional cost to the school district this year as the extra days will be paid for by the Ted Pedas Award Fund.

Ms. Shanks and Mr. DiMuzio will be assisted by George Pedas for technical support, a position he has held for the past years. I will be serving as a volunteer. All supplies, equipment and repairs will be funded through my donation.

Once again this year Joanne Lloyd will be coordinating some of these projects. Besides the Student of the Month program and the Model Rocketry in Education program which she oversaw last year, she will be also coordinating the scheduling of the 144 planetarium visits for both elementary and high school classes. She will be given a small honorarium for these duties. The funding will come from the Ted Pedas Award Fund and there will be no cost to the school district.

The following three items represent areas of continued support that require no additional funding at this time.

· Model Rocketry in Education
Last year we began this program after a dormancy of ten years. Mr. Rupert, High School science and physics teacher, took an active role and worked with his students to produce two early morning rocket launches. As the previously donated supplies needed very little supplementation of provided funds from last year, this program will continue with last year’s funds for this coming school year.

· FASD “Hall of Fame” recognizing outstanding alumni
For more than two decades we had talked about establishing an FASD Hall of Fame to recognize outstanding alumni whose achievements, service or commitments have distinguished them. The first class of ten honorees was inducted in 2005. The second group was inducted October 2006, the third October 2007, and the fourth group October 2008 .

This year in addition to the Saturday evening recognition dinner held in the school cafeteria, there will be a Friday night event at the Farrell VFW for all past and current honorees. A tour of the school will also be given that evening. Both events will be held in Farrell to recognize both school and honorees ties to the community.

The fifth recognition dinner will be held Saturday, October 17, 2009. It is my hope that all board members will attend this alumni dinner celebration held here in our cafeteria, showing that their support is behind past as well as future Farrell graduates. It is in this spirit that I personally wish to welcome all nine board members as my guests to this event. Please let Judi Pendel, Alumni Secretary, know by Wednesday, September 30^th if you will be accepting my invitation so that your ticket may be mailed to you. Additional tickets may be purchased for $25.

For further information on the Alumni Hall of Fame you may visit the following website:
http://www.nauticom.net/www/planet/files/TPAwards.html#AwardAlumni

· FASD Website and the websites dedicated to Farrell High School Alumni and the City of Farrell, Pennsylvania

As some of you may know, I have for several years personally funded the creation and maintenance of the internet websites dedicated to our school, alumni and community. In addition to giving us an international presence, the internet has reunited us with former FHS students and relocated Farrell citizens.

I will continue to fund the FHS Alumni and History of Farrell, PA sites. For more information please visit:

FASD Alumni Archives – 1904 to present
http://www.nauticom.net/www/planet/files/Archives.htm
FASD Quiz
http://www.nauticom.net/www/planet/files/Archives-Quiz.htm
History of Farrell, Pennsylvania
http://www.nauticom.net/www/planet/files/Archives-HistoryFarrell.htm#Part1
History of Farrell Public Schools
http://www.nauticom.net/www/planet/files/Archives-HistorySchools.htm

· The Farrell Area School District Foundation

Since 1999 I have donated $25,000.00 to make this project a reality. Over the years the Foundation has contributed to many worthwhile causes. These have benefited students, faculty, and even school board and community members. I am now looking to revitalize this foundation and take it into a new direction.

Over the past 40 years I have contributed a total of $565,132.34 to further enhance school district programs, activities and facilities for both students and the community. These annual donations have been given as a small token of appreciation to the Farrell Area School District which has provided an education for my brothers and sister and me, enabling us, as children of immigrant parents, to make our way in the world. Each of us in our own way owes a debt of gratitude to our school, community, and those dedicated individuals who paved the road for us.

“A LOOK TO THE FUTURE”

During my previous appearances before you, I have presented a few topics that I felt the board should examine. Some of these have been followed through, others fell by the wayside. I am resurrecting two of these topics which I feel very strong about and offer them for your consideration.

I. New Leader/Superintendent
I would like to congratulate the School Board on their choice of Dr. Connelly as Acting Superintendent. Dr. Connelly has earned my admiration and respect for the professional manner in which he has guided our School District. It is a pleasure working with him and I am moved by the enthusiasm he has given to a position that most would consider a “fill-in” job. Many of the qualities shown by Dr. Connelly should be guides in the selection of our future superintendent.

As the board seeks a new superintendent I am repeating what I have said in the past – I very strongly feel that the new leader must live in the community of Farrell or Wheatland. The school and the community are an integral part of each other. There is nothing that can compare to the rapport that occurs when the students, their parents, and citizens have community contact with school personnel. In the past we have been disappointed by administrators making promises to fulfill this request and not following through.

All we have to do is look around at other districts to realize that a maximum initial two year contract should be offered. After all, the new leader has to fit into the community. Two years is plenty of time to prove oneself. An eager superintendent should be willing to show what he or she can do for our school district in the two year period.

II. Merit Pay
In the professional and business world, merit pay plays a big role in the success of an organization. This bonus system used around the world encourages employees to perform higher than expected. I would like to see the FASD be a pace setter in this direction. That is why I am so pleased with restarting the Employee of the Month award as it gives recognition to those employees who contributed beyond expectations.

* * *

I leave you with a quote from one of my favorite writers whose philosophy I have followed over the years and whose words should be a guide to us all.

“KINDNESS IN WORDS CREATES CONFIDENCE.
KINDNESS IN THINKING CREATES PROFUNDITY.
KINDNESS IN GIVING . . . CREATES LOVE. . .”

-SIR RABINDRANATH TAGORE (1861-1941)

Ted Pedas Planetarium

Farrell Area School District
1600 Roemer Boulevard
Farrell, PA 16121-1754
724-346-2223

Date:            September 8, 2008
To:              Carole Borkowski, Acting Superintendent
                   Members, FASD Board of Education
From:          Ted Pedas, Planetarium Director Emeritus
Subject:       Contributions to further enhance Farrell Area School District
                   Programs, Activities, Alumni, Facilities, and the Communities
                   of Farrell and Wheatland

It gives me great pleasure to once again present you with a contribution which I am making to the Farrell Area School District. This is my 39^th annual donation.

This year’s contribution is in the amount of $30,000.00 to be utilized for the following purposes:

·        To sponsor the fifteenth annual secondary school “Student of the Month” awards
·        To sponsor the twelfth annual elementary school “Student of the Month awards
·        To provide equipment and funds for a “hands-on” school-wide model rocketry program
·        To further enhance the school district’s Planetarium facility

This contribution for the 2008-2009 school year is to be utilized for the four mentioned areas of activities:

I. High School “Student of the Month” Awards
$2,700.00
After an unfortunate hiatus of two years due to the lack of interest of the previous High School principal in presenting these awards, the Farrell Area High School “Student of the Month” awards will be reinstated making the 2008-2009 school year my 15^th year for funding these awards. I have doubled the monetary value of these awards. This sponsorship covers the cost of 54 cash awards of $50.00 each to be presented from September 2008, through May 2009, to Farrell High School Students in Grades 7-12. The monetary award will be accompanied by a certificate and other recognition.

II. Elementary School “Student of the Month” Awards
$1,350.00
This contribution is to be used to fund the Twelfth Annual Farrell Elementary School “Student of the Month” awards for the 2008-2009 school year. This sponsorship covers the cost of 54 cash awards of $25.00 each to be presented from September 2008, through May 2009, to Farrell Elementary School students in Grades 1-6. The monetary award will be accompanied by a certificate and other recognition developed by the elementary school principal.

In addition to the lack of enthusiasm shown by the previous High School principal to present the “Student of the Month” awards, it recently came to my attention that throughout the years of this sponsorship many of the checks written for the students were never cashed. The reason for some of these uncashed checks became clear to me when I was approached by students who said they kept the check as a souvenir because it was the only award they ever received. Other students claimed that they never saw either the check or the certificate.

Of all the awards I have sponsored, the yearly 108 “Student of the Month” awards have been the ones that have provided me the most joy in giving because they have touched the most students. To date an astounding 1,350 students have received over $30,000. We can all be proud of the fact that the Farrell Area School District is one of only a few districts nationwide that provides a monetary award to students in grades 1 through 12 for “Student of the Month” achievement.

With the reinstatement of the “Student of the Month” awards beginning this September, I would suggest the following procedures:

         1.     Criteria should be established and followed for “Student of the Month” selection with the full support of
                 administrators and teachers.
         2.     Students should be selected in a timely fashion with awards presented before the middle of the following month.
         3.     Students would receive appropriate certificates.
         4.     Students would receive both the check from the Ted Pedas Awards account and a copy of this check to be
                 retained as a souvenir.
         5.     Photographs of each month’s recipients would be taken and put on display in the respective high school and
                 elementary buildings as in the past.
         6.     Names of the recipients would be posted on the Farrell Area School District website.
         7.     Awards should be presented in a short ceremony on either public address system or school assembly.

I realize that this may seem like a daunting task to be performed monthly, recognizing and rewarding 108 students annually, therefore I am selecting a representative to see that this process can run smoothly throughout the entire school year. I have chosen Joanne Lloyd to oversee all aspects (as outlined in the seven points above) of the “Student of the Month” program. She will also assist with all other programs I am funding. Joanne will be receiving a small honorarium for her services from the Ted Pedas Awards account with no cost to the school district. Joanne, a 20-year FASD employee, is a secretary in the high school guidance department. I have worked with her during the past year and was extremely impressed with her competence, her dedication to the Farrell schools, and her ability to complete multi-faceted tasks with minimal supervision.

III.       Model Rocketry in Education
             $2,950.00 – equipment and supplies
             $2,000.00 – supplemental cash

In the mid 1960s I began a model rocketry program for the Farrell Area School District. Hundreds of students participated over the years. For the past decade the program has been dormant. This program is an excellent education opportunity for students to participate in a “hands-on” learning experience and I am happy to have a chance to revive it.

Students will have the opportunity to construct, launch, recover, and experiment with model rockets. Model rocketry not only provides learning in the fields of science and mathematics, but also in art, history and language arts. It gives students a chance to cooperate with others while working toward achieving a goal.

I am donating a cross-section, representative of various rockets and supplies consisting of engines, launchers, measurement devices, paints and brushes, literature and guides, among many other items. These rocket kits include those at the beginner’s level up to the very advanced, enabling students of all grade levels to participate.

The value of this materials donation is $2,950.00. (Inventory attached) In addition I am presenting $2,000.00 to be used for supplies as needed. Since this money will be from the Ted Pedas Awards account, Joanne Lloyd will be the contact person for obtaining the funds and background information needed by the administrators of the model rocketry program.

IV. Planetarium Equipment, Supplies and Maintenance
$21,000.00

For the 39^th year I am funding the Planetarium and its activities. I am pleased that the Planetarium is again in operation for the students of Farrell and Wheatland. We have been fortunate for the third year to retain the services of Youngtown State University Planetarium Lecturer, Sharon Shanks, for a total of 40 days of planetarium instruction. Ms. Shanks is an outstanding planetarium educator with an international reputation in her field. She serves as executive editor of the “Planetarium,” a journal of the International Planetarium Society. She will again be assisted by George Pedas for technical support which remains the same as the prior year. The emphasis will be 50-55% for elementary students, 25-30% for the middle school, and the remaining time will be dedicated to the high school. The objective is to develop a systematic astronomy and space science curriculum for grades 1-12 which will be built upon each succeeding year. I will be serving as a volunteer. All supplies, equipment and repairs will be funded through my donation.

The following three items represent areas of continued support that require no additional funding at this time.

· FASD “Hall of Fame” recognizing outstanding alumni

For more than two decades we had talked about establishing an FASD Hall of Fame to recognize outstanding alumni whose achievements, service or commitments have distinguished them. The first class of ten honorees was inducted in 2005. The second group was inducted October 2006, and the third October 2007. The fourth recognition dinner will be held Saturday, October 18, 2008. It is my hope that all board members will attend this alumni dinner celebration held here in our cafeteria, showing that their support is behind past as well as future Farrell graduates. It is in this spirit that I personally wish to welcome all nine board members as my guests to this event. Please let Judi Pendel, Alumni Secretary, know by September 15, if you will be accepting my invitation so that your ticket may be mailed to you.

For further information on the Alumni Hall of Fame you may visit the following website:
http://www.nauticom.net/www/planet/files/TPAwards.html#AwardAlumni

· FASD Website and the websites dedicated to Farrell High School Alumni and the City of Farrell, Pennsylvania

I will continue to fund the FHS Alumni and History of Farrell, PA sites. For more information please visit:
FASD Alumni Archives – 1904 to present
http://www.nauticom.net/www/planet/files/Archives.htm
FASD Quiz
http://www.nauticom.net/www/planet/files/Archives-Quiz.htm
History of Farrell, Pennsylvania
http://www.nauticom.net/www/planet/files/Archives-HistoryFarrell.htm#Part1
History of Farrell Public Schools
http://www.nauticom.net/www/planet/files/Archives-HistorySchools.htm

· The Farrell Area School District Foundation

Over the past 39 years I have contributed a total of $535,132.34 to further enhance school district programs, activities and facilities for both students and the community. These annual donations have been given as a small token of appreciation to the Farrell Area School District which has provided an education for my brothers and sister and me, enabling us, as children of immigrant parents, to make our way in the world. Each of us in our own way owes a debt of gratitude to our school, community, and those dedicated individuals who paved the road for us.

“A LOOK TO THE FUTURE”

I. New Leader/Superintendent
The board is in the process of hiring a new leader and I am repeating what I have said in the past – I very strongly feel that the new leader must live in the community of Farrell or Wheatland. The school and the community are an integral part of each other. In the past we have been disappointed by administrators making promises to fulfill this request and not following through.

Mending Wall

“Something there is that doesn’t love a wall,
…
Before I built a wall I’d ask to know
What I was walling in or walling out,
And to whom I was like to give offense.”
- Robert Frost

The Farrell Schools and Community have recently experienced a difficult period that has created a wall between well-meaning people. This wall has been built with dissension, prejudices, and suspicion of one another. It is time to tear down this wall and for all of us to work together again to do the best that we can for our students.

I am pleased to see progress of this occurring. In fact, my presence here tonight and my rededication to the school district, I hope in some small measure contributes to the tearing down of this wall.

* * *

I leave you with a quote from one of my favorite writers whose philosophy I have followed over the years.

“KINDNESS IN WORDS CREATES CONFIDENCE.
KINDNESS IN THINKING CREATES PROFUNDITY.
KINDNESS IN GIVING . . . CREATES LOVE. . .”

-SIR RABINDRANATH TAGORE (1861-1941)

TED PEDAS
ANNUAL DONATIONS AND AWARDS

Ted Pedas has been a generous benefactor of the Farrell Area School District and of the planetarium at Farrell High School that bears his name. Over the past 36 years Ted Pedas has contributed $455,352.34.

Each September since 1969, Pedas makes his annual pilgrimage to the school board with checks in hand to fund school activities and motivation awards for students and adults in the community. Pedas' efforts are aimed at encouraging students and the community to set new standards of educational excellence. Pedas, a world traveler and internationally known astronomer, is a planetarium lecturer emeritus at Youngstown State University and former astronomy columnist for The Vindicator.

Ted Pedas Planetarium
Farrell Area School District
1600 Roemer Blvd
Farrell, Pennsylvania 16121

Date: To: From: Subject:		September 12, 2005 Richard R. Rubano, Superintendent Members, Farrell Area School District Board of Education Ted Pedas, Planetarium Director Emeritus Contributions to further enhance Farrell Area School District Programs, Activities, Facilities and the Communities of Farrell and Wheatland

It gives me great pleasure to again present you with a contribution which I am making to the Farrell Area School District. This is my 36th annual donation. This year's contribution is in the amount of $20,080.00 to be utilized for the following purposes: To fund the eighteenth consecutive “Student Motivational and Self Improvement” awards for two graduating seniors; To sponsor the fourteenth annual secondary school “Student of the Month” awards; To sponsor the eleventh annual elementary school “Student of the Month” awards; To provide funds for the Superintendent's “Volunteers of the Year” awards; To further enhance the school district's Planetarium facility; To support the “Great Ideas!” grants program; To fund the tenth annual John G. Sava/Ted Pedas/Pennsylvania State University-Shenango Campus Legacy Award; To fund the eighth annual “ Educator of the Year” award; To fund the monthly “Employee of the Month” award for non-instructional staff; To sponsor the sixth annual “Wheatland Student of the Year”awards; To fund the sixth annual Farrell Citizen of the Year and Junior Citizens of the Year Awards The following two items represent areas of continued support that require no additional funding at this time: Farrell “ Alumni Hall of Fame” which recognizes outstanding alumni in conjunction with the City of Farrell's Annual Homecoming Festival FASD's website

This contribution for the 2005-2006 school year is being made to fund the following twelve areas of activities:

AWARDS AND DONATIONS

2005 - 2006

Eighteenth Annual Student Motivational and Improvement Award for the year 2006 Graduating Seniors—$1,500.00
This award is to be presented to two graduating students who displayed the greatest positive change, improvement and motivational drive during their senior year. The selection criteria and other details for this award will be under the direction of the school district's Pupil Support Team. A $1,000.00 award will be presented to the winning student, with a $500.00 award for the runner-up.

High School Student of the Month Awards — $1,350.00
This contribution is to be used to fund the Fourteenth Annual Farrell High School “Student of the Month” award for the 2005-2006 school year. This sponsorship covers the cost of 54 cash awards of $25.00 each, to be presented from September 2005 through May 2006 to Farrell High School students in Grades 7-12. The monetary award will be accompanied by a certificate and other recognition that has been developed.
Elementary School Student of the Month Awards—$1,080.00
This contribution is to be used to fund the Eleventh Annual Farrell Elementary School “Student of the Month” award for the 2005-2006 school year. This sponsorship covers the cost of 54 cash awards of $20.00 each, to be presented from September 2005 through May 2006 to Farrell Elementary School students in Grades 1-6. The monetary award will be accompanied by a certificate and other recognition to be developed by the elementary school principals.
Volunteers of the Year Awards — $1,000.00
These Superintendent's “Volunteer of the Year” awards are open to parents, guardians and students as well as intergenerational and other community members. These awards are designed to recognize the spirit of volunteerism as shown by community individuals to the school district. The selection procedure will be monitored by a subcommittee of the Farrell Area School District Steering Committee.
Planetarium Equipment, Supplies and Maintenance— $7,000.00
This contribution is to pay for expenses incurred for the operation of the Planetarium, and to fund supplies, maintenance and personnel services for the school district's Planetarium complex.
“Great Idea!”Grants Program — $2,250.00
This donation is being made to provide funds for the “Great Idea! ”program, which will provide small grants to help develop innovative educational projects for our school and community.
The John G. Sava/Ted Pedas/Pennsylvania State University-Shenango Campus Legacy Award— $1,000.00
The purpose of this award shall be to honor and recognize a non-traditional full-time undergraduate student from the Farrell or Wheatland area who is enrolled at Penn State Shenango, the Pennsylvania State University. Entering eligibility will include a student who has been out of school at least five years or who is at least 25 years old and has a high school equivalent degree. Recipients of this award shall be selected by the Penn State Shenango Scholarship Committee. In the past nine years my donation for the above award was being matched by $1,000.00 from Mr. Sava, and then by his wife following his death. Penn State Shenango supported this yearly contribution with at least $1,000.00, but not to exceed $2,000.00. This will be the tenth annual presentation of this award.
“Educator of the Year” Award — $1,500.00
This funding provides for the “Educator of the Year” Award. The honoree will be teacher who had a significant, positive influence on the lives of students. All current teachers will be eligible. The nomination process and selection criteria will be monitored under the direction of Superintendent Richard R. Rubano, Jr. This is the eighth year for this award.
“Employee of the Month” Awards for Non-Instructional Staff — $1,200.00
This funding will provide the seventh annual awards, of $100.00 each, for non-instructional employees (secretarial, clerical, custodial, maintenance, cafeteria, etc). Selection criteria was developed by the Superintendent and a committee of employees. Award is based upon merit.
“Wheatland Student of the Year” Achievement and Recognition Awards — $200.00
This contribution is to be used to fund the sixth annual “Wheatland Student of the Year” awards. This sponsorship covers the cost of two cash awards of $100.00 each, to be presented to students in Grades 6 and 12 who are residents of Wheatland. The two monetary awards should be accompanied by a certificate. These achievement and recognition awards should be made during commencement or recognition ceremonies.
Citizen and Junior Citizen of the Year Awards — $2000.00
In 2001, I made a commitment of $10,000.00 to fund these awards for five years. The year 2006 represents the fifth and final year for these presentations. The award recognizes a citizen of the community who portrays outstanding community service without receiving any monetary rewards for his or her acts of unselfishness for the benefit of others. The award for this recognition will be in the amount of $1,000.00 and will be the sixth annual contribution.
Also to recognize two Jr. Citizens who also do not receive any monetary reward for helping others or service to the community. The awards will be given equally in the amount of $500.00 each.

As mentioned earlier, the following two items represent areas of continued support that require no additional funding at this time.
Farrell “ Alumni Hall of Fame” recognizing outstanding alumni
For more than two decades we have talked about establishing an FASD Hall of Fame to recognize outstanding alumni whose achievements, service or commitments have distinguished them. It is my hope that the first class of honorees to be inducted in the Farrell “Hall of Fame” would have occurred during Farrell's Centennial Celebration. It was in that spirit that I donated $1,250.00 in October 2000. This reserve amount, plus an additional $1,000.00 balance from my contribution of that same month to support the school district's participation in the Centennial Celebration was added to the donation in 2001 for a total of $3,500.00 available for this project.
The FASD “Hall of Fame” honorees were to be announced in July 2005 in conjunction with the fourth annual “ Citizen and Junior Citizen of the Year Awards award ceremony. Unfortunately, this event did not materialize. I am therefore transferring my Hall of Fame funding to other projects. This does not mean that I have lost interest in the Hall of Fame. I just feel this may not be the ideal time to embark on this adventure. Many years ago I donated $25,000.00 to start the FASD Foundation. That organization never had clear objectives and a mission and has not achieved its potential. Perhaps the Hall of Fame and Alumni projects should be delegated to the Foundation.
FASD web site and the web sites dedicated to Farrell High School Alumni and the city of Farrell, Pa.
As some of you may know I have for several years personally funded the creation and maintenance of the internet websites dedicated to FASD alumni, community and school. In addition to giving us an international presence the internet has reunited us with former FHS students and relocated Farrell citizens, many of whom travelled a great distance to join our Centennial Celebration - having learned about it by logging onto our websites.
I want to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of the computer literate members of my family who have contributed countless hours of their time in creating and maintaining our internet presence. They are my brother George Pedas (FHS '59) and his wife Kathy, my sister Marcy Pedas Sigler (FHS '58) and brother Tom Pedas (FHS '67).
I will continue to fund the FHS Alumni and History of Farrell, Pa. Sites. The temporary FASD site which I am funding must be replaced with one produced and constructed by students. As in other schools the creation and maintenance of a school web site should be an integral part of the computer class curriculum and should involve active student participation. The school district must assume the responsibility and expense for maintaining FASD's internet presence.

Over the past 36 years I have contributed a total of $455,352.34 to further enhance school district programs, activities and facilities for both students and the community.

These annual donations have been given as a small token of appreciation to the Farrell Area School District which has provided an education for myself, brothers and sister enabling us, as children of immigrant parents, to make our way in the world. Each of us in our own way owe a debt of gratitude to our school, community, and those dedicated individuals who paved the road for us.

Ted Pedas
FHS '56

News Articles Relating to
Ted Pedas Scholarships, Awards, Donations and Contributions

Pedas donation benefits school
Students, faculty, volunteers will benefit from donation

By Courtney L. Anderson
Herald Staff Writer
The Herald (Sharon, Pa) — September 13, 2005

[Herald] Christmas came to Farrell Area School District early again this year.

"We have a Santa Claus that comes every September", Superintendent Richard R. Rubano Jr. said at Monday night's board meeting. "I don't have to give him any introduction. Everyone in this room knows who he is."

While many schools scramble for funding and often have to cut programs, Farrell has been able to continue and establish many projects for the good of the school and community thanks to generous benefactor Ted Pedas.

Pedas, director emeritus of the district planetarium named after him, has contributed $454,643 to the district over the past 36 years "to further enhance school district programs, activities and facilities for both students and the community."

Monday, Pedas presented the district a check for $20,800 and shared several stories of students who received awards funded by his generosity. Rubano said they enjoyed the history lesson because "if you understand the past, you understand the future."

School board president Michael Wright thanked Pedas for all he's done for the district over the years. "You bless a lot of people...and it comes from the heart."

Board vice president Lester Robinson said it's nice to see someone who can do something to help better the city and the school.

"Thank you very much," said board member Sadie Benham. "You're one person who truly loves Farrell High School and you show it."

Board member Terry Harrison agreed, adding that Pedas "didn't just say it - you do it."

District solicitor James Nevant II said Pedas' commitment and loyalty are admirable.

"You don't have to do it," noted board member Ronald Weston, adding that Pedas himself will be blessed for his actions.

"Keep up the good work, Ted," said board member Larry Manilla.

On behalf of all the students Pedas has touched over the years, Rubano said, "Thank you, thank you, thank you."

A 1956 Farrell graduate, Pedas is an internationally known astronomer, planetarium lecturer emeritus at Youngstown State University, former astronomy columnist for The Vindicator and a world traveler who has organized many historical and astronomical cruises.

He has been steadfast in his mission to improve his community and the education and quality of life of people - especially young people - who live there.

Upon his retirement as director of the planetarium several years ago, Pedas continued to donate his pension to the school and also volunteers his time to teach youngsters about the stars. In fact, he said he has received letters from former students serving in the first Iraq war asking for star maps. If you know where two stars are in the sky, you'll never be lost, Pedas said.

"These annual donations have been given as a small token of appreciation to the Farrell Area School District which has provided an education for my brothers and sister and me, enabling us, as children of immigrant parents, to make our way in the world," Pedas said. "Each of us in our own way owes a debt of gratitude to our school, community and those dedicated individuals who paved the road for us."

Ted Pedas makes 35th annual donation

By Patrecka F. Adams
Herald Staff Writer
The Herald (Sharon, Pa) —Tuesday, September 14, 2004

Part of Ted Pedas' annual donations to Farrell Area School District over the last few years was set aside in hopes that one day outstanding alumni could be recognized.

The 65-year old retired teacher and director of the district's planetarium said he wanted to create a Hall of Fame for those distinguished graduates.

And now, after years of hoping and collecting money for the project, it seems that Pedas' dream will finally come to fruition: The first class of honorees is to be inducted next year.

[Herald] Pedas made the announcement - and his 35th annual donation - at Monday's school board meeting.

He began his presentation quoting British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, author Mark Twain and Hidu poet Tagore. Pedas said he came “with a sense of love for the board, his school and the community.”

He has shown that love for more than three decades by donating about $35,000 a year to the district until his retirement a few years ago. At that time, he decided to donate his retirement earnings to the district to fund 12 areas of activities.

Monday, Pedas presented Superintendent Richard Rubano a check for $20,080 that will be used to fund those activities and programs.

Pedas said he had been donating money to fund a Hall of Fame, but it never materialized, so this year, he decided to tranfer the $3,500 for it to another program.

Then Rubano called him and told him a committee was forming for the Hall of Fame program, and Pedas said he couldn't have been happier.

“I'm elated; absolutely elated,” he said. “This is something that was very dear to my heart. I felt that this type of recognition is important because Farrell has had many people become successful...”

The first Hall of Famers will be announced in July in conjunction with the fifth annual Farrell Citizen of the Year award ceremony.

Monday's donation brings the total of Pedas' 35 years of donations to $434,552. He called the money “a small token of appreciation” meant to give back to the district that gave him and his siblings - children of immigrant parents - an education so they could make their mark on the world.

Pedas - a world traveler and internationally known astronomer - has been a science magazine and newspaper writer for three decades. He continues to lead archeological and astronomical cruises around the world and is also a retired planetarium lecturer at Youngstown State University.

“My motivation is that I want every single student to receive an award while they're in school,” he said. “And now I'm even more motivated.”

From students who improve themselves to nontraditional students who are at least 25 years old looking to have a try at college learning, to custodians, secretaries and other non-instructional staff, Pedas said everyone in the district is important and valued, and the awards reflect that:

And while he said he is overjoyed when students and others thank him for his generosity, giving to others is just something that makes him happy.

“I feel that I've been very fortunate and when you've been fortunate, you should give something back,” he said. “I can think of nothing better than giving to the kids.”

School directors Monday showered Pedas with praise. Board member Edward Zappa called him “a Farrell guy all the way.”

“I think we would be a better world if more people gave a little more of themselves, be it money or effort. Giving is most important,” Pedas said.

Pedas makes annual donation to school

By Larissa Theodore
Herald Staff Writer
The Herald (Sharon, Pa) —Tuesday, September 9, 2003

As he has done for more than three decades, Ted Pedas delivered his 34th annual check Monday to the Farrell Area School Board.

This year -- as in every other year -- Pedas' contribution of $20,480 will go toward enhancing the district's programs, activities, buildings and the Farrell and Wheatland communities.

Before presenting his check, Pedas made several observations about the last year.

Pedas, who normally spends his summers traveling the world, said he decided to spend this summer at home in Farrell. He said he was happy to see the wonderful news coverage about local communities, but was unhappy to read about the downward spiral of community organizations.

"There are 17 organizations ready to fold because there's no community spirit," he said.

Pedas said he would like to see more emphasis on volunteerism. His volunteer of the year award, which is open to students, parents and community members, is one he said he would like to enhance.

Pedas said he would be willing to buy T-shirts that say "I am a Farrell volunteer," to jumpstart a community volunteer day. Volunteerism could start at the high school, which is more than 30 years old and in need of minor repairs.

Another change Pedas is hoping to see is on the school's Web site. He said he'll continue to pay for the Web sites containing information on Farrell alumni and Farrell's history. The school district site, however, is temporary and will be replaced with one produced and built by students, something that should be an integral part of the computer class curriculum that involves student participation, he said.

Pedas was hired by the district in 1969, but retired two years ago to ease the district's financial woes. He is director emeritus of the school planetarium, which is named for him. This year's contribution brings his total donations to the district to $417,473. He makes the annual donations, he said, as a small token of appreciation to the district "which has provided an education for my brothers and sister and me, enabling us, as children of immigrant parents, to make our way in the world."

"Each of us in our own way owes a debt of gratitude to our school, community and those dedicated individuals who paved the road for us," Pedas said.

Each school board member thanked Pedas for his unselfish generosity after Superintendent Richard Rubano and board President Lester Robinson presented him with a certificate of recognition.

"We always appreciate what you do for Farrell High School and the community. No matter what success you've achieved, you've never forgotten where you come from," Robinson said.

"You'll see me again for the 35th time next year unless you tire of me," Pedas told them.

[Ted Pedas - 2002 FASD Board of Directors]

Pedas continues annual donations

By Joe Pinchot
Herald Staff Writer The Herald (Sharon, Pa) —Tuesday, September 9, 2002

When Ted Pedas announced he was retiring as planetarium director at Farrell Area School District, he overheard some unflattering chit-chat.

"We won't see him again," Pedas said people commented about him.

But even though he no longer is being paid by the district, he still is making his annual donation for a host of programs.

"He's not done yet," said Superintendent Richard R. Rubano Jr.

Monday, Pedas, presented the school board a check for $30,980.

It was Pedas' 33rd annual donation, lifting his total to $396,992.

"I plan to be here again next year," said Pedas, who acknowledged only being "kind of retired."

But Pedas, 63, of Farrell, also will be donating more than money to the district: He has agreed to contribute some of his time.

Pedas will return to the district as a planetarium volunteer.

The 1956 Farrell High graduate proposed working about 30 days a year, and he would choose different grades to work with each year. For this year, he wants to focus on grades nine through 12.

Pedas noted that the number of school planetariums has fallen statewide from 300 when he started in 1969 -- the year Farrell's was built -- to fewer than 30. He blamed the decline on budget cuts and districts losing interest in planetariums when key staff people leave.

Of the 14 programs Pedas is funding, the largest is for supplies, equipment and maintenance of the planetarium, which bears his name.

"I don't expect the district to provide any monies for the upkeep of the planetarium," he said.

Pedas, who organizes science- and history-themed sea cruises, said he also would be available to conduct astronomy, space and science workshops for teachers and staff.

"I do this because I love the school and the community, and I will do this as long as I can," he said of his philanthropy. "I make this oath to you."

School board members took turns praising Pedas' generosity.

"Thanks to people like you, Farrell is still a good place to raise your kids," said board membe Lester Robinson Jr.

PLANETARIUM DIRECTOR'S GIFTS TOTAL $364,192

Pedas makes annual donation — Also says he plans to retire
By Joe Pinchot
Herald Staff Writer
The Herald (Sharon, Pa) —Tuesday, September 11, 2001

Before Ted Pedas delivered his annual check to Farrell Area School District Monday, he offered some observations of things he has seen recently:

A Farrell post office employee helping an elderly man fill out a money order.

Students asking him what happened and how he is in response to seeing a bandage on his head. He had whacked it into the school planetarium dome.

A school board member fixing Pedas' bike when he noticed Pedas kept stopping while riding.

Those little acts of kindness, Pedas seemed to be saying, are as important as his annual big act of kindness.

"These are the things that happen in a small community," Pedas said.

Pedas, director of the school planetarium that is named after him, presented a check for $31,980 in his 32nd year of giving back to Farrell schools.

In total, Pedas has donated $364,192 to the district.

Some of the programs he funds recur from year to year -- such as the Student of the Month. Awards and Students Motivational and Improvement Awards -- but he always adds one or two new ones.

This year, Pedas took the advice of teacher Marge McCaslin-Gillern in starting an elementary literacy project.

Ms. McCaslin-Gillern said she loves reading and wanted to pass that on to her students.

Pedas said her comment was mindful of what Librarian of Congress Dr. James Billington and his predecessor, Dr. Daniel Boorstin, have told him about the state of reading in the United States.

The scholars, who have attended the historical and scientific ship cruises Pedas sets up for Royal Olympic Cruises of, New York, said people are not reading as much as they used to and publishers are releasing fewer books.

"They are concerned we're going to have a generation that's not reading," Pedas said.

Pedas is donating $1,250 to encourage students to read 25 books during the school year, meeting the state standard.

Pedas' second new program is actually one he announced at the Farrell Centennial Celebration: a school district Hall of Fame honoring outstanding alumni.

Pedas, who was named the Farrell Centurion at the Centennial Celebration, awarded $1,250 and hopes to see that 20 inaugural alumni will be named at the Farrell Homecoming in July.

The alumni awards would be named at the same time as the newly created Farrell Citizen of the Year and Junior Citizen of the Year awards.

Pedas publicly announced that he will retire at the end of the school year.

In one last act of kindness for the night, Pedas, seeking to stop potential heart attacks of school board members, said he will continue his annual check presentation and funding of existing and new programs.

Pedas, who was hired in 1969, said he decided to retire to ease the district's financial straits.

He noted the board's decision to raise taxes while the budget fund balance, its rainy day savings account, drops to an "unacceptably low amount."

He will work at the school about 45 days a year to guide students through the planetarium and will donate whatever he earns during that time -- plus his pension -- to the school district.

"I'm not giving up on you," he said.

The school board members took their turns thanking Pedas for his commitment to the district.

"Thanks again, Mr. Pedas," said school Director Larry Manilla. "I'll fix your bike anytime."

Benefactor Pedas gives largest award yet

By Joe Pinchot
The Herald (Sharon, Pa) —Monday, October 9, 2000

Ted Pedas got a letter recently from a "financial guru" who said he could have been a millionaire by now if he had invested the money he donates to his old school.

“I care more about people,” Pedas told the Farrell Area School Board Monday. “I care about human resources. That's why I'm doing this.”

What Pedas did Monday is what he's done every year for 31 years — give money to the school district to support existing programs and implement innovative ones.

Pedas, an astronomer who directs the school planetarium named after him and organizes scientific and historical sea cruises, turned over a check for $32,230, the largest amount of money he has ever given at one time. It brought his 31-year total to $327,212.

Aside from an outlay for maintenance and upkeep of the planetarium and continuation of existing programs, such as the Student Motivational and Improvement Awards for graduating seniors, Student of the Month Awards at the high school and elementary school and Volunteer of the Year Awards, Pedas created four new allocations.

Two of the new programs relate to the City of Farrell's 100th birthday next year. He has given $1,250 for the school district and city to get together and create a program that benefits students in conjunction with the Centennial Celebration.

“I don't want it to be hot dogs or wings,” he said. “I want to it be significant.”

Pedas suggested a contest or gift that reflects Farrell's history, which Pedas said was built on steel, foreign and domestic immigration and varied ethnic backgrounds.

“I think I was much richer for having had this diversity,” he said.

The second idea is an old one: instituting a school Hall of Fame honoring outstanding alumni. Pedas said he has talked about the idea for 20 years and three different superintendents have told him “next year.”

“I'm not going to ask,” he said. “I'm just going to give you the money.”

The amount: $1,250.

The former Youngstown State University professor envisions the first set of honorees being named during the Centennial Celebration, and an in-school display for academic achievement that rivals the athletic trophy cases.

Pedas said one of his fondest memories of growing up was watching the festivities of the Farrell Golden Jubilee in 1951 from his father's store at Broadway Avenue and Federal Street.

His other new programs are creating year-end $100 cash awards for the top Wheatland students in grades 1 through 12, and $2,000 for the Farrell Day Care Center, an idea he said came from district business office employee Debbie Bordell.

“You've been a model for kids to emulate,” said Superintendent Richard R. Rubano Jr. after the board gave Pedas a standing ovation. “You've been a model for superintendents to emulate. No one prods you. You do it because you want to.”

Pedas makes Wheatland award

By Joe Pinchot
The Herald (Sharon, Pa) —Tuesday, October 10, 2000

[Ted Pedas] Ted Pedas challenged the Farrell Area School Board to better recognize the contributions of Wheatland. He put his money where his mouth is Monday by giving the district $1,200 for Wheatland Student of the Year Achievement and Recognition Awards.

Pedas said he read about the Wheatland residents who want to leave the Farrell school district and join West Middlesex or Hermitage. He said he was moved by their comments and wanted to start the award program, which will tender $100 to the top Wheatland student in grades 1-12 at the end of the school year.

“I went to school with Wheatland kids,” he said. “I was happy to hear some of them say they were glad they went to Farrell.”

Pedas challenged the board to make sure Wheatland residents know “they do fit in” at Farrell schools.

“See what you can do to recognize our Wheatland citizens,” he said.

“Ted Pedas is a hell of a guy to begin with,” said Jim Weiser, one of the Wheatland parents who formed WHEAT, Wheatland's Educational Alternatives Taskforce. “For Ted Pedas to say that is awesome. That means a lot coming from that guy.”

Superintendent Richard R. Rubano Jr. responded that Wheatland is a part of the school system.

Director Lester Robinson Jr. reiterated that the board makes decisions based on what's best for all students. "We try to be as fair as we possibly can."

Robinson said the Wheatland complaints were a "great eye-opener for us."

Benefactor Pedas Keeps on giving

By Joe Pinchot
The Herald (Sharon, Pa) —Tuesday, October 12, 1999

[George Pedas] George Pedas turned over a check Monday for $23,030 to Farrell Area School Board on behalf of his brother, Ted, who has donated money to the district for various programs for 30 years.

Pedas' three-decade total is $291,982.

“Giving away Ted's money is one of the easier jobs my brother has given me.” George Pedas quipped Monday. George Pedas is the school's technical education director and his brother the director of the school's Ted Pedas Planetarium.

Ted Pedas is in Hamburg, Germany, participating in the development of a new cruise ship for Royal Olympic Cruises. The ship is being designed to be the fastest cruise ship in the world, he said in a letter. Pedas arranges cruises to see astronomical phenomena, such as eclipses, and historical sites.

Ted Pedas is following up his $10,000 gift in January to create the Farrell Area School District Foundation with another $5,000, which he hopes will spur others to give. The foundation was created to develop, promote and finance educational programs for the district.

He also is giving $1,200 to create Employee of the Month Awards for non-instructional staff, a companion program to his Secondary and Elementary Educator of the Year Awards, which give $1,500 to a teacher from each school.

The remaining programs Ted Pedas is funding:

12th annual Student Motivational and Improvement Award for seniors graduating in 2000. The award goes to students who display the greatest positive change, improvement and motivational drive in their senior years. One student receives $1,000 and a second gets $500.
Secondary and Elementary School Achievement and Recognition Student Awards with $250 going to high school students and an equal amount to elementary students.
Eight High School Student of the Month Awards, covering 54 cash awards of $25 each to students in grades 7 through 12. Students also receive a certificate.
Five Elementary School Student of the Month Awards, covering 54 cash awards of $20 each to students in grade 1 to 6. Students also receive a certificate.
Volunteer of the Year Awards for parents, guardians, students and community members, $1,000 total.
Ted Pedas Planetarium equipment, supplies and maintenance, $5,000.
Great Idea! Grants Programs $2,000 for small grants to develop innovative educational opportunities.
Fourth John G. Sava/Ted Pedas/Pennsylvania State University-Shenango Campus Legacy Award, $1,000. The award goes to a non-traditional undergraduate student from Farrell or Wheatland. It is matched by $1,000 from Sava, the former Farrell schools superintendent, and $1,000 to $2,000 from Penn State.
Farrell Elementary School PEG/PTA and the Farrell Area High School Parents and Educators Network for Students, $200 for each group.

Benefactor gives ‘seed money’ for foundation

by Joe Pinchot, Herald Staff Writer, Tuesday, January 12, 1999

FARRELL —Ted Pedas has led cruise ship excursions to Antarctica, the Amazon River and numerous historic sites around the globe. But what he has found most important about the trips are his fellow travelers and the sense of camaraderie they build that lasts long after the ship has docked.

“People are my most precious and valuable resource,” he said.

The same thing happens in school, he said. Pedas has led tours of the school for class reunions and the conversations frequently cover the accomplishments of classmates and what it was like attending Farrell schools.

“When you think of all the students who have come through these halls — thousands and thousands,” he said.

Pedas said he has looked for a way to reach the people who have come through Farrell and match them up with today's school district. He thinks he's found the proper venue in the Farrell Area School District Foundation.

The school board approved the creation of the foundation in November. Monday Pedas turned over a $10,000 check, “seed money,” he called it, to get the foundation started.

Pedas is one of the foundation's board members. The others are: Helmut Bertram, president of Bertram Tool and Machine Co. in Farrell; Olive Brown, coordinator of Sharon Regional Health System's Minority Health Advocacy Committee and a member of numerous boards; Farrell Councilman Rudolph Hammond; Wheatland Steel president Timothy Jablon; Yolanda Mazyck, program director for neighborhood-based Family Intervention Center and a member of other boards; Oscar Mehler, vice president of First National Bank of Pennsylvania; and Farrell City Manager LaVon Saternow.

The foundation states its purpose as developing, promoting and financing educational programs for the school district, which includes Wheatland and Farrell.

The foundation is affiliated with the Shenango Valley Foundation, which will manage the money and help the foundation board develop growth strategies. Shenango Valley Foundation helped the fledgling foundation formulate its mission statement.

Pedas sees the foundation not just as a money-gathering and awarding organization, but also as a way to honor the accomplishments of current and former students. He would like to see the foundation pave the way for former students to return to Farrell.

“This foundation offers us a wonderful opportunity to bridge the past, the present and the future,” he said.

“'I believe there are many graduates who still care about this little school district in western Pennsylvania,” said school Director Keith Smith.

School Director Rose Marie Branca, referring to Pedas' continual financial contributions to Farrell schools said: “We have to be the luckiest board to have such a person as you with us.”

Pedas, Sava Legacy Award established at PSU campus

The Herald Wednesday, September 30, 1998

Pennsylvania State University's Shenango campus has established the Pedas, Sava, Penn State Shenango Legacy Award.

The award is named for its benefactors and local residents, John G. Sava and Ted Pedas, and will be presented annually to a full-time, nontraditional student from the Farrell or Wheatland area who is enrolled at the campus in Sharon.

The first Pedas, Sava, Penn State Shenango Legacy Award was presented this fall to Nicole Rauber, a Wheatland area resident, majoring in human development and family studies.

Contacted in New York City on Tuesday, Pedas said he created the award to honor Sava "but he turned it around on me and decided he also wanted to add $1,000 and Penn State added the third $1,000."

"I believe very firmly we need to do more for nontraditional students," Pedas said, "If we're going to make a meaningful society we need to reach out to these people. It's like a second chance and I'll continue to support it."

In 1983, John G. Sava took the helm of the financially bankrupt Farrell Area School District and turned it into a system that by 1995 had been declared a School of the 21st Century, according to a news release from Penn State. Sava pioneered a network of early childhood initiatives and school-based family centers that serve children and their families in conjunction with health centers and a myriad of county and state human and health service agencies. Sava emphasized and supported a strong, disciplined academic environment and the participation of staff, students, families, and community members in decision making.

In 1997, Sava was appointed by the Legislature to serve on the Legislative Commission on Restructuring Pennsylvania's Urban Schools.

Sava, a 1960 graduate of Penn State, is vice president of Early Care and Education of The United Way of Allegheny County.

Pedas has been associated with the planetariums at Youngstown State University and the Farrell Area School District for 29 years.

Recognized as an innovator in planetarium operations and education, Pedas holds a degree in planetarium science from Michigan State University and an undergraduate degree from Youngstown State University. The Farrell Area School District hired Pedas in 1969 and opened the planetarium for enrichment of both students and community. Over the years the planetarium has gained local, national and international fame.

Pedas' accomplishments have earned him widespread recognition. His many honors include the U.S. Department of State's Agency for International Development Award for "exemplary service in education," and the Pennsylvania Educator of the Year award.

Pedas, a world traveler and internationally known astronomer, is a planetarium lecturer emeritus at YSU and astronomy columnist for The Vindicator of Youngstown,

"Both individuals have a great sense of community," said Dr. William C. Puffer, executive officer of the local Pennsylvania State University campus.

"Their desire to support our campus and the nontraditional student, which is the majority of our current student body, is indeed a way of matching a need with a desire."

Alumnus Pedas donates funds to school board

By Harold Gwin, Vindicatior Sharon bureau

The Vindicator, Tuesday, January 12, 1999
The foundation was formed to develop and finance educational programs for the school district and its member communities.

FARRELL — The newly created Farrell Area School District Foundation got a jump-start Monday when alumnus Ted Pedas handed the school board a check for $10,000.

Pedas, director of Farrell High School's Ted Pedas Planetarium, has given the district nearly $300,000 over 30 years. He is a member of the foundation board.

With organizational assistance from the Shenango Valley Foundation, the district foundation was formed to develop, promote and finance educational programs, activities and projects for the school district.

Idea for foundation: Pedas said he got the idea for a foundation when, as a teacher, he led tours of the district's facilities for alumni who came back for class reunions.

Often, they would try to give him a donation for the planetarium

He turned them down, he said, but the offers made him think that, of the more than 10,000 Farrell alumni, perhaps a lot more would want to contribute in some way. The foundation can fulfill that niche, he said.

Farrell's graduates are “our most valuable resource,” he told the school board. “They're waiting to hear from us.”

Hopes for hall of fame: Pedas said he envisions the foundation creating a hall of fame to honor Farrell athletes and those who have made contributions in the arts, science, medicine and other fields.

The school board thanked Pedas for his continuing generosity.

“We are going to work very hard to see that this is a success for our comminity,” said Superintendent Richard Rubano.

Other members of the foundation board are Helmut Bertram, founder of Bertram Tool and Machine Co.; Olive Brown, coordinator of the Minority Health Advisory Committee of Sharon Regional Health System; Rudolph Hammond, city councilman; Tim Jablon, president of Wheatland Steel; Yolanda Mazyck, program director of Family Intervention Center; Oscar Mehler, vice president of First National Bank of Pennsylvania and LaVon Saternow, Farrell city manager.

Select to find out more about the following

Ted Pedas Planetarium
1600 Roemer Blvd.
Farrell, Pennsylvania 16121
E-mail: tpedas@fas.k12.pa.us

TED PEDAS ANNUAL DONATIONS AND AWARDS

News Articles Relating to Ted Pedas Scholarships, Awards, Donations and Contributions

By Courtney L. Anderson Herald Staff Writer The Herald (Sharon, Pa) — September 13, 2005

By Patrecka F. Adams Herald Staff Writer The Herald (Sharon, Pa) —Tuesday, September 14, 2004

By Larissa Theodore Herald Staff Writer The Herald (Sharon, Pa) —Tuesday, September 9, 2003

By Joe Pinchot Herald Staff Writer The Herald (Sharon, Pa) —Tuesday, September 9, 2002

Pedas makes annual donation — Also says he plans to retire By Joe Pinchot Herald Staff Writer The Herald (Sharon, Pa) —Tuesday, September 11, 2001

By Joe Pinchot The Herald (Sharon, Pa) —Monday, October 9, 2000

By Joe Pinchot The Herald (Sharon, Pa) —Tuesday, October 10, 2000

By Joe Pinchot The Herald (Sharon, Pa) —Tuesday, October 12, 1999