Area teachers recognized at education ceremony

Dedicated teachers from 22 school districts served by the Stark County Educational Service Center were honored at an awards ceremony dinner held April 27 at La Pizzaria in Canton.

Two teachers from each of the 22 school districts were honored, including Teachers of the Year and Rookies of the Year. Those honored from this area included the following.

Teachers of the Year

Carrollton Exempted Village

Ken Pasiuk has devoted more than 30 years to education and coaching. After beginning in special education, he spent 28 years as a physical education teacher at the elementary and middle school levels. He has contributed to wrestling, football, baseball, track and golf, including many years as a head wrestling coach. He also served as head of the Physical Education Department, an Ohio High School Athletic Association wrestling district representative, and a certified referee, while founding the CHS Wrestling Scholarship Foundation. His career reflects a deep commitment to students, athletics and his community.

Brown Local

Tami Warner has dedicated 30 years to education, serving only within Brown Local. The majority of her career was spent as an elementary teacher, but she has transitioned to the middle school, specializing in sixth-grade math. She has been an active advocate for her peers, serving as president of the Malvern Education Association, helping negotiate and lead the district through contract developments to ensure fair terms for teachers. Warner is retiring this year and will be greatly missed.

Minerva Local

A Kent State alumna with 35 years at Minerva High School, Valerie Slaton serves as science department head and lead teacher. Specializing in biology and anatomy, she has served as department head and teacher leader. Beyond the classroom, she has served as Science Fair adviser, Ecology Club mentor and Aultman Ambassadors leader. Minerva Local is proud to celebrate her excellent career and her dedication to the Minerva Local Schools community.

Sandy Valley Local

Craig Carnes has served the Sandy Valley Local School District for more than a decade as band director and instrumental music instructor. A 2010 graduate of Malone University and 2013 Master of Music graduate from Kent State University, he is an accomplished performer and dedicated educator. He also serves in leadership roles, including union president and member of the DLT, BLT and PBIS teams. Through directing ensembles and teaching classroom music, Carnes inspires students and fosters a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

Rookies of the Year recognized from area districts included Rebecca Stoneman of Carrollton Exempted Village, Maysie Rogers of Brown Local, Kayla Pitts of Minerva Local and Carly Caldwell of Sandy Valley Local.