Publications Adviser Debra Klevens poses for the Administrative Team with her fourth hour yearbook class after she was awarded Teacher of the Year.

Newspaper and yearbook teacher, Debra Klevens received the Teacher of the Year award for the 2016-2017 school year after dedicating 18 years to Parkway West High.

The administrative team and support staff entered into room 3000 holding a large bouquet of flowers during the middle of fourth hour on Friday, Dec. 2.

“Dr. Mitchell was holding flowers and said he had an announcement to make, that Mrs. Klevens was voted the Teacher of the Year by an overwhelming amount of her peers. Mrs. Klevens was super excited, and she even started crying. Then she called her husband to tell him the news, it was really touching,” fourth hour Yearbook I student senior Sarah Ayers said.

Klevens has advised the Pathfinder online newspaper for five years and the Pawesehi Yearbook for 18.

“Journalism provides me with tools for students to explore their creativity, collaborate with peers, cooperate and gain communication skills that will help them in any career path they choose,” Klevens said. “I aim to find students passions, to help them find a career path and set them apart from the competition in the workforce.”

Pawesehi, the student run yearbook was awarded a Columbia Scholastic Press Association Crown Award and will receive it March 17.  The Pawesehi also earned the Best of Show trophy at the Journalism Education Association National Convention in November. The Pathfinder won seventh place Best of Show.

“Although she is our teacher, she is more of a mentor who takes our education outside of the classroom, and makes our class have a more professional setting. She has a lot of expertise and knows that she can help us become a better community,” Pathfinder Editor-in-Chief Emily Dickson said.

Students enrolled in publications courses are provided real world opportunities to run a business out of room 3000.

“I’m grateful for every student I have had the opportunity to teach over the years.  They have each shaped me into the teacher I am today,” Klevens said.  “It is fun to see where life takes them after our experiences together.  Our connection doesn’t end after room 3000.”