I was born in Coitsville, Ohio, the daughter of John and Margaret Sinkovich. After graduating from North High School, I attended Youngstown State University in the fall of 1965. I received my B.S. in Education with dual certification- K-12 in 1969 and my M.S. in Guidance and Counseling in 1973. After taking post-secondary graduate courses at YSU and several other universities, I received my Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Certificate.

My first teaching assignment was at Campbell Memorial High School where I taught English for seventeen years before becoming a guidance counselor and director of guidance during my last eighteen years. I also taught graduate courses and supervised guidance interns at YSU as an adjunct faculty member for the past two years. While at CMHS, I volunteered as English Department Chairperson, National Honor Society Advisor, Tod Squad Advisor, Academic Challenge Team Advisor, YSU English Festival Judge, Pepsi Challenge Team Advisor, Class Sponsor, and ARETE member. I presented workshops and in-service training for school personnel and parents and served as a library assistant in the district.

It was with mixed emotions that I retired from the Campbell City Schools in July 2004. I had been a teacher and counselor for thirty-five years, and I can honestly say that I truly loved my career. As I reflect on my years in education, I realize that I could not have chosen a better, more rewarding career for myself. Students I have taught and counseled have attended fine universities and distinguished themselves in prominent careers.

I am presently a member of the Ohio Counseling Association, East Ohio Counseling Association, Ohio School Counselor Association, National Education Association, Ohio Education Association, Delta Kappa Gamma, Phi Delta Kappa, YSU Alumni Association, YSU Department of Counseling Community Board, YSU Department of Admissions Advisory Board, Mahoning County Career and Technical Center Advisory Board, Mahoning County Crisis Intervention Core Team, Mahoning Valley Retired Teacher's Association, Ohio Retired Teacher's Association, and St. Michael's Church.

In addition to being a member of these organizations, I am committed to community service. My extensive volunteer history includes involvement with the American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, Hospice of the Mahoning Valley, Forum Health, and Second Harvest Foodbank. I currently serve on the YWCA committee for "Young Women with Bright Futures," Phi Delta Kappa scholarship committee, and numerous other civic, community, and church committees.

With much gratitude, I have been the recipient of many awards during my career. I was honored as a Martha Holden Jennings Scholar, recognized in "Who's Who Among America's Teachers," and received the YSU Outstanding Community Outreach Award. My role, as an educator, has been to nurture and foster an environment for student success. I encouraged my students to develop a sense of purpose and focus in their lives, to develop confidence in their skills, and to develop life skills that would create trusting, caring relationships. Personally, I believe one's beliefs are best expressed in actions; however, my actions have been guided by these words of Ralph Waldo Emerson:

To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.

"Smart women rewire instead of retire" is my new motto. Since I retired, I have been employed by the MCCTC as a proficiency intervention tutor, a substitute teacher, and a guidance counselor. I was also invited to supervise YSU counseling interns in Mahoning, Trumbull, Stark, and Portage counties. As an ACT Test Supervisor, I have instituted the ACT test on Saturdays at Canfield High School. I am currently employed as a guidance counselor by the Western Reserve Local School District. I continue to be involved in community service. Although it may seem like I have not retired, I truly enjoy being active, and I still have time to be with my wonderful family which includes my husband, Robert "Bert;" my daughter, Dr. Lisa Miller; my son, Robert; and my son-in-law, Dr. Chad Miller. For the past twenty-five years, I have resided in Canfield, Ohio.

In closing, I wish to thank YSU for this prestigious honor and my loving family for being so supportive and understanding over the years.