High School teacher Kathy Holsinger will retire this June after over 25 years of teaching, 24 of which were at Tyrone Area High School.

Over her 25 year teaching career Holsinger taught a wide variety of courses including biology, applied biology, microbiology, anatomy, advanced life science, workforce I and II within the metal and carpentry shops, CTE math, consumer math, algebra ½, pre-algebra, and algebra 1, alternative education math and cyber math.

¨Mrs. Holsinger is the nicest, and coolest, teacher. She brings a smile to my face every day. I will miss her so much, and I know she will be missed at Tyrone by everyone,¨ said junior Payton Wagner.

“Right up until her last few days here, the student’s academic performance is her top priority.  She really cares about her students,” said TAHS art teacher Eric Feather.

Holsinger grew up in Jersey Shore, PA and graduated from Lock Haven University in 1978 where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in biology and chemistry. Later, she attended Penn State Altoona and the Altoona Hospital School of Medical Technology and became a medical technologist in 1980. She went back to school at Saint Francis to earn her teaching certification in 1990.

¨I will miss Mrs. Holsinger greatly. She is my health care worker partner-in-crime,” said heath tech teacher Christie Taylor, “I wish her nothing but health, happiness, and many, many years of retirement bliss spending time with her husband, kids, and grand kids.¨

¨Mrs. Holsinger cares about her students and is super nice. She always is flexible with her student´s needs,” said junior Garett Matley.

Holsinger says she will miss working with student the most.  Some of her favorite Tyrone memories include the 1999 state championship football season and all the great friendships she’s made with her fellow teachers.

In her first year teaching, math teacher Fran Bloom was her mentor and she appreciated  him for being such a great and supportive mentor and friend. Mrs. Holsinger also said kind things about shop teachers Ed Vancas and Dan Plummer.

¨When I taught within their metal and carpentry classes, I learned what real math was working in a vocational class. I learned so much from each of them,¨ said Holsinger.

Working beside Mrs. Taylor and many other faculty members was a pleasure for Mrs. Holsinger, and she made great friendships she will cherish forever.

¨[Mrs. Taylor] has such a great laugh that makes you smile when you hear her in the hallway outside my room or from her room,¨ said Holsinger.

Holsinger would also like to thank science teacher Brian Gruber for being one of the smartest teachers that she knows. “He was able to fix my autoclave, answer any chemistry or physics questions, and keep me supplied with the distilled water I needed for my micro class,” said Holsinger.

After retirement, Holsinger plans to travel and spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

¨Tyrone has been such a great place to spend my time. It will always be in my heart. I have made so many great friends. I may even sub a day or two…you never know,¨ said Holsinger.