When you step inside the front door of the Leechburg High School, standing seven feet tall, a cheerfully bright Christmas tree, greets you warmly. Beautifully decorated in the school’s colors, blue and sliver, the tree completes the circle of Christmas décor that continues throughout the entire building. Every Christmas, the art club, led by Mrs. Shayle Prorok, proudly displays a host of elegant wreathes, boughs, and decorations. This tradition is just one of the ways her students show Blue Devil pride and support the school. Mrs. Prorok’s dynamic leadership inspires students not only in the field of art, but also in school involvement and in giving back to the community.

As the art teacher for grades seven through twelve, Mrs Prorok provides a creative learning atmosphere in which kids practice a multitude of art mediums. “I play music for my students while they’re working…I try to have fun, and have a sense of humor with them,” she explains. In her room, one finds huge intriguing sculptures; in display cases, there are beautiful oil paintings, and on tables in the hall, students show off King Tut replicas and many other projects. In addition, the seasonal murals in front of the building and the hall paintings throughout the school are works done by the students. It is evident that they enjoy creating more and more artwork.

Along with her art classes, Mrs. Prorok sponsors several clubs and activities. Her enthusiasm promotes school pride in the students. First, she leads the Dance Club and is the sponsor for the Prom. Second, she serves on the Student Assistance Program - Core Team. This group meets regularly to ensure the well being of the students. Most of her time, however, is dedicated to the art club activities. “Each year,” notes Mrs. Prorok, “we create and carry out the Haunted House for the Leechburg ‘Halloween Burg,’ a town wide event.” The students prepare all the costumes, props, and decorations for the house, as well as being the actors! The club donates the proceeds from the event to the Leechburg Area Council. The council, in turn, awards a donation to the art club.

Mrs. Prorok’s favorite event, however, is the annual “Eat Your Art Out” Contest held in March. First, the students design a logo for the event and order t-shirts. Next, students work with her to plan and build edible sculptures to display. “The kids do an amazing job. Someone even made a replica of Falling Water with blue Koolaid flowing through it!” notes Mrs. Prorok. Other projects range from lifesize guitars to the Eiffel Tower. After a panel of judges awards prizes to the winning students, everyone gets to eat the sculptures. As an added incentive to participate, Mrs. Prorok puts all the students’ names in a hat. The two students whose names are picked get to “pie” Mrs. Prorok!! She laughs, “Last year the two girls got me with giant pans of whipped cream.”

Mrs. Prorok encourages her students to support their community by leading them in acts of service, as well as by setting the example in her own life. In addition, to the Halloween haunted house project, Mrs. Prorok takes the art club to paint the windows for different seasons at Sprankles IGA and at Tire Connections in Leechburg. Individually, she has supported the community by teaching for the National Sports Program, an organization designed to keep students off the streets. Students from Pittsburgh, New Kensington, and surrounding areas are bused to Penn State for the sports activities.

Mrs. Prorok and her husband, Brandon, live in the New Kensington area. She is still very close to her parents, Bill Helsley and Courtney Clark, as well as to her brothers, Nick, Matthew and sister, Stacey.

Recently Mrs. Prorok received one of the greatest compliments given to a teacher. A student’s father, Mr. Karl Dehnert, wrote a letter of gratitude to the newspaper, commending her for her dedication and positive impact on students. He praised her for helping students choose and get in to colleges, along with giving counsel on what degrees to pursue. His letter stated, “Mrs. Prorok is what every teacher should strive to be. She works side by side with her students…Thank you, Mrs. Prorok, for everything you have done and for the future lives you will shape. I hope your students understand how blessed they are to have you in their life!” (Valley News Dispatch)