Photo Courtesy of Governor Tom Wolf’s Advisory Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs

By Matthew Fan, Staff Reporter

Tricia Ebarvia, who teaches English courses at Conestoga High School, was recently recognized by Governor Tom Wolf’s Advisory Commission on Asian Pacific American Issues as an AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) Education Champion. The recognition was part of a reception on May 28 to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

 “It’s always an honor to be recognized, especially to be recognized as an educator, and it’s meaningful to be recognized as an Asian American educator because Asian American teachers only make up 1.8% of the entire teaching population,” Ebarvia said.

A large part of why Ebarvia received the recognition is that she is constantly active in the Asian American sphere of education. For example, she is club advisor for the Asian American Student Association at Conestoga. Ebarvia’s efforts to create a more diverse curriculum will not stop now that she has been recognized. Instead, she is motivated to do more in the future.

“I think I will probably see if there are any opportunities to work with the Commission [on Asian Pacific American Issues] in the future, and if there are, I would be open to those and to make connections with other Asian American educators across the state in an effort to bring the issues that face the Asian American community to the forefront,” Ebarvia said.

Check out the video below of Ebarvia receiving her award!

Matthew Fan can be reached at [email protected]