New Faces in the Halls of Pen Argyl High School
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By Jaelyn Smith
There have been many new additions to the Pen Argyl High School faculty in 2024. This includes English teachers: Brianna Bilyeu and Courtney Tolino, social worker, Claire Kresge, and history teacher, Nicole Costello. Lastly, not a new face, but she is new to Pen Argyl High School, world language teacher, Elizabeth Ilardi.
Ilardi was the world language teacher at Wind Gap Middle School for four years, now she is a world language teacher at PAHS. Ilardi said, “My future plans include continuing to adapt my teaching for high school students, getting more involved in extracurricular activities, and exploring opportunities for professional development and growth.”
Another addition is Claire Kresge. Kresge is the district’s new and only social worker. This is the first time Pen Argyl has had a social worker throughout the whole district. Kresge said, “Stepping into the School Social Worker position at Pen Argyl Area High School has been such a great opportunity!”
Photo Courtesy of Elijah Ceraul
Illardi teaches her second block Spanish 1 class. The course focuses on beginner conversational aspects and vocabulary terms to ready students to progress into Spanish 2.
Photo Courtesy of Elijah Ceraul
Bilyeu stands at the head of her class, talking about the relevancy of social media and the youth with her younger students.
The two new members of the English department are, Brianna Bilyeu coming last year, and Courtney Tolino coming this year.
Before Bilyeu came to Pen Argyl, she worked at an alternative school, where she taught English, social studies, and art. She says she looks forward to events such as homecoming and pep rallies.
Straight out of college Tolino was looking for work but at that time she said, "most schools were laying people off, not hiring."
Tolino worked at a non-profit organization for over fifteen years while at the same time subbing for Bangor's middle schools. This year, Tolino "decided it is time I dip my toe back into education."
So far Tolino has, "enjoyed my time here, the values are really well placed in providing the best education, and a welcoming environment for students."
With a constant flow of new people throughout the hallways, Pen Argyl is an ever expanding school, with its doors wide open to new faces, each of them making a difference in students academic and peronal life.
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