By BROOKE WHITLING; Photography by GABE DRESBACH
Student contributors
While the education field is experiencing a shortage of teachers, Cranberry High School is not lacking diverse, engaged, highly-qualified professionals. As students walk through the hallways this school year, they may be greeted by some unfamiliar faces.
Julia Omencinski
Julia Omecinski
In the art hallway, students may hear Julia Omecinski, aka Mrs. O., instructing seventh graders on the principles of form and value. An Edinboro alumni and Clarion native, Mrs. O. is passionate about painting, song writing, and singing. While Mrs. O. has the Irish middle name of “Aisling” (pronounced Ashleen), her name is not her only experience with Irish culture. Last year, Mrs. O. completed her student teaching in Ireland. Living in Dublin, she was immediately immersed in the traditions and customs of Ireland. Though Mrs. O. is excited to watch students grow and become enthusiastic about art, she ultimately wants students to savor their high school experience as they can never get it back.
Abigail Trypus
Abigail Trypus
Upcoming eighth graders will have the opportunity to learn about physical and earth science from Abigail Trypus, who attended Maplewood High School in Townville. Before her move to Cranberry, Trypus worked at Ernst Seed in Meadville, which is the largest native seed processor and supplier in the Eastern United States. Trypus also taught adult classes at IU5 and held administrative positions. When Trypus was in high school, she placed second at states with her all-star softball team. A history buff and seafood enthusiast, Trypus celebrates her birthday on Halloween. In her free time, Trypus enjoys gardening, hunting, and fishing, as well as raising farm animals and golden retriever puppies.
Logan McMahon
Logan McMahon
Stationed in the junior high hallway, Logan McMahon can be heard teaching eighth grade students literary elements and reading comprehension. A graduate of both Edinboro and Clarion University, McMahon was a government background investigator before becoming a teacher. When he is not reading mystery, horror, or science fiction books, he can be found practicing Olympic weightlifting or playing his drums and guitar. A certified Olympic weightlifting coach, McMahon is hoping to bring the sport to Cranberry. With his band, McMahon once played a gig at The Bitter End in New York City, a rock club in which both Lady Gaga and Bob Dylan have performed. This year, McMahon is excited to meet his students and immerse himself in the Berry community. Quoting Ferris Bueller, he advises students that “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
Megan McNany
Megan McNany
If you see her, Megan McNany will likely be sewing and cooking. A mom of two based in Foxburg, she attended California University of Pennsylvania and Clarion University, originally majoring in Meteorology. However, due to low job opportunities, she switched her major to Education, eventually becoming certified in Science, Middle School Math, and Family Consumer Science. In her spare time, McNany enjoys watching movies, especially superhero and Star Wars movies. A past basketball and volleyball coach at AC Valley, McNany loves all things Disney and watching Pittsburgh sports. When she married her husband, McNany changed her middle name to her maiden name, following the family tradition that her grandmother had started. McNany wants students to be as positive as possible and to know that they should never be afraid to ask for help.
Scott McCray
Scott McCray
“Hola, señor,” students will say when they enter the Spanish classroom this school year. Scott McCray, as well as owning Victorian City Art and Frames in Franklin for 17 years, taught near Albany, New York, in Corry, and at Venango Catholic in Oil City. Through the years, McCray has led a life rich in cultural and diverse experiences. Though he is native to the area, McCray lived in Denver, Colorado, for a three year stint, where he joined the hair-cutting business. A vegetarian who has a taste for Mexican and Italian cuisine, McCray enjoys practicing calligraphy. McCray is also an avid runner, having participated in the Boston Marathon six times, in addition to several other long distance races. McCray is thrilled to be a part of the Berry community, as he has heard wonderful things about the school. He advises students to apply themselves this year, even if they are not physically present, because it will pay off in the long run.
Despite what will be a challenging school year, the new faculty members bring an eclectic passion that will inspire excitement within the building.
Brooke Whitling and Gabe Dresbach are students at Cranberry High School and members of Cranberry Chronicles, the school’s journalism/publications class.
