Mr. Manno

Third Grade Teacher

The ability to be a positive role model in the educational process is what St. Hilary School third grade teacher Mr. Manno most enjoys about teaching. He feels it is important to treat his students with respect, and to make their learning experience fun and enjoyable. He relies on his sense of humor to make his students feel comfortable. In addition to teaching third grade homeroom subjects, Mr. Manno teaches third grade math.

Mr. Manno appreciates the high level of support he receives from his students’ families. He takes pride in being an effective communicator with students and parents alike. A product of Catholic schools, and a firm believer in Catholic education, Mr. Manno feels St. Hilary students are at a definite advantage. He notes that the school’s high standards, as well as continuity in the teaching staff, are important factors in the success of St. Hilary students.

Each year, Mr. Manno particularly enjoys seeing his former third grade students graduate as eighth graders. He says his students still remember things he taught them, and he can recall watching their eyes light up with excitement as they would grasp a new concept.

A graduate of the University of Akron, Mr. Manno holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education (grades 1-8), with a minor in early childhood education. Married for nearly 25 years, he has two grown children. Mr. Manno has an affinity for music, and has been a keyboard player for over 40 years. He also enjoys woodworking and building furniture.

Mrs. Starkey

Third Grade Teacher

“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be,” says Mrs. Starkey about her job teaching St. Hilary School third graders. A faculty member since 1992, Mrs. Starkey says working with young children is enjoyable because “they are so much fun. They make you forget any problems you may have for the moment.” She says it is also rewarding to see students grow, and notes that her first class of students is in college school now.

Mrs. Starkey enjoys being part of her students’ lives, celebrating their milestones, and hearing the stories they love to tell. “I like to be personal with them. They know I have a first name and a family, and that helps them to see me as a real person,” she says. In addition to teaching third grade homeroom subjects, Mrs. Starkey teaches third grade reading, which she particularly enjoys. She says she especially likes reading to her students.

“This is a nice community to teach in,” says Mrs. Starkey of the level of support provided by parents and teachers. “Everyone is very involved here,” she says. She also feels the many opportunities St. Hilary students have, through special classes and extracurricular activities, add to the richness of their educational experience. “Kids here are really busy,” she says. “They are open to new things, and enjoy doing many different activities.” Mrs. Starkey adds that St. Hilary students have available to them many services to which students in other schools do not have access.

One of Mrs. Starkey’s favorite things about working with St. Hilary students has been her role as a student council advisor. She finds it gratifying to see what kids can accomplish, and enjoys watching them touch their community.

Married with three children, one of whom attends St. Hilary, Mrs. Starkey enjoys playing golf, swimming, watching baseball, and spending time with her family. She holds a master’s degree in elementary education (K-8) from Kent State University.

Mrs. Zolton
Third Grade Teacher

Mrs. Zolton has been a teacher at St. Hilary School since 1992.  She loves working with students because their enthusiasm is exciting, and their varied personalities make each class unique.  She finds her students willing to learn, which makes her job as a teacher even more enjoyable.  An educator for more than 25 years, Mrs. Zolton has also taught fifth grade.

In addition to teaching third grade homeroom subjects, Mrs. Zolton teaches English.  She notes that the study of English is “like working a puzzle.”  Mrs. Zolton maintains what she calls an “open classroom”, in which students participate in readying the room for class each day.  Through their active roles in the classroom family, students develop both a sense of belonging and a sense of responsibility.

The feeling of community is what Mrs. Zolton believes makes St. Hilary special among elementary schools.  “There is a real sense of unity we all share.  We are a church and school family,” she says.  Mrs. Zolton adds that the offering of religious instruction at St. Hilary is a defining characteristic of the school.

A graduate of the University of Akron, Mrs. Zolton holds a bachelor of science degree in education.  She is proud that her own children attended St. Hilary well before she began teaching here, and notes that it was the school that drew her family to join the parish.  Mrs. Zolton enjoys reading, family activities, and being outdoors among her flowers in the summer.