GIVEAWAY RULES

Punxsutawney Man of the Year Jeff Kuntz: Blooming Where He was Planted

tarting with a small part he had in a Punxsutawney Theatre Arts Guild (PTAG) production back in his high school years, Punxsutawney Man of the Year for 2020 Jeff Kuntz has spent his teen and adult years giving back to the community where his roots were planted generations ago. Kuntz, who is a teacher at the Punxsutawney Area Elementary School, was recognized at the annual Groundhog Banquet on February 1, an event he thought he was attending this year in support of a fellow educator.

“I thought I was there to help honor a longtime friend and neighbor of mine,” Kuntz said. However, as he glanced around the room, Kuntz began picking out the familiar faces of his family and several friends. For this math teacher, it didn’t take him long to put two and two together and gather that perhaps it was he who was being called into the spotlight on Groundhog Eve.

“I was surprised, honored and humbled,” Kuntz confessed about the moment he was named Man of the Year and was called to the front of the room to receive his award and make an acceptance speech. Kuntz went on to explain that he was nominated by his good friends Emily Carlson and Kate Doverspike, adding humorously about the two: “They cooked up a plan to get me there. I never thought I could be ‘tricked’ into being Man of the Year.”

Kuntz was chosen for the honor because of the vast amount of time, energy and passion he puts into helping support a plethora of Punxsutawney programs and organizations. Whatever the cause, if it benefits some aspect of his community, Kuntz is ready to volunteer his efforts. According to Kuntz, his love of this town was planted within him from a young age and has flourished over the years. He is proud to have grown up in a small place where he spent his summers riding bikes and playing outside from dawn to dusk and his winters frolicking in snow drifts taller than he was on the streets of his quiet neighborhood. Kuntz is also pleased with the education he received locally at West End Elementary School and Punxsutawney Junior High and then Senior High School. After graduation, Kuntz began his college career at S Jeff Kuntz, mother Mary Ann Kuntz, brother Kevin Kuntz at the award banquet. Submitted photos.

By Jennifer Skarbek of Hometown magazine

the Punxsutawney Branch Campus of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, just a stone’s throw from the grammar school of his youth, before heading to the main campus in Indiana where he completed his undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and earned a Masters of Education in Elementary Mathematics. Like many beginning teachers, Kuntz got his start in the classroom through day-to-day and long-term substitute teaching opportunities. Then, he landed a full-time teaching position with Punxsutawney Area School District which brought Kuntz full circle, back to the educational foundations of his youth. Of this, Kuntz is thankful, saying, “I feel very fortunate that I was able to stay in Punxsutawney and find a job in a career that I love.”

During his employment with the district thus far, Kuntz has taught at Longview Elementary School and West End Elementary School, where he served as Head Teacher,

Having fun with Nash Carlson, son of Mike and Emily Carlson.

Making Play-Doh creations with Grady and Kenadee Snyder, children of John and Tawnya Snyder.

the Punxsutawney Middle School and, most recently, The Punxsutawney Area Elementary School, where he teaches fifth grade. In addition to his teaching duties, Kuntz has been involved with several education groups including the following: SMILES Committee; Title I School-Wide Advisory Committee; TEACH Committee – which matches preservice education students with mentors; NSTOY-PA – where Kuntz presents professional development opportunities to teachers across Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National State Teacher of the Year Organization, which, in 2007 an- Continued on page 24

Dr. Nathan Stebbins ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! COMPREHENSIVE EYE CARE FULL SERVICE OPTICAL & COMPLETE LINE OF CONTACT LENSES

814-938-5920 MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED 200 S. FINDLEY ST. PUNXSUTAWNEY Mon., Tues., Wed., 8 to 5:30 • Thurs. 7:30 to 2 Fri. 8 to 5 • Wed. Evenings & Sat., by Appt.

Spring isjust aroundthecorner...

YESHWANT G. PHADKE M.D., F.A.C.S., ABVLM, RPhs 1265 Wayne Ave. Suite 106, Indiana • 724.349.6677 www.vein-doc.com CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE: Certified by The American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine; Certified General Surgeon; Member American College of Phlebology PREMIER VEIN SERVICES Hundreds of Satisfied Patients Over 25 Years Experience in Treating Varicose Veins Minimally Invasive Office Procedures: Venaseal (glue) • Vein Closure • Laser Closure Sclerotherapy (vein injection)

MOSTINSURANCE ACCEPTED

FREE Vein Screening Thursday, March 19, 2020 Appointments Fill Fast! Call to Make Your Appointment TODAY! 724-349-6677