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Stahura gets kids moving at West Boulevard
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .West Boulevard gym teacher Steve Stahura (center) hung out with some of his favorite new students on Sept. 14. His new first-grader friends are, from left, Dominic Lomardo, Hayden Fellows, Amelia Johnson, Tammy Goske, and Joshua Cummings.
By SARAH FOOR
In his office near West Boulevard’s cafeteria, new physical education teacher Steve Stahura has an activity gold mine at his disposal – kickballs, basketballs, hula hoops, ropes, rings and more.
In his first post-college teaching position, Stahura is planning to use a bit of everything in his first year.
“I want to teach the kids good core values – respect, leadership, being a good teammate and healthy habits. I’m already planning on using some of the tools at my disposal here,” Stuhura said as he looked around his office.
Stahura, a lifelong Austintown student and 2004 graduate, said his experience in sports throughout middle and high school in Austintown inspired him to become a gym teacher.
Stahura graduated from Youngstown State University with a bachelor’s degree in physical education in May 2011 and landed his first teaching position soon after.
“Being a gym teacher is awesome. I get to be around sports all day, stay active and interact with the kids. I know I picked the right profession,” he shared.
Along with teaching good values, Stahura hopes to bring a simplified version of golf to his students at West.
The modified equipment includes a shorter club with a smaller head so that contact with the golf ball is easier for younger students.
“It would be a really unique opportunity for the kids, because golf isn’t a sport normally taught at the younger levels. If I bring the program here, I think the kids will love it.”