RUTH FRY/The Luminary Students from the Tri-town area who were recipients for the 16th annual education awards are (left to right): Elise Sherman of Hughesville High School; Kelly Kratzer of Montgomery Area High School; and Justin Kramer, of Muncy High School.

WILLIAMSPORT – For the past 16 years, the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce has celebrated and recognized education in the community.

On Thursday night, March 2, nine students and nine teachers, one from each school district and St. John Neumann Regional Academy, were selected by the chamber’s education committee.

The annual event was held at the Williamsport Country Club with a celebratory dinner. Of those seniors selected from the tri-town area were Elise Sherman from Hughesville High School, Justin Kramer from Muncy High School and Kelly Kratzer of Montgomery High School.

The students submitted a transcript, resume and essay about the most important thing they have learned through volunteering or work, according to Andree Phillip, committee chairwoman. Each received a gift certificate for $50 from the First Community Foundation Partnership of PA to give to a non-profit organization of their choice.

A welcoming speech was given by Roger Jarrett, Chair of the Williamsport-Lycoming Chamber of Commerce board. Prior to the student awards, Lycoming College and Pennsylvania College of Technology sponsored the alumni of the year awards.

Woodrow Fry, Muncy School District

Also honored were nine teachers selected by their districts for the Outstanding Educator Awards which were given out by East Lycoming School District Superintendent, Michael Pawlik who also serves on the steering committee for the Education Committee.

Cindy Shaner, of Hughesville, Woodrow Fry of Muncy and Carina McNear of Montgomery were among the nine recognized.

Carina McNear, music and communications instructor at Montgomery said she was influenced by her students over the 17 years of her teaching career. When she spoke, she said, “It’s an honor for every student that made me who I am.”

Woody Fry, 5th grade teacher at Myers Elementary School in Muncy reflected on a quote he remembers well by Ken Venturi. “I don’t believe you have to be better than anybody else, just better than you think you can be.”

In closing, Chamber President, Vince Matteo remarked on the critical link between business and education in the local community.

Carina McNear, Montgomery School District

The East Lycoming School District recorded the event “streamed live” which can be downloaded at livestream.com/eastlycoming/celebration.

Cindy Shaner, East Lycoming School District