The “Be Golden” award is a faculty and staff recognition program at the high school. It is given to a teacher or staff that is making a difference at Tyrone.

This award is given weekly by a faculty/staff member to another faculty/staff member. Whoever receives the trophy on Friday is responsible for awarding it to someone else the following week. The only criteria are to give it to someone who has done something to make the school a better place.

“With the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) initiative in our school, we want to not only recognize students for being golden but staff members as well,” said Shannon Davis, the award program coordinator. “This is a way to personally thank people we work with every day, but don’t always have the chance to show them how much they are appreciated.”

Last week the award went to paraprofessional Mrs. Vanya Davis

He chose to give the award to tenth-grade English teacher Mr. David Rutter

Mrs. Davis quote:

“I nominate Mr. David Rutter for the Be GOLDEN award because his students are his priority. Even when Mr. Rutter is not at school, he spends much of his personal time helping each of his students improve themselves. When students have questions he always takes the time to make sure they understand what he’s teaching. Whether he’s talking about the Pittsburgh Penguins or his daughters, he always finds a way to connect his interests with what his students are learning. Mr. Rutter’s enthusiasm for teaching and love for his students is contagious, and I enjoy being part of his class each day.”

The Eagle Eye interviewed Mr.Rutter about being this week’s award winner:

Eagle Eye: Why did you go into education?

David Rutter: “My mother was a teacher for over thirty years, and I was always in awe of how she motivated and helped her students. I always knew I wanted to teach.” 

EE: What makes Tyrone a good place to work?

DR: “I love working with students and showing them the craft of writing. Our students work hard and it’s a pleasure for me to be here each day. Also, my co-workers are, as Tina Turner once sang, ‘Simply the Best’.”

EE: What is your favorite memory at Tyrone?

DR: “My favorite memory was when several of my 11th-grade students, during my first year, asked me to participate in the of West Side Story. The hard work and dedication shown by all of the students who participated in that musical was astounding. It was a great way to interact with many students outside of the classroom. Also, how could I miss the opportunity to act alongside officer Bub and Mr. McNitt!”