The sounds of instruments and voices come spewing out of the music wing, among the loudest, Miss Zerefos. Z, as most music students know her, is the band director here at PGHS. She runs concert band, guitar, and other small, but mighty, ensembles like the undefeated marching band and jazz band. She works hard to get the best results out of her students, which pays off. When asked if she had ever wanted to teach other subjects, she replied with an enthusiastic, “Nope!” This is her 5th year teaching music at Pottsgrove. She attended West Chester University where she originally had been majoring in engineering when she switched to her passion of music to become a teacher. In Z’s words, “It was a spiritual awakening, to say the least.” When asking around, the number one thing students had to say about Z was that she was always around to support them. This applies to whatever situation, positive or negative, you can always rely on Z to be there. Kelsey Renner, 10th grade, said, “She has always made me, and so many others, welcome in her room. She truly has watched me grow in the last two years, most of it was her doing. As a teacher, she makes it so that no one feels behind. She consistently makes sure everyone is supported, comfortable, and safe. For me, Z has also been a huge role model. She has shown me and taught me not only how to be a great musician, but a good person as well. She has always let me know that she is there for me and that her door is always open. She has helped me with more in life than I would have ever expected coming into high school and I could never be more appreciative of having her as a teacher and having her in my life.”
Just recently, Z and her team led the Pottsgrove Marching Band to victory at champs. They are now state champions, scoring the highest in their division in all of Pennsylvania. This could not have happened without the hard work and dedication Z has put in to make our Pottsgrove students shine. She looks forward to the rest of the year and hopes to do just as well in future Jazz band endeavors which will begin in January and continue through to the spring. “Z has affected my work ethic substantially since my freshman year and prior, said 10th grader, Lauren Houk. “She’s taught me how to balance school, and my extracurriculars, and has shown me how hard work pays off. Thanks to her support I have been able to succeed in my passion for music and pursue what I love most.” There have been two teachers who have impacted Z’s time here, Mr. Einhorn who is the orchestra director, and Mrs. McMahon who is the new choir director and music teacher. They work together to keep the music program running smoothly and can unleash the students’ full potential. When asking Mrs. McMahon how Z has affected her time here she explained just how helpful Z has been to introducing her into the high school, how she has provided guidance, and is always around to have a good time. Einhorn mentioned that she brings a new dynamic into school every day along with bringing out the youthful energy in all of them.
Z has impacted Pottsgrove High School’s music program for the better, whether it be by connecting with each of her students one-on-one or being a teacher that you can go to. She continues to push every single person who enters the music wing, making not only strong but talented musicians. Z makes the mood very lighthearted, especially when asked to relate her time here at PGHS to a song, she replied with a laugh, “Fergie’s National Anthem, but with the sheet music.” She would also like to remind students that high school is the place where you try to fit in, but don’t over-mask yourself for fear of not being a part of something. She is an amazing educator and an even better role model to all of her past, present, and future students.
