State Rep Receives Statewide Rural Education Award
Rep. Donna Oberlander speaks to the Armstrong County Republican Committee.
To recognize her work to advocate for rural and small schools in Pennsylvania, Rep. Donna Oberlander (R-Clarion/Armstrong/Forest) has received the Hillman Award and been named the “Pennsylvania Rural Educator of the Year” from the Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools (PARSS).
“I am quite humbled to receive this honor from PARSS as the education of the children of the 63rd District and those in rural areas around the state is one of my foremost priorities in Harrisburg,” Oberlander said upon receiving the recognition. “When it comes to developing education policies, rural and small schools have unique challenges, and my job is to ensure their voices are as loud and clear as everyone else’s.”
Oberlander was specifically cited for her contributions to improving education and opporunities for rural students, according to Executive Director Joseph Bard.
The award was given to Oberlander at the association’s annual conference April 23 in State College.
As part of the award, a $2,000 scholarship in the name of Carol Hillman is given to a student in one of her school districts. This year’s recipient is Addison Hockins, a senior at Clarion Area High School, who received his award at last week’s banquet.
For more than 30 years, the Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools has advocated for the interest of rural and small schools across the Commonwealth.
Representative Oberlander represents 18 municipalities in Armstrong County: Atwood Borough, Bradys Bend Township, Cowanshannock Township, Dayton Borough, Elderton Borough, Hovey Township, Madison Township, Mahoning Township, Parker City, Perry Township, Pine Township, Plumcreek Township, Redbank Township, Rural Valley Borough, South Bethlehem Borough, Sugarcreek Township, Washington Township and Wayne Township.
Local News | KP NewsDesk April 28, 2015
