After only working here for three years, physics and environmental science teacher Samantha Krage has earned Teacher of the Year for Starr’s Mill High School.
“I was surprised, because the teachers on that list were phenomenal and have been doing this so long,” Krage said.
Krage is the second alumni in a row to earn this award following Sean Hickey who received the recognition last year. A member of the 2009 graduating class, Krage returned to her beloved alma mater because of the environment the teachers make.
“[Starrs Mill] is the best school in the state,” Krage said. “The teachers care about the students, and they care about each other.”
Not only is she the second alumnus to be recognized, Krage also works alongside her brother, Dr. Nick Castagna, who graduated with the class of 2007 and also won Teacher of the Year while working at Whitewater High School in 2020.
“[There is] sibling rivalry stuff, so she’s got me there,” Castagna said. “[I’m] obviously super proud of her. It’s fun working at the same school.”
Every year, the teaching staff of Starr’s Mill nominate one fellow colleague that they think best fit the county criteria for the award. Once all the votes are in, the list is gone through to consolidate it to the top finalists. They then vote again from the finalists to decide the winner.
Although it was her backup after wanting to be a veterinarian, Krage decided to try teaching in the footsteps of her mother and brother. Krage believes in taking advice from others while also molding it to fit you.
“I love Mrs. Krage because of the passion she puts into teaching,” junior Pilar Fritschy said.
As a mother of two, Krage is always running around with her kids outside, hiking, or watching airplanes at Falcon Field.
After being named Starr’s Mill Teacher of the Year, Krage will now move onto submitting her application for Fayette County Teacher of the Year.