FARRELL/WHEATLAND - Ted Pedas has spent much of his life gazing at the stars and explaining them to people.

As a teacher, astronomer and scientific cruise leader, Pedas, 73, has traveled far to witness eclipses, followed comets and pondered the dark side of the moon. He's never forgotten his Farrell roots, however.

"You remind us of the importance of staying connected," Farrell Area School Board President Terry Harrison said Monday, after Pedas made his 43rd cash donation to the district.

"I want to personally thank you," Harrison said.

Education, community and family are pillars in Pedas' life and he reminds the district of that commitment each year, Harrison said.

"I hope that my legacy is that I helped the citizens of Farrell and Wheatland," Pedas said.

"We appreciate it," Superintendent Lora Adams-King said.

Pedas' $30,000 check brings the total of his contributions to $655,132.34

The money will fund cash awards for students of the month and year, and employees of the month and year for non-instructional staff.

It will underwrite the model rocketry in education program and pay for the alumni hall of fame.

The bulk of the cash will go toward supporting the Ted Pedas Planetarium and provide 100 days of instruction there.

"We don't take it for granted," Adams-King said.

She was happy to assist Pedas in handing out the student of the year awards - which include a $100 check.

Terry Stefanick, a jack-of-all-trades in the district who works in its copy center and as a computer technician and is also senior class adviser and theater arts coordinator, was honored with a $1,000 check as the non-instructional employee of the year and the Men of God Plus, a group that mentors the district's youth, was chosen as citizen(s) of the year and presented with a $1,000 check.

Philanthropist Pedas to donate $30K to Farrell School District

FARRELL, Pa — Philanthropist and Farrell Area School District Planetarium Director Emeritus Ted Pedas is donating $30,000 this year to the district.

Pedas said he is planning to make his donation to the Farrell School Board at its Monday meeting.

He says the donation will break down as follows:

• High-school Student of the Month awards, $2,700 for 54 cash awards of $50 each to be presented this school year to students in grades seven through 12.
  
• Elementary school Student of the Month awards, $1,350 for 54 cash awards of $25 each to be presented this school year.
  
• Elementary and high-school "Student of the Year" awards, $1,200 for awards of $100 given to one student each in grades one through 12.
  
• Employee of the Month awards for noninstructional staff, $1,200 for awards of $100 to be given each month of the year to secretarial, clerical, custodial, maintenance and cafeteria employees.
  
• Employee of the Year award for noninstructional staff, $1,000.
  
• Citizen of the Year volunteer award, $1,000 for a resident of Farrell or Wheatland who has made a significant contribution to the Farrell schools.
  
• Model Rocketry in Education award, $1,000 for supplies and other costs for a science program that explores building and launching model rockets.
  
• Planetarium equipment, supplies and maintenance, $15,550.
  
• Farrell Alumni Hall of Fame, $5,000 for banquet expenses.
  

FARRELL/WHEATLAND - For the first time, children receiving the Farrell's "student of the year" awards attended the school board meeting to collect their checks in person from school benefactor Ted Pedas, who received many, many thank yous from board members and 30 residents.

The alumnus and planetarium director emeritus, who has donated $625,132 to the district in 42 years, smiled as the children were recognized and announced he'll add some new awards this year in addition to funding for the school's planetarium and programs. Pedas' donation this year amounts to $30,000.

"It's a nice feeling for them, the kids were beaming today," he said of those receiving their awards. "Recognition is a very, very powerful thing."

Twelve students in grades one through 12 received $100 checks for their work in the 2010-11 school year. They were the third annual "student of the year" awards.

The two new awards Pedas announced are an "employee of the year" award for non-instructional staff and a "citizen of the year" volunteer award - for those in the school or community - both set at $1,000.

"I have long believed that giving merit for people going beyond the call of duty should be rewarded," he said. "In business and the professional world, merit pay plays a big part in the success of the organization."

Kavonne Whitman, whose son Jaden South received the fourth-grade "student of the year" award, said she was honored.

"A lot of people look at the town and have their own opinion of it ..." she said. "I'm just thankful he gives the awards and he continues to as long as he can. I think it's such a blessing what he does for the school."

Jaden said he thinks he received the award because he was "real good the whole year," and his mother said through the help of teachers and staff, Jaden overcame a slight learning disability and improved his reading skills.

Pedas said the "student of the month" and "student of the year" awards have provided him with the most joy because they've provided 1,698 students with more than $45,500 combined.

Farrell Area School District is rare in giving such monetary awards to students, he said.

Many other awards were announced, and this year marks the second in a row for the revived "employee of the month" award, which Pedas said he was happy to bring back.

Three years ago, Pedas also revived the "Model Rocketry in Education" project after 10 years of dormancy. During the last two school years, Tom Cimoric's science classes have learned to build and launch model rockets, and Pedas will donate $1,000 to the program this year.

Pedas is also donating $15,550 to the planetarium, which he said gives more than 100 presentations for grades one through 12, and $5,000 to the Farrell Alumni Hall of Fame, recognizing outstanding alumni for the seventh year in a row.

Upkeep of the planetarium is increasingly important, Pedas said, because there were once 323 school planetariums in the state and now there are 21.

"I've always felt very strongly about giving back, and the community is small enough I can make an impact ... and I just love giving these little gifts and helping people out," Pedas said.

He noted in the past, he's found some children were not able to cash his checks because they didn't have accounts, but he told his bank if they refuse to cash one of this checks he'll close his account there.

"Many of us have disadvantages and unfortunately sometimes that carries on through generations," he said. Each school board member praised Pedas for his work.

"This (generosity) didn't just start with you now, it's always been in you," board member Allen Harrison said. "It lets students know someone cares."

Pedas award recipients - Ted Pedas announced these awards Monday at the Farrell Area School Board meeting:

• "Employee of the year" for non-instructional staff, $1,000.
  
• "Citizen of the year" volunteer award, $1,000.
  
• The 18th annual high school "student of the month" awards, $2,700 to cover 54 cash awards of $50 each.
  
• The 15th annual elementary school "student of the month" awards, $1,350 covers 54 cash awards of $25 each.
  
• The third annual elementary and high school "student of the year" awards, $1,200 covers 12 cash awards of $100 each.
  
• The "employee of the month" awards for non-instructional staff, $1,200 to be given to staff members each month. This is the second year for the reinstated award.
  
• The "Model Rocketry in Education" program, $1,000. This is the third year for the reinstated award.
  
• Funding for the district's planetarium, in its 42nd year, $15,550.
  
• Funding for the seventh annual Farrell Alumni Hall of Fame, $5,000.

FARRELL - Everyone owes "a debt of gratitude" to their hometown, Ted Pedas told Farrell Area School Board members.

"To our school and community and to those individuals who paved the way for us,"he said.

In Pedas' case, he's paid up, and then some. He came to Monday's school board meeting toting a check for $30,000 to continue a lifetime of philanthropy. This was Pedas' 41st annual donation to the school for a total of $595,132.34 that he's given to the district.

The money will pay for programs at the school that are near and dear to Pedas' heart, foremost among them instruction in the planetarium that's named in honor of him.

Pedas is also underwriting the school's model rocketry program, its cash awards for elementary and high school students of the month, cash awards for students of the year, support for the Farrell Area School District Alumni Hall of Fame, maintenance of the district's Web presence and support of the Farrell Area School District Foundation, which he said he hopes to revitalize.

New this year are cash awards for a non-instructional employee of the month in the districts.

"These are the people behind everything we do and I think they should be recognized," Pedas said.

Following his presentation, Superintendent Lora Adams-King and school board members again expressed their gratutude.

"Thank you, thank you, and thank you," Mrs. Adams-King said. "This has been said several times before."

She's mentioned Pedas' support to a state Department of Education official and they were astonished to hear about his continued cash support of the district.

"This kind of stuff doesn't happen everywhere," the state bureaucrat told her, she said: "We're glad it happens in Farrell," Mrs. Adams-King said.

Pedas, a 1956 Farrell graduate, has been an educator at the high school and college levels and is an astronomer and scientific cruise leader. He still volunteers at the district's planetarium.

"Ted has given us a concept that avove all else, education is first," board member James Guerino said. "He gives his heart and mind to education and that's really what it's all about."

Pedas announces contributions totaling $30K, adds new awards.

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FARRELL — Ted Pedas has become as constant as the changing of the seasons.

In fact, every fall for the last 40 years, the former teacher and director of the Ted Pedas Planetarium of the Farrell High School has appeared before the Farrell Area School Board to make a personal contribution to the school district.

It has been Pedas who has created such recognition as the "Student of the Month" and the "Farrell Alumni Hall of Fame" and he's been a regular benefactor of equipment for the planetarium that the school district named in his honor.

He came back to the school board this week, announcing contributions totaling $30,000 this year, bringing his 40 year total to $565,132 to enhance school district programs, activities and facilities, benefiting students and the community.

He said the gifts have been a “small token of appreciation” to the school district which provided an education for him, his brothers and his sister.

Pedas announced the creation of two new awards this year — Elementary and High School Student of the Year and Employee of the Month for noninstructional staff.

Pedas, who said he is a believer in merit pay, said he is activating the Employee of the Month award to give recognition to employees who contribute beyond expectations.

He said he'd like to see Farrell be a pacesetter in the use of the bonus system.

In addition to his monetary gifts, Pedas said he will continue to Personally fund the Farrell Area School District, the FHS Alumni, and the History of Farrell, Pennyslvania web sites. He had funded the creation of all three.

He's also put $25,000 into the Farrell Area School District Foundation and told the school board that he is seeking to revitalize the foundation and take it in a new direction.

A breakdown of this year's contributions shows:

• $2,700 — High School Student of the Month providing 54 cash awards of $50 each to be presented September through May to students in grades 7-12.

• $1,350 — Elementary School Student of the Month providing 54 cash awards of $25.00 from September through May for students in grades 1-6.

• $1,200 — Elementary and High School Student of the Year, providing an award of $100 to be given to one student at every grade level.

• $1,200 — Employee of the Month for noninstructional staff, providing $100 monthly awards one to be presented each month of the year.

• $5,000 — Farrell Alumni Hall of Fame. The organization's fifth recognition dinner will be October 17.

• $18,550 — Planetarium equipment, supplies and maintenance. The planetarium has scheduled 144 presentations for students this year.

  In addition to his monetary gifts, Pedas will also give of his time.

  He said he will be working in the planetarium as a volunteer assisting instructors (paid for through his planetarium contribution) who will be handling the student presentation.

  ---

  Ted Pedas — Index of News Articles

Four decades of philanthropy were celebrated Monday night when Ted Pedas made his annual donation to Farrell Area School District.

Pedas said he was "aiming for 50" as he came with a $30,000 check to give to the district's students and staff this year.

His 40th donation funds "some of my favorite projects," he said.

Among them are $50 awards for students of the month in grades seven through 12 and $25 awards for students of the month in grades one through six.

"I think these 108 awards are my favorite. It isn't a lot of money, but it helps," Pedas said. Through the years, the program has rewarded 1,458 students and distributed $35,000, Pedas said.

"It's always nice to have that little extra incentive," Pedas said.

He's expanding the program this year to include $100 awards to "students of the year" in grades one through 12.

A longtime advocate of "merit pay" for the district's staff, Pedas reinstated this year $1,200 - $100 per month - to reward employees of the month for the noninstructional staff.

"This award pleases me greatly because it upholds my long-held belief in giving merit for going beyond set duties," Pedas said.

He'll also continue to fund the planetarium program which follows state science guidelines, he said.

In addition to rewarding the present students and staff, Pedas is continuing support of the Farrell Area School District Hall of Fame, a program led by alumni secretary Judi Pendel and alumni board chairman James A. Raykie Jr.

The Hall of Fame's annual induction ceremony is set for Oct. 17 at the high school cafeteria. "The Hall of Fame's good work in recognizing Farrell alumni who have made significant contributions throughout the country and the world for that matter, is possible mainly because of Ted," Raykie said. "Our community is blessed to have such a benevolent person."

School board members were unanimous in their appreciation of Pedas.

"He has always been a great friend of Farrell schools," board member Ronald Weston said."I hope you're here from 41 to 50 and beyond that," board member Chuck Branca said. Other members made similar statements as Pedas concluded his annual visit to the board.

"I'll be back for 41," Pedas said.

Pedas is a former astronomy teacher and international cruise leader and a 1956 graduate of Farrell High.

Part of Ted Pedas' annual donations to Farrell Area School District over the last few years was set aside in hopes that one day outstanding alumni could be recognized.

The 65-year old retired teacher and director of the district's planetarium said he wanted to create a Hall of Fame for those distinguished graduates.

And now, after years of hoping and collecting money for the project, it seems that Pedas' dream will finally come to fruition: The first class of honorees is to be inducted next year.

Pedas made the announcement - and his 35th annual donation - at Monday's school board meeting.

He began his presentation quoting British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, author Mark Twain and Hidu poet Tagore. Pedas said he came “with a sense of love for the board, his school and the community.”

He has shown that love for more than three decades by donating about $35,000 a year to the district until his retirement a few years ago. At that time, he decided to donate his retirement earnings to the district to fund 12 areas of activities.

Monday, Pedas presented Superintendent Richard Rubano a check for $20,080 that will be used to fund those activities and programs.

Pedas said he had been donating money to fund a Hall of Fame, but it never materialized, so this year, he decided to tranfer the $3,500 for it to another program.

Then Rubano called him and told him a committee was forming for the Hall of Fame program, and Pedas said he couldn't have been happier.

“I'm elated; absolutely elated,” he said. “This is something that was very dear to my heart. I felt that this type of recognition is important because Farrell has had many people become successful...”

The first Hall of Famers will be announced in July in conjunction with the fifth annual Farrell Citizen of the Year award ceremony.

Monday's donation brings the total of Pedas' 35 years of donations to $434,552. He called the money “a small token of appreciation” meant to give back to the district that gave him and his siblings - children of immigrant parents - an education so they could make their mark on the world.

Pedas - a world traveler and internationally known astronomer - has been a science magazine and newspaper writer for three decades. He continues to lead archaelogical and astronomical cruises around the world and is also a retired planetarium lecturer at Youngstown State University.

“My motivation is that I want every single student to receive an award while they're in school,” he said. “And now I'm even more motivated.”

From students who improve themselves to nontraditional students who are at least 25 years old looking to have a try at college learning, to custodians, secretaries and other non-instructional staff, Pedas said everyone in the district is important and valued, and the awards reflect that:

And while he said he is overjoyed when students and others thank him for his generosity, giving to others is just something that makes him happy.

“I feel that I've been very fortunate and when you've been fortunate, you should give something back,” he said. “I can think of nothing better than giving to the kids.”

School directors Monday showered Pedas with praise. Board member Edward Zappa called him “a Farrell guy all the way.”

“I think we would be a better world if more people gave a little more of themselves, be it money or effort. Giving is most important,” Pedas said.

As he has done for more than three decades, Ted Pedas delivered his 34th annual check Monday to the Farrell Area School Board.

This year -- as in every other year -- Pedas' contribution of $20,480 will go toward enhancing the district's programs, activities, buildings and the Farrell and Wheatland communities.

Before presenting his check, Pedas made several observations about the last year.

Pedas, who normally spends his summers traveling the world, said he decided to spend this summer at home in Farrell. He said he was happy to see the wonderful news coverage about local communities, but was unhappy to read about the downward spiral of community organizations.

"There are 17 organizations ready to fold because there's no community spirit," he said.

Pedas said he would like to see more emphasis on volunteerism. His volunteer of the year award, which is open to students, parents and community members, is one he said he would like to enhance.

Pedas said he would be willing to buy T-shirts that say "I am a Farrell volunteer," to jumpstart a community volunteer day. Volunteerism could start at the high school, which is more than 30 years old and in need of minor repairs.

Another change Pedas is hoping to see is on the school's Web site. He said he'll continue to pay for the Web sites containing information on Farrell alumni and Farrell's history. The school district site, however, is temporary and will be replaced with one produced and built by students, something that should be an integral part of the computer class curriculum that involves student participation, he said.

Pedas was hired by the district in 1969, but retired two years ago to ease the district's financial woes. He is director emeritus of the school planetarium, which is named for him. This year's contribution brings his total donations to the district to $417,473. He makes the annual donations, he said, as a small token of appreciation to the district "which has provided an education for my brothers and sister and me, enabling us, as children of immigrant parents, to make our way in the world."

"Each of us in our own way owes a debt of gratitude to our school, community and those dedicated individuals who paved the road for us," Pedas said.

Each school board member thanked Pedas for his unselfish generosity after Superintendent Richard Rubano and board President Lester Robinson presented him with a certificate of recognition.

"We always appreciate what you do for Farrell High School and the community. No matter what success you've achieved, you've never forgotten where you come from," Robinson said.

"You'll see me again for the 35th time next year unless you tire of me," Pedas told them.