Ms. Kory Mellon is an April’s Staff Member of the Month for Art.
Nominated by Ms. Jamie Cawley, humanities supervisor, she shares that Ms. Mellon is not only a passionate and pronounced teacher, but an experienced coach in field hockey and a “key role” in the UPAL art program. She is a very understanding teacher who knows how to prioritize and organize her student’s needs, and her way of teaching inspires all. Ms Cawley says Ms. Mellon’s passion for art is infectious and motivates students to pursue their artistic passions and develop their unique talents.
On top of this, Ms. Mellon encourages her students to experiment with diverse materials, provides constructive feedback, and fosters a supportive environment where students feel safe to take risks in their artwork. Ms. Mellon is considered a highly valued member of the Lakeland Regional High School community, for her innovative approach to teaching, encouraging students to explore their creativity without fear of judgement.
Receiving this award, Ms. Mellon was very happy, shocked, and said it was unexpected. Teaching at LRHS for the past 24 years, Ms. Mellon shares she won an award for Teacher of the Year back in 2008. On par with what Ms. Cawley shared, Ms. Mellon says her favorite part of teaching is watching her students grow throughout the year. She feels satisfied in seeing firsthand her students bloom in not just their art, but socially, creatively, and their confidence.
Fun Fact: Ms. Mellon met Henry Winkler, a very prominent American actor and film producer!
