Octorara Area School District is proud to introduce Feather in Your Cap, a new employee recognition program celebrating staff members who bring our Portrait of a Brave to life and make a meaningful impact on our students, colleagues, and community.
Nominated by their peers, recipients are recognized for the dedication, collaboration, and commitment they demonstrate in their everyday work. The program provides an opportunity to recognize the individuals whose contributions help make Octorara a great place to learn, work, and grow.
We are excited to celebrate our inaugural recipients: Beth Peticca, Darren Hodorovich, and Sandra Mendez!
Beth Peticca
Beth's nomination highlighted her ability to build strong relationships with families and create opportunities for meaningful connections throughout our school community. From welcoming incoming families and organizing Play to Learn activities to maintaining consistent communication with parents, Beth helps families feel connected and supported.
Her commitment to creating new opportunities for students is also evident in her work to secure a grant for a hydroponic garden, bringing new learning experiences to our schools while encouraging other staff members to get involved.
Darren Hodorovich
As Octorara High School's culinary arts teacher, Darren does much more than teach students how to cook. He creates authentic, real-world learning experiences that help students develop practical skills, explore their creativity, celebrate their heritage, and take pride in their work.
His impact extends well beyond the classroom. One colleague shared how Darren went out of his way to support a fellow staff member facing serious health challenges. He provided recipes, shopped for groceries, and prepared meals so the colleague could focus on recovery. This thoughtful gesture reflects the care and generosity Darren brings to his relationships with others.
Sandra Mendez
Sandra plays an important role in helping students and families feel welcomed, heard, and supported throughout our district. Her nomination highlighted her ability to build trust with families, assist with translation, connect families with resources, and help them navigate challenging circumstances.
Sandra is a valued connection for many of our Hispanic families and works across the district to help ensure students and families receive the support they need. Whether collaborating with colleagues, advocating for families, or connecting them with resources such as Brave Haven, she approaches her work with compassion and a genuine commitment to others.
Her colleagues also recognized how much she does behind the scenes and the positive attitude she brings to even the most challenging situations.
Congratulations to Beth, Darren, and Sandra! Thank you for the care, dedication, and commitment you bring to Octorara each day. We are grateful for the difference you make in the lives of our students, colleagues, and community.