Wesley Sprankle of Leechburg is headed to Clarion University of Pennsylvania to earn a degree in elementary teaching and special education. “I have been interested in teaching my whole life” is what he told me. I wanted to know how he made this decision. Wesley started listing how his teachers have influenced him and the opportunities he has had to experience teaching.

Most recently in his senior year at Leechburg High School, he taught several 45 minute classes as a bonus project. One was a biology class on plant life. He has tutored 1st and 4th grade kids for five or six years, sometimes up to several times a week. In his church, Fort Zion Lutheran Church, he helped other teachers and worked with Vacation Bible School one year. With a background like that, Wesley is well on his way to his desired profession.

Wesley has spent his growing years dedicated to volunteering, teaching and being involved in a variety of organizations. His academic achievements brought him the Prudential Spirit of America Award and an Outstanding Student Award. During his school years he has held officer positions in each grade of high school. He was class president for his freshman and sophomore years and vice president for the junior and senior years. He also was a member of the Student Council.

One group he was very dedicated to was SADD. A member for four years, he was responsible for organizing a six-member puppet team that staged a number of presentations that were given to Leechburg Elementary school classes. The 30-minute puppet play was based on peer pressure and making the right decisions. . “The kids asked a lot of questions,” he said.

Another area of volunteering has been the annual Thanksgiving Dinner that a teacher, Franci Strapac has being putting on for years. Wesley has been a part of this yearly service since his first grade. He said that he considers her his “second mother” and is much honored to serve at her side.

Wesley also was involved in the high school science club (he was President all four years), Drama Club, marching band (drum major), Show Choir and was Stage Crew member for the whole four years.

Last year Wesley organized a Community Candle Light Memorial at the Leechburg Pool where community members could write a name on a candle and float it in the pool while a Pastor said prayers. In the background he had Amazing Grace playing throughout the ceremony. Although it rained there was a good turnout and he is planning to do another one this August.

The Leechburg Pool is where Wesley is employed as head janitor. He supervises up to 11 others who work at the pool. He loves cooking also and made breakfast for the pool staff the other day. You’ve got to love a boss like that! Although he has held other work at Giant Eagle in Allegheny Township and Hoffstot’s Restaurant in Oakmont, the pool is where his heart is. He not only has worked there for five years, he is a member. It was his day off when I called for the interview and where was he? At the pool, of course.

Wesley wants to teach locally after he gets his degree. He is eyeing Leechburg or Hampton schools as his first choice. Knowing his maturity, community service and academic achievements, it is a good guess he’ll get where he wants to go.

He has an older brother, Justin, and sister, Emily. There are also three dogs and three cats at home. His parents are Allen and Pamela Sprankle.