One moment, she’s singing the National Anthem at a Sto-Rox Girls Volleyball match. The next moment, she’s leading a group of students to a local student summit dedicated to eradicating hate, or volunteering at the district’s Fall Festival.
However, when Shyanne Rippole’s not doing any of those things, she’s teaching English Language Arts (ELA) at Sto-Rox Jr./Sr. High School, and earning awards along the way. For Rippole - who went to nearby Cornell High School - staying local was always the goal, even after some far-flung experiences.
“Attending college in Hawaii for two years was an incredible opportunity that broadened my perspective, but I always knew I wanted to come back to McKees Rocks,” said Rippole. “This area is home. I was born here, raised here, and am a homeowner here now. I feel a strong connection to the community that made me the person I am today.”
Rippole went to college in Hawaii and then locally, at Point Park University, where she earned a degree in Secondary Education in 2021. From there, she zeroed in on ELA - and Sto-Rox.
“Teaching at Sto-Rox gives me the chance to invest in a place that shaped me,” said Rippole, “and I see so much potential in the students here. It's my joy to help them see it in themselves.”
As a teacher, part of Rippole’s goal is to help students unlock their potential. She hopes to show them a work beyond just reading and writing.
“When they begin to see how stories and language shape the world, it’s powerful. Watching students improve their skills and gain confidence through speaking, writing, and interpreting is incredibly fulfilling,” explained Rippole. “There’s nothing quite like seeing a student connect deeply with a piece of literature or gain the courage to speak up in class. Those things translate to not just a classroom setting, but life.”
Rippole wants students - and their parents - to know that she cares.
“I'm here to support them, challenge them, and cheer them on every step of the way,” said added. “I'm here to give them their flowers even when they forget to themselves.”
It’s that mindset that helped Rippole win the High School Teacher of the Year Award from The Education Partnership earlier this year, an honor that left her “stunned.” It was a humbling and validating experience for Rippole.
LINK: Rippole Wins Teacher of the Year Award
“I pour heart and soul into what I do every single day, so to be acknowledged in this way reinforces that the hard work, dedication, and passion are making an impact,” she said. “It’s also a testament to my students and the Sto-Rox community—I wouldn’t have achieved this without their trust, engagement, and support.”
She also is quick to thank her fellow Sto-Rox teachers and her college professors who helped her along the way.
“It’s a reminder that what we do in the classroom matters far beyond the school walls, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent my school and students on that stage.”
Speaking of stages, Rippole is also helping to organize a Sto-Rox student trip to New York City. She hopes exposure to a new city and a new environment - experiences that she has lived in both college and life - will broaden students’ horizons.
LINK: Sto-Rox New York City Trip
“Many of our students haven’t had opportunities to travel or explore a city as dynamic as New York,” said Rippole. “The trip will expose them to a variety of cultural, historical, and artistic experiences, from museums and landmarks to seeing a Broadway show. For many, this trip could be the first step in dreaming bigger for their future.”
It’s one example of how Rippole is working to incorporate real-world, hands-on experiences into the curriculum. It’s a mission she takes to heart, and as she continues her career here in Sto-Rox, it’s a mission that will help our Vikings see - and believe - in the lessons they are learning.
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P.S. - Shyanne was effusive in her praise for her colleagues. She wanted to give some shoutouts to her fellow teachers and organizations:
“I definitely want to recognize my amazing colleagues who work so hard to support our students, and of course, my students themselves—they inspire me every day with their curiosity and resilience. I'd also like to shout out The Education Partnership for the work they do in providing resources and recognition to teachers and schools. It’s a privilege to be part of such a dedicated and caring educational community!”