Baldwin-Whitehall Superintendent Chosen as JA Educator of the Year

Dr. Randal A. Lutz, fresh off of completing his first school year as the superintendent of the Baldwin-Whitehall School District, will be crowned as Junior Achievement (JA) of Western Pennsylvania's 2013 Educator of the Year at a ceremony later this month.

"The JA Educator of the Year is something we established nearly 20 years ago to recognize a local educator for their leadership and support of JA's mission—to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy," said JA President Dennis Gilfoyle.

Gilfoyle pointed to Lutz's work with Baldwin-Whitehall's immigrant and refugee youth, especially Diwas Timsina, as a strong reason that Lutz was considered for the award. Timsina is a Bhutanese refugee and a Baldwin High School graduate who is currently attending Penn State University-Greater Allegheny.

You can read more about Timsina on pages 4 and 5 of JA's national 2011-12 report.

"Dr. Lutz's support of Junior Achievement in the school district gives these young people (immigrants and refugees) the chance to learn concepts in work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy," Gilfoyle said, "which will help them pursue their goals and succeed in the American economic system."

Nominations and recommendations for JA's annual Educator of the Year award come from school board members and school staff in addition to JA's volunteers and classroom teachers.

"I am very honored to be chosen by such a great organization as Junior Achievement as their educator of the year," Lutz said. "This is not just an honor for me but a reflection of the work and commitment made by many people within the Baldwin-Whitehall School District to serve the needs of students every day and in every way.

"At Baldwin-Whitehall, I believe we are on the cusp of moving the district in great and powerful ways. This award by JA is recognition of all the work we have done this year and reinforcement for the things we know we need to accomplish."

Lutz will receive the Educator of the Year award at a ceremony at The Westin Convention Center on June 27 at 4 p.m.