Julie Ondako

Fourteen years ago a group of Burrell High School students saw a need in the community involving the elderly that was so important they had to address it. Rolling up their sleeves they delved into the community visiting the high-rise and local churches. They also put up posters and even spoke at other local schools about their idea. Pushed forward by the momentum of caring and compassion, SHOP (Students Helping Older Persons) blossomed into a solid part of both the school and community. There are currently over one hundred students involved in the community service program.

Julie Ondako, 11th grade English teacher and head of the school's gifted program, is responsible for carrying on the vision. She has a double pleasure in seeing this thrive; it is not just seeing the positive role it's played in the Burrell school and community but also that her daughter was one of those students that conceived the program.

Working in teams of two, students are scheduled to visit the elderly over weekends and perform light housekeeping, yard work, and just visiting. Because there are a large number of students involved, they are only scheduled to do this once or twice monthly. Julie sends out reminders and keeps track of the community service hours that they put in.

Another important aspect of Julie's work at Burrell is the graduation project that is required from each school district. Burrell's graduation project is a portfolio that the students work on for four years. Upon graduation, the portfolio is presented to family and friends. This year will be the first graduating class to finish the project.

Julie has been with the Burrell School District since 1968 when she accepted her first teaching job. During that time she has taught English in 7th through 11th grades, Remedial Title 1 Reading, and has worked with the gifted students. She is also the boys' and girls' tennis coach. Her husband Larry, retired coach from the Leechburg School District, has been an invaluable asset to her and the team with the time he volunteers to help.

She has nothing but wonderful things to say regarding her experiences with the Burrell School District from perspectives of both teacher and mother. "I had three children that got an excellent education at Burrell and then continued on to become very successful. It's true when they say that a small town is a good place to raise children."