For the Mohawk Valley Jugglers Varsity Hockey team, success in the classroom is just as important as success on the ice.
The team, which sometimes features players from as many as 16 local high schools including Westmoreland, Proctor, Camden, Herkimer, Holland Patent, Ilion, Little Falls, Mount Markham, New York Mills, Notre Dame, Oneida, Oriskany, Sauquoit Valley, Vernon-Verona-Sherrill, Waterville and West Canada Valley, held a special “Teacher Appreciation Ceremony” on February 2.
Before the start of its game against Baldwinsville at Kennedy Arena in Rome, the team honored several teachers for their contributions to education with a plaque. Each teacher was nominated by a senior on the team. Senior Zach Getz, one of two Westmoreland players on the Mohawk Valley Jugglers, chose Mrs. Weissenberger, business teacher and college and career enrichment coordinator at Westmoreland Jr./Sr. High School, to be honored. Sophomore Jacob Mazur, Westmoreland’s other player on the Mohawk Valley Jugglers, joined Getz in honoring Mrs. Weissenberger.
“I think picking a teacher that you really like and somebody who is a role model for you in school is a good thing,” Getz, who is in his third season with the Jugglers, said. “Mrs. Weissenberger is a great person. She coordinates so many shadowing opportunities and job visits for students and really tries to help every student determine their future goals. She is courageous, nice and has a great personality… just an all-around great person and teacher.”
After the game, the team held a reception for all of the teachers who were recognized.
“I’m honored and privileged to be part of the Westmoreland School District and student body,” Mrs. Weissenberger said. “I’m also thankful for and humbled by Zach and Jacob thinking of me to help them celebrate their success on the ice, in the classroom and eventually in the real world.”
Congratulations, Mrs. Weissenberger, and best of luck to the Mohawk Valley Jugglers!