Paul Ritter
When you look up the definition of “teacher” in Webster’s Dictionary, you will find a picture of Mr. Paul Ritter. Paul Ritter is a teacher that always puts his students first. To him, teaching is his life, not just a job. His passion for education and the environment goes well beyond the classroom, but touches every aspect of his life, as well as his students. Paul has received many awards and honors for his interdisciplinary projects including 11 major awards from three different Governors of the State of Illinois. A few of Paul’s exemplary projects are: The Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal Program, the Pontiac Township High School Crayon Recycling Program, the PTHS Cell Phone Recycling Program, the Pontiac Billboard Project, the PTHS Ecology Class “Adopt A Highway” Project, and the PTHS Ecology Student Weather Radio Program and the Storm Sewer Stenciling Program, a community project between Pontiac Township High School students and Pontiac Grade School students. His most recognized projects are the Pontiac Prescription Drug Disposal Program aka. Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal Program, and the PTHS Bio-diesel Program. These joint projects combine the efforts of his students with other classes, communities, businesses, and state governments. His passion for teaching is contagious to all that meet and work with him. When Paul undertakes a project, you can rest assured it will done to perfection! His tireless work ethic is second to none. His enthusiastic attitude is so contagious that his students, as well as his colleagues, cannot but help get excited about learning and teaching. Paul Ritter can be described as a visionary teacher. His passion for teaching is shown everyday in the classroom, community, and in the state. Teachers like Paul are hard to find in today’s world. Paul could pursue other professions; private industry or even politics, but has dedicated his life to teaching others the importance of finding a passion and sharing that passion with others. Pontiac Township High School, the city of Pontiac, the State of Illinois and the United States are all better places because of one man, Paul Ritter!