Garnet Valley Staff Members Receive Prestigious PASR Lauretta Woodson Award

Garnet Valley High School staff members Mrs. Heather Arters and Mrs. Tina Picciotti were honored today at a luncheon hosted by the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (PASR), where both received the organization’s 2026 Lauretta Woodson Award.

The Lauretta Woodson Award is presented annually to educators and support professionals who demonstrate outstanding dedication, service, and commitment to their school communities. The award is named in honor of Dr. Lauretta Woodson, a longtime Pennsylvania educator, professor, and advocate for public education whose career spanned decades of teaching and educational leadership. Following her retirement, Woodson became an influential leader within PASR and devoted much of her life to supporting public education initiatives across Pennsylvania.

Mrs. Heather Arters, an English teacher, theater director, and co-coordinator of the Garnet Valley High School English Department, was recognized for her dedication to students through both academics and the performing arts. She teaches AP Literature, English 12, Career Development, Creative Writing, and four levels of Acting classes. Through her leadership of the theater program and her work in the classroom, she has helped expand opportunities for students while fostering creativity, confidence, collaboration, and leadership.

Mrs. Tina Picciotti, the principal’s administrative assistant, was honored for the vital role she plays in the daily operation of Garnet Valley High School. Working largely behind the scenes, she oversees many of the logistical and organizational responsibilities that help keep the school running smoothly, including supply ordering, student activity accounts, graduation faculty coordination, and numerous day-to-day administrative operations. Her professionalism, efficiency, and attention to detail have made her an invaluable part of the school community.

Both women were nominated by Garnet Valley High School administration in recognition of their exemplary service and dedication to students, staff, and the district.

Accompanying the honorees at the luncheon were Garnet Valley High School administrators Mr. Stephen Brandt and Dr. Joe Kingsborough.

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