Stand-Out Educators Receive 2026 Dr. John Powers Outstanding Educator Award

Saint Francis University presents the Dr. John Powers Outstanding Educator Award to a deserving elementary or secondary teacher or administrator each spring. This year, the university presented the award to five stand-out educators during a special ceremony on April 29, 2025.

Dr. John Powers Outstanding Educator 2026 Award Winners

Jenny Folan Custer
Conemaugh Township Area School District
Teacher of Social Studies

Jenny Folan Custer is a Johnstown native and a 2006 graduate of Richland High School. As the daughter and granddaughter of educators, she was inspired to pursue a career in teaching. She earned her bachelor's degree in social studies education, with a minor in political science, from Shippensburg University in 2010. While at Shippensburg, she was actively involved in the arts, participating in marching and concert bands, flute choir, and multiple campus drama productions. She was also named the university's 2009 Homecoming Queen. She later completed her master's degree in English education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2017. Jenny began her teaching career at Lenape Technical School in Ford City, Pennsylvania, where she taught social studies and English from 2013 to 2017 in a comprehensive vocational-technical setting. She currently teaches at Conemaugh Township Area School District, where she serves as co-advisor of the Gifted Program and Speech Team and supports the school's musical as business manager and ticket coordinator. She teaches a variety of social studies courses, including Global Studies, Civics, Psychology, and Sociology. She is also an active member of the Conemaugh Township Area Teachers' Association and serves on the CTAEA Executive Board. In her free time, Jenny enjoys reading, running, cleaning, and spending time with her family. She resides in Davidsville with her husband, Mitch, a band director in the Forest Hills School District, and their two children, Lila and Henry.

Michelle Kokus
Central Cambria School District
Teacher of HS Band, Jazz Band, Marching Band, AP Music Theory, Guitar I & II, History of Rock & Roll, and MS Band

Michelle Kokus is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Education in 1999 and a Master of Education in Secondary School Counseling in 2005. She began her teaching career in 1999 and has spent the past 25 years in the Central Cambria School District. She currently teaches High School Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Marching Band, as well as AP Music Theory (dual-enrolled with Saint Francis University), Guitar I and II, and History of Rock and Roll (dual-enrolled with Penn Highlands). In addition, she teaches Middle School Band, instrumental lessons, and a variety of middle school music electives. Michelle takes great pride in fostering a lifelong love of music and building a strong sense of community within the Central Cambria Music Department among both students and parents. Many of her students continue their musical journeys after graduation by participating in college marching bands, ensembles, and community bands throughout the region. An active member of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA), Michelle serves as Treasurer for District 6, a State Mentor Teacher for new music educators, and one of ten educators selected to serve on the PMEA Small Schools Committee. In this role, she helps support educators in small and rural districts across the Commonwealth by promoting networking, sharing resources, and encouraging professional growth. She is also a member of the Cambria County Band Directors Association and an active musician in the local community. Michelle resides in Ebensburg with her husband, Michael, and their son, Jude. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new dining experiences, reading, and traveling with her family and best friend-including a trip of a lifetime to Africa in 2025.

Christa Lynn Moyer
Northern Bedford County School District
Teacher of Honors Biology, Biology, Honors Anatomy, and Physiology I & II

Christa Moyer is a dedicated educator, coach, and leader committed to helping students succeed and develop lifelong learning skills. She is a graduate of Portage Area High School and earned both a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in Secondary Education and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Saint Francis University. Throughout her career, Christa has demonstrated a passion for education and an unwavering commitment to her students. She is known for her high expectations, hardworking nature, and ability to inspire a genuine love of learning. Christa believes in supporting students not only academically but also in preparing them for future success in all areas of life. She attributes her ability to connect with others and share knowledge as a God-given gift, which she strives to use each day to make a positive impact. For the past 20 years, Christa has served as an Honors Biology and Honors Anatomy and Physiology teacher at Northern Bedford County School District. In this role, she values the opportunity to contribute to a school community that prioritizes strong relationships, shared values, and student growth. She is grateful to be part of a district that serves as a cornerstone of the community. In addition to her work in education, Christa has devoted many years to coaching youth sports, including girls' and boys' basketball, softball, and baseball. Through coaching elementary to collegiate levels, she has mentored countless young athletes, emphasizing teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Christa resides in New Enterprise, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Jerry, and their two sons, Jerran and Christian. Family plays a central role in her life, and she cherishes the time they spend together, especially enjoying outdoor activities, attending sporting events, and supporting one another's ambitions. Above all, Christa is a woman of faith who credits her purpose and fulfilment in life to following God's will.

Matthew Otis
Everett Area School District
Teacher of Video Production, Special Education, and English

Matthew Otis is a dedicated educator at Everett Area High School with 18 years of experience spanning Special Education, High School English, and Video Production. This year, he is honored as one of six distinguished recipients of the 42nd Annual Dr. John Powers Outstanding Educator Award from Saint Francis University, recognized for his excellence, generosity, and passion for the learning experience. Throughout his career, Matthew has focused on promoting tolerance and empathy through a uniquely curated curriculum. A cornerstone of his teaching is the annual Holocaust unit, where he guides students in creating video documentaries and essays based on their visits to the United States Holocaust Museum, teaching them to make education both authentic and impactful. His commitment to student growth extends beyond the classroom through several key initiatives: Creative Philanthropy: He founded an annual film festival that allows students to explore their creativity while donating proceeds to various non-profit organizations. Award-Winning Mentorship: As a Technology Student Association (TSA) leader, he has led students to first-place victories in video production Artistic Excellence: An award-winning songwriter and filmmaker himself, Matthew promotes creativity across the student body by teaching the crafts of songwriting and cinema. Matthew is known for engaging students in a free and open exchange of ideas to prepare them for the future. When he is not inspiring the next generation of creators and thinkers, he is a devoted husband to Stephanie Otis and father to his son Elliot Otis.

Ali Stinson
Bellwood-Antis School District
Teacher of Mathematics

Ali Stinson is a Moshannon Valley High School 2003 graduate and a graduaute of Clarion University of PA with a degree in Secondary Education Mathematics. She is married to Matt, and they have two children, Lainey (15) and Luke (13). She has been teaching high school Math for 22 years (1 year at DuBois (7th grade) and 21 years at Bellwood). She is the yearbook advisor, Renaissance club advisor, and softball coach. Her Mission: As a teacher for the last 22 years, my goal continues to be to build relationships with students that allow them to know that mistakes are vital to learning and growing and I will be there to help them every step of the way. I also became involved with the Jostens Renaissance Program that encourages students, staffulty and the community to work together to create "moments that matter". Over the last 7 years, this club has been involved in organizing and hosting our Back to School Bash, Homecoming activities, Safe Night Trick or Treat, and Day of Giving (community give back day before Thanksgiving). Over the last 4 years, our Homecoming activities have been coupled with the Sideline Cancer organization and have raised $30,000 for patients in our community battling cancer. The entire week brings our schools and community together for something "Bigger than the Crown" and "Bigger than the Game". It's truly a week of hope and light. I am so proud to be a part of these events and pray that together we can continue to impact our community in positive ways. My family and I are involved with the Sideline Cancer organization helping to spread awareness through travel softball teams. The teams play each tournament for someone battling cancer. This helps to keep in perspective that "we don't have to play, we get to play" and every time you step on the field is a gift and a blessing. Finally, Matt, Lainey, Luke and I are active members at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona. Our faith is the foundation of all we do and we always keep in mind Psalm 139:16 "It is already written." I am so sorry that I could not attend this banquet. I am honored, humbled and blessed to be named as a recipient of the Dr. John Powers Award. I pray God will continue to lead my work in and out of the classroom and that I can "Be the Light" (Matthew 5:14) for others. Thank you so very much!

Pictured Left to Right:
Award recipients Christa Lynn Moyer, Jenny Folan Custer, Matthew Ottis, and Michelle Kokus (Ali Stinson not pictured) with members of the Powers family.

View the photo gallery from the event.