Valerie Ripple

Did you know that Leechburg once had two movie theaters and a skating rink? Have you ever seen a wringer washer or tasted coffee soup? What was it like to live during World War II? These are some of the interesting bits of history that students in Valerie Ripple’s English classes learn about when they complete one of her favorite projects, an interview of someone two generations older. Mrs. Ripple has been teaching English at Leechburg High School for 35 years and recently retired this past June. She has enjoyed doing projects with the students and staying involved in education associations, but most of all, developing a relationship with the students.

As a teacher of English 11, English 12, and Honors English, Mrs. Ripple kept the classes exciting by giving projects. The one that the students love the most is an interview assignment. For this, students have to interview a grandparent or someone two generations older than they are. After brainstorming to see how much they know about each decade, the class comes up with a list of questions for the interview. Mrs. Ripple explains, “The students learned so much about what life was like for people 40 – 60 years ago and gain a new appreciation for the ease of their own lives. They begin to grasp how the older generations had to struggle for everything they had.” After interviewing and writing a paper, the students give oral reports. Some cook and bring in recipes from grandparents, World War II memorabilia, and various other pieces of family history. They recount stories from grandparents such as having to eat bread crumbled into coffee as “coffee soup.” The students get extremely excited to report on what they’ve learned. Mrs. Ripple adds that students come in and say, “I just couldn’t wait for this class today!” Many students have thanked Mrs. Ripple for the assignment, because it brought them closer to their grandparents.

In addition to teaching, Mrs. Ripple has served in several other capacities. As the department head, she worked to establish qualifications and standards for the Honors English program and organized the program’s curriculum. She also held the position of president of the Alpha Theta chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, a women’s international teaching society. This group raises funds for a UNICEF project that sends aid to teachers in Afghanistan. On the state level, it supports “Expect a Miracle,” which gives grants to single parents to provide specific needs for their children, such as camp or braces. Finally, Mrs. Ripple has been on the committee for the Leechburg Education Association. Every year this organization raises money to provide scholarships for their college bound seniors. They raise the funds through Casual Fridays, McTeacher Night, and Steeler / Faculty football games. This year they awarded four students a $1,500.00 scholarship!

Along with her teaching responsibilities, Mrs. Ripple is a mother of two and volunteers her time in the community. Her children, Steven, 25, and Kimberly, 22, are college students. She has served as an elder and is currently a deacon at Appleby Manor Memorial Presbyterian Church in Ford City. In the summers, she teaches Vacation Bible School.

Relating what she found the most rewarding in her career, Mrs. Ripple states with a big smile, “It is the relationship you have with the students. A principal once said, ‘For some kids, their hours in school may be the best hours of their day.’ … I treat all my students with respect. They are a wonderful bunch of kids.” She adds that the faculty at Leechburg is very close. She knows that she will miss them.

Mrs. Ripple’s impact as a teacher exceeds far beyond academics. She has instilled in her students principles that will enrich their lives. One of those is the deeper respect and appreciation for their grandparents. Though it was difficult to leave behind colleagues and students who had become family, Mrs. Ripple takes with her over three decades of fond memories to enjoy for years to come. For the full story and to meet Mrs. Ripple through the video interview, go to http://www.alle-kiskitoday.com/video/educators