Bellefonte Area School District was nominated for the 2022 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award for its work in employing and supporting veterans and current members of the armed forces who serve in the guard or reserve. Two professional staff members currently serve in the Army -- seventh-grade history teacher Matt Cernuska; and special education teacher and district Transition Coordinator Rachael Davis -- and one administrator, Public Relations Director Brit Milazzo, is enlisted in the Navy.
This is the highest recognition given by the U.S. government to employers. Only five Pennsylvania businesses have ever won the award. According to its website, the Freedom Award has recognized more than 300 employers since it was created in 1996.
