Plymouth Whitemarsh High School baseball players pitch thanks to their teachers

Colonial School District teachers who are aces in the minds of Plymouth Whitemarsh High School baseball players were honored at an annual Teacher Appreciation Week celebration held prior to the team’s game on May 8.

Every year, players who will be graduating are invited to honor a teacher who has had an impact on them during their time in school. The players write touching tributes to the men and women who have helped coach them off the field, and their sentiments are shared with the crowd while the players greet and give baseballs to the honoree. 

Read on for a list of the students and the teachers they chose to thank:

• Outfielder Matt Spagna/Plymouth Whitemarsh High School business teacher Jeff Kavanagh
• Manager Seth Walcoff/Plymouth Whitemarsh High School English teacher Tom Rafferty
• Pitcher Owen Pizzi/retired Whitemarsh Elementary School teacher Ilene Miller
• Outfielder Tommy Baron/Plymouth Whitemarsh High School English teacher Dana Moyer
• Shortstop Gabe Caucci/Plymouth Whitemarsh High School English/International Baccalaureate teacher Becky Duffy
• First baseman Ryan Heincer/Plymouth Whitemarsh High School English teacher/Lacrosse coach Ryan Bonanni
• Outfielder/Catcher Sam Stolzer/Plymouth Elementary School teacher Jill Klein
• Pitcher Jake Rauscher/Colonial Middle School science teacher/Junior Varsity Baseball Coach Kyle Chandler

Several of the players who invited teachers from their elementary school days shared fond memories of the teachers who were a part of their earliest classroom experiences. 

“Mrs. Klein was my first grade teacher. She was always so kind and patient and was able to make every student feel special,” said Sam. “She celebrated every student’s strengths and helped them work to their full potential. She continued to show interest in me and my accomplishments even after I was no longer her student. And to this day, she still does.”

Owen said he formed a bond with Mrs. Miller over baseball and remembered his kindergarten class as a place of kind words and hugs.

“I believe her uplifting example has helped to make me a team player on and off the field,” he said. “I am lucky to still have her in my life encouraging me and I am grateful to be able to honor her today for the amazing teacher and person she is. Yellow team forever!”

Other students credited their teachers with helping them to enjoy a subject they are not fond of, or with important skills.

“Mr. Kavanagh helped me a lot with money management in his class, and has always been a good guy to talk to whether it’s about school, life, or baseball,” said Matt.

Seth said Mr. Rafferty’s influence continued even after his class had ended.

“I credit him with truly teaching me how to write and would not where I am today without having taken his class,” he said.

Following the players’ remarks, the team also honored Joanne Pinner, a Plymouth Whitemarsh High School math teacher who is retiring this year. An ardent supporter of PW athletics and a well-loved educator, Ms. Pinner was invited to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. The team then went on to play Wissahickon High School. While the game ended in a loss, the real win of the day was the celebration of the important bonds that teachers form with students.