Latest news with #LeonSmith
CBS News
17-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Three western Pennsylvania teachers named finalists in 2026 Pa. Teacher of the Year
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, along with the Pennsylvania Department of Education, announced the 12 finalists for the 2026 Commonwealth Teacher of the Year Award. Among the 12 finalists are three teachers from western Pennsylvania. They include Katherine Blandino-Nienhuls of Pittsburgh Public Schools, Jennifer Nesser of Laurel Highlands School District, and Rebecca Showalter of the Mount Lebanon School District. "Ask anyone if they remember the teacher who inspired them most, and nearly everyone will immediately smile and name an educator from their past," said Pennsylvania's Acting Secretary of Education, Dr. Carrie Rowe. "Excellent educators make a lifelong impact on the learners they serve each day in classrooms across the Commonwealth, and these 12 finalists demonstrate the qualities needed in a great teacher: supportive, engaged, and passionate about the learners in their care." The winner of the award will be announced at a ceremony in early December, and they will represent Pennsylvania at local, regional, and national events, including a National Teacher of the Year ceremony at the White House. Last year's winner, Leon Smith, a secondary teacher at Haverford High School in Haverford, Pa., has spent 22 years with the district, teaching several courses including honors and AP social studies, and 10th and 12th grade African-American studies. Meanwhile, the 2024 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year, Ashlie Crosson, was named the National Teacher of the Year, becoming the first-ever Pennsylvania teacher to win that honor. Crosson teaches 10th-grade English and AP language & composition at Mifflin High School in Lewistown, Pa. The full list of nominees is below. Whitney Bellomo, Dallastown Area School District, York County Nicole Birkbeck, Council Rock School District, Bucks County Katherine Blandino-Nienhuls, Pittsburgh Public School District, Allegheny County Renee Decker, Central York School District, York County Madeline Loring, Jefferson-Morgan School District, Jefferson County Jenna Love, Elizabethtown Area School District, Lancaster County Jennifer Nesser, Laurel Highlands School District, Fayette County Ashley Oldham, Big Spring School District, Cumberland County Andrea Rutledge, Hempfield School District, Lancaster County Rachel Sebastian, Governor Mifflin School District, Berks County Rebecca Showalter, Mount Lebanon School District, Allegheny County Elizabeth Troxell, Penns Valley Area School District, Centre County You can learn more about the Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year program on the Pennsylvania Department of Education's website at this link.
South Wales Argus
28-04-2025
- Automotive
- South Wales Argus
Tennis and padel celebrated at the 2025 LTA Tennis Awards
The 10th anniversary of the prestigious event was attended by several high-profile guests, including Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Gloucester, with the ceremony hosted by LTA President Sandi Procter and presented by head of men's tennis Leon Smith. Winners received their awards from a host of stars including Sir Trevor McDonald, Sue Barker, Andrew Castle, and Laura Robson at the LTA's National Tennis Centre. The annual LTA Tennis Awards, presented by Lexus, highlight and celebrate the incredible achievements and contributions of people in tennis and padel across Britain. The winners were selected from more than 2,000 nominations across 25 different categories, and Leon Smith was thrilled to be part of such an inspirational day and acknowledge the work in sport throughout 2024. "It was such a great day at the National Tennis Centre, and amazing to see all the finalists come together," he said. "Hearing their stories during the awards and learning about the impact they've had on tennis and padel was honestly so inspiring. "It was also really humbling to find out about all the brilliant work going on in clubs, parks, schools, venues, and communities across the country. "It was wonderful to be able to recognise everything they've done — all of which helps bring the LTA's vision of 'tennis opened up' to life. I can't wait to see what they do next." Hilda Moore received the Lifetime Achievement Award, with Kay Gilbert winning the LTA President's Award and Jane Collins named the Cathie Sabin Volunteer of the Year. Club of the Year went to Marlborough Tennis Club while Alexandra Park Tennis Courts won Park of the Year and Competition of the Year went to East Cheshire Winter Tennis League. The Lexus Game Changer Award went to South Devon Tennis Centre and Emma Lane, General Manager, Brand Communications at Lexus said: 'This is our second year sponsoring the LTA Tennis Awards and we are delighted to be working together to support all the amazing volunteers, officials, coaches, and venues across the country. 'The Lexus Game Changer award for innovation in the delivery of the sport was selected from nominees in the 12 categories voted for by national judges. They receive a £1,000 grant to continue their groundbreaking efforts which demonstrate a significant impact in their community. By using tennis as a powerful tool to support both mental and physical health, the winner has expanded their disability tennis programme, securing funding for junior wheelchairs and partnering with local organisations to deliver initiatives such as post-natal Mini & Me sessions, Sport In Mind, and Walking Tennis – all showcasing real, measurable social impact.' While Loughborough University won University of the Year and Portsmouth Tennis Centre won the Tennis Opened Up Award. Middlesex's David Nana was named Young Person of the Year, as Ben Reeves took home the Performance Coach of the Year, Joe Adams, Coach of the Year and Jack Askew, Official of the Year. The best of the grassroots was recognised alongside elite award winners Jack Draper and Katie Boulter, who were crowned the Male and Female Player of the Year, with Boulter named for a second year in a row. Henry Patten claimed Doubles Player of the Year following his Wimbledon victory in 2024, with US Open girls singles champion Mika Stojsavljevic scooping the Girls award and Charlie Robertson winning the Boys equivalent. In the wheelchair categories, Alfie Hewett claimed the Wheelchair Player of the Year once more after a stunning year on the court, while Ruben Harris won Junior Wheelchair Player. Aimee Gibson picked up another Female Padel Player award, with Christian Medina Murphy taking the Male Padel Player, while Nick Adams and Marjory Love winning their respective Male and Female Senior Player awards. Speaking after the event at the National Tennis Centre, President of the LTA Sandi Procter said: 'The ceremony is a celebration of the people that make our sport so special. 'I have always been enthusiastic about grassroots, and the LTA awards are our way of highlighting the extraordinary contribution of individuals and venues across Britain. "The dedication of all the winners, and runners-up too, is unbelievable. The selfless sacrifice of all the volunteers, officials and coaches always impress me. 'We want to keep attracting new players and fans to the sport. Supporters play a crucial role in inspiring people to pick up a racket, no matter their age, skill level, background, or where they come from." To find out more information about the LTA Tennis Awards, presented by Lexus or for information on how to play, coach, volunteer or officiate in tennis, head to: The Official Home of Tennis For Britain | LTA
The Independent
06-03-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Britain draw Poland in Davis Cup relegation play-off
Great Britain will face Poland in a Davis Cup play-off as Leon Smith's side aim to avoid relegation from the top tier of the competition. An underpowered GB side, missing British No 1 Jack Draper, lost 3-2 to Japan in the qualifying phase in January, forcing them into the World Group I play-off draw. Britain, seeded fourth, have drawn unseeded Poland and will face an away tie, with the winners to progress to the qualifying phase in early 2026 and earn a chance to compete in the eight-team Davis Cup Finals next year. GB last reached the Finals in 2023 with a team that included Cameron Norrie, Dan Evans, and Andy Murray. They exited in the last eight to a Novak Djokovic -led Serbian team. Poland are likely to be helmed by Hubert Hurkacz, a former Wimbledon semi-finalist who has been ranked as high as sixth in the world. Like the qualifying phase, the play-offs will be best-of-five, with each match best-of-three sets. A total of 26 nations are contesting 13 home or away ties. Poland, as the host nation, will choose the dates of their tie with Britain, either 12-13 or 13-14 September. Draper was out of action in the qualifier against Japan with a hip injury that derailed his off-season, while British No 2 Norrie also sat out the tie, leaving world No 81 Jacob Fearnley as the highest-ranked player in the squad.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Black History Month: Haverford High School teacher named Pa Teacher of the Year
The Brief A Montgomery County native has been named Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year. Leon Smith has been a teacher at Haverford High School for more than two decades and he is an educator who is dedicated to his craft. HAVERTOWN, Pa. - A Delaware County educator has been named 2025 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year. As the award recipient, Leon Smith will represent the Commonwealth in the National Teacher of the Year competition. He will also continue to work with legislators to craft policies that improve student success and diversity. What we know During Black History Month, Pennsylvania's 2025 Teacher of the Year, Leon Smith, reflects on his impact and what this recognition means. "I knew Black excellence, but I knew they weren't seeing it," said Smith. "And I was frustrated by that, so when I decided I wanted to be a teacher, it was really kind of important to me to be the teacher I never had." Smith has been a teacher at Haverford High School for 22 years, inspired by his parents who were also educators. He teaches 9th grade honors, AP Social Studies, and African American Studies. What they're saying "You have to look back in order to move forward, and I think that's really what Black history is to me, to really learn from the ancestors." Outside of the classroom, he coaches boys basketball and runs the African American Cultural Enrichment Club. He also created programs to encourage more students, especially of color, to become educators. "This is a role that other people that look like me can do. But I also think it really shatters a lot of stereotypes, especially for Black men in society."
