Student council sponsor named regional Advisor of the Year
June 26, 2020
Student council sponsor named regional Advisor of the Year
When asked, “what single word comes to mind when you think of your advisor?” Upper St. Clair High School Student Council students responded with – vibrant.
“Mrs. Tarcson is remarkably enthusiastic about supporting our student council and she’s always eager to help us in any way possible,” Constantine Tripodes, rising senior and student council president for 2020-21, said. “Her office door is always open for students to come in and share ideas.”
USCHS Student Council oversees the school’s 70+ clubs as well as plans events including Homecoming and Sadie Hawkins dances, Rush (activities fair), and community day. Student Council members are impressed with Mrs. Tarcson’s ability to juggle and get things done.
“Her schedule is tightly packed, as we joke that she runs every aspect of our school,” Tori Slagle, rising junior and student council member, said. “We are all amazed that a single person can successfully execute everything on her plate.”
Mrs. Tarcson also serves as the school’s activities coordinator – overseeing many of the school’s special events including senior prom, graduation, awards night, and U-THON. She works alongside Danny Holzer, activities director and senior class sponsor.
“While her designated job title is ‘activities coordinator,’ she regularly goes well beyond the call of duty – taking on additional roles and assignments to ensure that our students have an outstanding high school experience,” Dr. Timothy Wagner, USCHS principal, said. “She is a trusted confidant, ally, and advocate for all students, and she consistently demonstrates leadership for improving our high school culture.”
“She has been our advisor for four years now. Over those four years, she has helped the entire student council grow as a team, leaders, and as people,” Sarah Christensen, rising junior and student council member, said. “Our Student Council, school, and community would not be the same without Mrs. Tarcson. She is a selfless individual who aims to bring positive energy and spread happiness throughout our world.”
A resident of Upper St. Clair Township, Mrs. Tarcson and her husband, John, have four college and high school-aged daughters. A parent volunteer for 13 years, she held various leadership roles within the Streams Elementary PTO and the USC Parent Teacher Council. Mrs. Tarcson was hired as the school’s activities coordinator in July 2016.
“In addition to being our advisor, Mrs. Tarcson is a role-model for all of us. She shows us how hard work pays off and to see things from a positive perspective,” Joe Markovitz, rising senior and senior class treasurer, said. “Her bold and optimistic energy helps encourage our Student Council to think outside the box.”
The mission of PASC is to engage and recognize student leaders and advisors in leadership training, networking, community service, school improvement, personal development opportunities, and civic engagement in the 21st century. PASC is divided into 10 geographical regions. Region B represents Allegheny, Washington and Greene counties.
As the Regional B High School Advisor of the Year, Mrs. Tarcson qualifies as a nominee for statewide recognition. All 10 regional winners have the opportunity to apply for the statewide title. The PASC High School Advisor of the Year will be announced at the organization’s state conference, which is currently scheduled for Oct. 29-31, 2020.
