DONATION Farrell school district receives $20,080 from former teacher

Pedas has given the district more than $430,000 in 35 years.
By HAROLD GWIN
VINDICATOR SHARON BUREAU
FARRELL, Pa. -- Ted Pedas has no qualms about putting his money where his mouth is when it comes to supporting his school and community.
The former Farrell teacher and director emeritus of the Ted Pedas Planetarium at Farrell High School made his annual visit Monday to the school board to announce his gifts to the district.
Pedas' generosity has created numerous reward and citizenship programs that he continues to fund.
This year marks his 35th annual donation, which amounted to $20,080. His 35-year total stands at $434,552.
Pedas said he makes the contributions to enhance school district programs, activities and facilities for both students and the community and refers to his gifts as "a small token of appreciation to the Farrell Area School District, which has provided an education for my brothers, and sister and me."
Contributions
This year's contributions don't include any additional money for his proposed hall of game project, to which Pedas already has allocated $3,500 from previous donations.
It will recognize outstanding alumni whose achievements, service or commitments have distinguished them. The first inductees should be announced in July 2005 in conjunction with the fifth annual Farrell Citizen of the Year award ceremony.
A second project that he has funded in the past won't get any additional money this year either, although Pedas said he will continue to support part of it financially as needed.
That project is the creation of the school district's Web site and the Web sites dedicated to Farrell High School alumni and the city.
He has personally funded the creation and maintenance of those sites, noting that members of his family have contributed countless hours to create and maintain those Internet presences.
Pedas said he wants the school Web site to be replaced by one created by students.
Distribution
Funding this year goes to:
*$1,500 for the annual Student Motivational and Improvement Award.
*$1,350 for the annual High School Student of the Month Award.
*$1,080 for the annual Elementary School Student of the Month Award.
*$1,000 for the Volunteers of the Year Award.
*$7,000 for planetarium equipment, supplies and maintenance.
*$2,000 for the Great Idea! Grants program.
*$1,000 for the annual John G. Sava/Ted Pedas/Pennsylvania State University Shenango Campus Legacy Award.
*$1,500 for the Educator of the Year Award.
*$1,200 for the Employee of the Month Award for Non-Instructional Staff.
*$200 for the Wheatland Student of the Year Achievement and Recognition Award.
*$250 for the Family Center.
*$2,000 for the Citizen and Junior Citizen of the Year Awards.