Alexis Kastner Recognized as WRRV’s First-Ever Homeroom Hero!

We are so excited to announce WRRV's first-ever Homeroom Heroes Inductee! This year, we teamed up with Mid-Hudson Pump Co. LLC to launch our Homeroom Heroes program, where we honor Hudson Valley teachers who go above and beyond for their students. Following our initial launch, we received tons of nominations and we are happy to present Alexis Kastner of Port Jervis High School $250 as April's Homeroom Hero!

Alexis is a first-year Life Science teacher, sports coach, and a dedicated member of her school community, where she strives to support her students both in the classroom and on the field! Beyond her teaching duties, she serves as the Class of 2029 Freshman Class Advisor and is an active member on both the school’s Safety Committee and the Health and Wellness Committee.

Her passion for coaching spans across all seasons. She is currently the Head Coach for Modified Cross Country, the Assistant Coach for Varsity Cross Country, the Varsity Indoor Track and Field Head Coach, and the Varsity Outdoor Track and Field Head Coach. Her commitment to athletics also extends to the state level, where she trains student-athletes with disabilities, ensuring every athlete has the opportunity to compete and excel. To further bridge the gap between school and the community, Alexis regularly participates in local races alongside her students, including the Delaware River Run, the Stone Challenge, and the Midnight Madness Run.

Outside of the traditional school year, Alexis remains deeply involved in science and mentorship. During the summer, she helps at a local science camp for young children, ensuring they stay engaged and develop a lifelong love for the subject. She also assists with summer field studies and serve as a chaperone for college science field trips to the Adirondacks during winter break. During these trips, Alexis leads students through scientific field studies, hiking, and ecology lessons, helping them apply their classroom knowledge to the natural world. This year, she is looking forward to returning to the Adirondacks for another round of immersive field studies.

Most importantly, Alexis strives to create an inclusive classroom where every student feels welcome, included, and heard. "My room has become a community hub; students of all grade levels stop in to say hello during their periods off, and I have a rotating door of students who come in and out through all three lunch periods. Fostering those personal connections and providing a safe, supportive space for all students is the most rewarding part of my work," Alexis shares.

Read Alexis' Nomination Story!

Alexis was nominated by fellow teacher, Jordan Drew, who shared that:

"Miss Kastner goes above and beyond as a high school Freshman science teacher! She is currently the middle school cross country coach, an indoor track and field assistant varsity coach and the varsity outdoor track and field coach. She is also the freshman class advisor and handles multiple other roles throughout her day. Students flock to her classroom to tell her about their day, to ask for advice, to seek help on school work and life’s challenges as teenagers. Miss Kastner makes sure her students are fed, heard, seen and shown the ways of how to treat others respectfully. She is THE teacher of PJHS!"

 

Nominate Your Homeroom Hero Today!

We select a teacher each month to be recognized and awarded with $250 for going above and beyond for their students, inside and outside of the classroom. Now that you've read Alexis' story, take some time to nominate your Homeroom Hero here, and they may be featured next month! Special thanks to Mid Hudson Pump Co. LLC for their ongoing support and commitment to honoring outstanding members of our community!