Philadelphia Eagles
Dana M. Bowser
Cardinals vs. Eagles
Dana M. Bowser was born in Brooklyn, NY, attended Performing Arts High School in New Jersey, and graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Foreign Language Education and a Master's Degree in Social Work. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership at Neumann University. Dana is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Kappa Omega Zeta Chapter, and has a background in performing arts, writing, and modeling.
Since childhood, Dana has had a giving heart and has always been involved in various volunteer activities, such as organizing food and clothing drives and helping the homeless. She has continued this altruistic work for 40 years. In addition, Dana was heavily involved in her son Justin's community youth football organization, serving as team mom, Vice-President, and directing public relations and marketing efforts.
Dana has over 25 years of experience in education, counseling, and human services. Currently, she is the Social Emotional Learning Coordinator and McKinney Vento Homeless Liaison at Chester-Upland School District. With a passion for helping others, she goes above and beyond for her students and staff, recognizing them as their "whole self."
She brought her love for the Arts to the district, volunteering and organizing the successful debut of "Chester's Got Talent." Dana also leads community service projects and supports her students at sporting events.
Dana is a ZUMBA instructor who teaches classes in person and virtually, while also participating in fundraising events for the March of Dimes and the Alzheimer's Foundation. She spends her free time with her son, significant other, parents, friends, and Sorors. Dana is actively involved in volunteer work, community service, and advocacy, particularly with the March of Dimes, where she has raised over $100,000 in the past 10 years. She is grateful for the support of her loved ones. Dana and her son are dedicated Philadelphia Eagles fans, attending games annually and enjoying special interactions with players. They are appreciative of the Eagles' support in charity events.
Dorothy Firth
Giants vs. Eagles
Dorothy Firth's journey to becoming a teacher started while in college, working at a nonprofit theater company with children aged 5-17 who learned about conflict resolution through improv and musical theater. Dorothy describes that experience as "the most rewarding and fun summer" of her life. Following that summer, Dorothy enrolled in a program at Temple University that allowed her to earn her Master of Education degree at the same time while completing her undergraduate studies. In 2009, Dorothy completed her student teaching in the School District of Philadelphia and was hired full-time to work in the Juniata neighborhood. Over Dorothy's eight years there, she embraced English Language Learners as she is a first-generation American of Polish descent, who was raised bilingual.
In 2018, Dorothy joined her sister at Stephen Decatur Elementary School in Northeast Philadelphia. When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, there was an influx of immigrant children who entered the school system. Dorothy's bilingual skills aided in easing the transition for these children to a whole new culture. This inspired Dorothy to earn an English Language Learners degree. This past spring, she transitioned to an ELL teaching role at Stephen Decatur Elementary alongside her sister. We are proud to recognize Dorothy's patience and understanding in teaching bilingual students. Even though she is no longer working at a theater, Dorothy has put on a show each and every day for her students for the past 15 years.
Kathryn Gaedy
49ers vs. Eagles
I am extremely honored to have been chosen as a 2023 Nouryon All-Pro Teacher! It was my career dream to become a teacher from an early age and I always knew I wanted to teach children with special needs. I graduated from Kent State University with a degree and teaching certificate to teach students who are Deaf or Hearing Impaired. I have since obtained two master's degrees. I taught and interpreted for deaf students for 4 years before beginning to teach students with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism. I have had the privilege of working in three states with many students and colleagues for the past 33 years. I am currently a proud Blue Raider in the Middletown Area School District where I have been teaching for the last 23 years. I have taught students in grades K-5 in Life Skills Support and Autistic Support classes. I currently teach Autistic Support grades K-5. I strongly believe every student deserves a teacher who believes they can do anything they put their mind to. The most important thing to me is for my students to feel safe and loved. I believe that students deserve a teacher that will provide a safe and encouraging environment where they can grow and learn. I am their biggest cheerleader and encourage them in any way possible to do their best. I love seeing the light bulbs go off when they grasp a concept and see the progress, they make each day. I do not focus on the things they can't do; I only see and encourage them to do their best and become proud of their accomplishments. It is important to me to ensure each student develops and makes progress academically, socially, and emotionally. I strive to nurture their self-esteem so they have the courage and self-confidence to conquer any struggles they may be faced with now or in the future.
I have been impressed by the Philadelphia Eagles' dedication to the community and their support for Autism. They offer many opportunities to children with autism and their families. I admire the way they promote Autism awareness by hosting programs that are so meaningful for the children and their families. One of my students with autism was invited to a Philadelphia Eagles' practice through the Eagles Autism Foundation. The Philadelphia Eagles' cheerleaders and Swoop practiced with my student's local Cheerabilties team, Cheer Tyme Inspiration. It was an amazing experience for the kids.
Eric Kibler
Bills vs. Eagles
Eric Kibler, or "Mr. Kibz" as his students call him, was raised in West Philadelphia. Upon graduating from Overbrook High School in 1989, he joined the U.S. Army. His time in the military saw him become a paratrooper, a Defense Courier and hold numerous positions commensurate with the rank of Non-Commissioned Officer. He spent 20 years being stationed all over the world but never being closer than 450 miles from Philadelphia.
In 2009, after returning from a deployment to Iraq, Mr. Kibz retired from the military and settled in Fayetteville, NC near his last duty station of Fort Bragg. He used his G.I. Bill to attend Fayetteville State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education. He was awarded the Student Teacher of the Year Award and graduated with honors in 2014.
Mr. Kibz spent 6 years teaching 8th grade science at Lewis Chapel Middle School in Fayetteville. He held the position of Assistant Football Coach, 8th Grade Team Chair, and Beginning Teacher Mentor. In 2018, Mr. Kibz was selected as the LCMS Teacher of the Year.
When the COVID-19 Pandemic hit in 2020, Mr. Kibz decided to finally return home to West Philadelphia and give back to the community that raised him. He was fortunate enough to be hired as a 6th grade science teacher at Belmont Charter Middle School in West Philly. Mr. Kibz always says "I'm living the dream" because after 31 years, his life has come full circle and he's back home doing what he loves, in a place he loves.
Throughout the years of being away from Philly, the Eagles gave Mr. Kibz a piece of home. No matter where the Army sent him, he always had the Eagles. Thanks to the Armed Forces Network, wherever he was stationed, from Germany to Iraq, there was an Eagles game on TV. . Mr. Kibz has been heard stating that the Birds were something he could always carry with him to give a piece of home when he was so far from it.
"This is an incredible honor and I'm proud to represent Belmont and the Eagles, GO BIRDS!"
Chelsea Shiloh
Cowboys vs. Eagles
Chelsea was raised in Vineland, NJ and some of her best memories include multiple bike rides to The Teacher Store with her father to buy stickers, workbooks, and teaching tools for her make-believe classes at home. All she ever wanted to be was a teacher and she achieved that goal after graduating from Rowan University with a dual-degree in English Literature and Writing Arts. She found her home at Charles W. Lewis Middle School. She is in the midst of her seventh year at CWL where she has taught grades 6-8 English Literature.
During her time at CWL, Chelsea piloted the GALS (Girls, Athletes, Leaders, Scholars) Program which aims to encourage young ladies to build confidence, take care of themselves physically and mentally, engage in the community, discover/use their voice, and be exposed to a variety of career options including politics, the field of science, mathematics and computer programming. She also runs the CWL chapter of NJHS (National Junior Honor Society) which caters to students with high intrinsic motivation, academic achievement and proper behavior. Finally, she organizes the CWL Lewis Legend program which gives teachers an opportunity to celebrate the special teacher-student relationships fostered over the school year through recognizing a student who impacted their lives and memory and will go down in the history of CWL as a "legend."
She could not be more excited and honored to be recognized in this way and to be connected in anyway to the Philadelphia Eagles - a team she has loved through the ups & downs all her life with much credit due to her Pop-Pop Paul who is a diehard Eagles fan. His love of this team was carried down genetically - in our family we bleed green! Let's Go E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!
Jodi Rinehart
Dolphins vs. Eagles
I am deeply honored to have been selected as a 2023 Nouryon All-Pro Teacher. Teaching has been my passion for the past 19 years. Before stepping into the classroom, I worked as a statistician for a short time. While it was intellectually stimulating, I felt a calling to make a more direct impact on young minds. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of inspiring and guiding countless students in their journey through mathematics. In addition to my role as a math teacher, I have served as a class advisor, where I've had the opportunity to connect with students beyond the classroom. This has given me insight into their unique needs and aspirations, helping me become a more effective educator. As for what the Eagles mean to me, they represent not just a football team but a symbol of unity, determination, and teamwork. These are values I strive to instill in my students every day. I believe that sports, like education, have the power to bring people together and inspire greatness.
Christopher O'Sullivan
Commanders vs. Eagles
Chris O'Sullivan is in his 9th year as an educator, currently teaching at Highland Park Elementary in the Upper Darby School District. Following his graduation in 2015 from Villanova University, Chris completed a year of service as a teacher on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. It was this meaningful experience that led Chris to make the decision to become a teacher. Upon returning to Philadelphia, he began working towards his masters in education at Cabrini University, which he completed in 2020.
Throughout his career, Chris has enjoyed incorporating his interests and hobbies into his daily teaching to engage students. After school, he has organized and mentored students in several clubs and activities. From his love of running, he has volunteered to coach many track and field programs, from elementary to high school levels. Chris is also a plant enthusiast. He recently "retired" from working on his grandfather's vegetable farm, something he has done every summer since childhood. Inspired by his experience, he created the horticulture club at Highland Park, where he continues to share his love for plants with his students. In his free time, Chris enjoys running, spending time outdoors, and creating fun resources to use in his classroom.
Chris' fondest Eagles memory was listening to Merrill Reese on the car rides home from his grade school cross country meets at Belmont Plateau. He is honored to be recognized by the Eagles and Nouryon as an All-Pro Teacher!
Jenn Dolnick
Vikings vs. Eagles
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Jenn Dolnick grew up like any true Philadelphian, an Eagles fan. She brings that passion to her students by encouraging a sense of community, acceptance, pride, and self- worth into her classroom and throughout Gulph Elementary. Everything from being part of the staff and students wearing their EAGLES green when celebrating an upcoming gameday, to posting banners painted by the students throughout the halls with the beloved bald eagle. In addition, she is also a Temple University Alumni where she received her bachelor's in education, and shortly after went on to pursue her master's degree at Arcadia University. Jenn has been in education for 8 years, 5 of which as a 1st Grade Special Education teacher (Autistic Support) at Gulph Elementary School in the Upper Merion Area School District. Jenn recognizes that success and accomplishments are not measured the same way in Special Education compared to traditional learning. She attributes these successes to the aid of a dedicated team of professionals which she is honored to be a part of. Teachers strive to not only educate but encourage and inspire their students; Jenn takes on challenges daily while working with her neurodiverse student population. It is the love of her students, their happiness, success, health, and smiling faces that makes it all worth it.
Sandy Metzger
Colts vs. Eagles
Sandy has been teaching science for 30 years in the Pennsbury School District. She is also a 1988 alumni that graduated with former Eagles cornerback #23 Troy Vincent. Sandy earned a BS in general science education from Bloomsburg University and a masters degree in environmental education from Beaver College. Her love for teaching comes from her parents who are both educators. At school, she is a representative for the Pennsbury Partners program that collaborates with the community-at-large to enhance student learning and enrich educational opportunities. She is a member of the district's Sustainability Commitee that is working to reduce our environmental footprint. Sandy has a blended family with her husband Dan, his two girls Kate and Maggie and her two kids, Mathew and Megan. In her free time, she enjoys being outside, riding bikes, and taking walks. Every now and then, you'll see Sandy cheering at Subaru Park for the Philadelphia Union or making trips down to Sea Isle City, NJ. At the shore, her family has enjoyed supporting Team 62 with Jason Kelce by atending the events for Eagles Autism Awareness. As a science teacher, she is proud of the Eagles organization for having the "Go Green'' program to promote sustainability in the NFL. She has brought her students on tours to discuss renewable energy sources and the concentrated effort for waste reduction at Lincoln Financial Field.
Sandy is honored to be recognized by the Eagles because they represent more than football. They model determination and perseverance to overcome challenges, promote the acceptance of others, and develop a sense of community for Philadelphia. Thank you for recognizing educators and supporting ideas that can help our students "fly."
Annamaria Guille
Browns vs. Eagles
Anna was born and raised in Delco. After graduating from Sun Valley High School, she earned her bachelor's degree in chemistry at Elizabethtown College where she also played soccer. She then started working as the goalkeeping coach for Widener University Women's Soccer, and a Process Development Chemist at Lonza Group. She was laid off after 911. Coincidentally, Sun Valley HS needed a chemistry teacher at the time, so she attended Widener University to get her master's degree and certification in Secondary Education and began her teaching career. She is starting her 21st year at Sun Valley HS (Penn-Delco School District) where she has taught all levels of chemistry from co-taught to AP. She has also spent time as the varsity girls' soccer head coach, the varsity girl's lacrosse assistant coach, and the Northley middle school girls' lacrosse coach. Additionally, Anna is the Science Department Chair, serves on the safety commitee, has worked with student athletes on the College Bound Student Athlete Commitee, and participates in the Pie-a-teacher fundraiser each year. Outside of school over the years, Ann has volunteered in her community as a travel soccer coach, and a coach and director for the Springfield AA girl's lacrosse program. Whether in the classroom or on the field, she is always positive and enthusiastic. She continues to find new ways to help her students and athletes enjoy their experiences while they develop their confidence and a love for learning science or their sport.
Anna is married to her husband Mike, who is a special education teacher, and they have two daughters, Jaclyn (16) and Madison (13), and their dog Lucky. The whole family loves cheering on all the Philly sports teams, but especially the Eagles! Anna has been a lifelong Eagles fan with a list of favorite players over the years! Mike planned their engagement by telling Anna that Hugh Douglas was coming to teach his class the Eagle's Fight Song, so that she would come to his school on her lunch break to see! She went to watch the excitement but received a totally different surprise than expected!
She is beyond excited and honored to be recognized by the Philadelphia Eagles, and to receive this award! Go Birds!