Bob Schantz of South Whitehall recently received the 2013 Bethlehem Educational Scholastic Trust Fund Bernie Cohen award during a ceremony at Liberty High School, Bethlehem.

The award was given for Schantz's excellence in teaching at the middle school level in the Bethlehem Area School District.

Schantz, a member of Jordan United Church of Christ, South Whitehall, began his fourth and final year of teaching art at Northeast Middle School in Bethlehem, and spent 29 years as an art teacher at Donegan Elementary School, Bethlehem, prior to his tenure at Northeast.

Schantz received the certificate and cash award in conjunction with his plans to retire in June 2014.

The BEST Fund is a component fund of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation created more than a decade ago by community leaders who met to discuss ways of honoring teachers for their work and dedication to the school system.

The Bernie Cohen Award was created in memory of Cohen's commitment to education and the greater Bethlehem community.

Parents, teachers, students, BASD employees, and Bethlehem residents nominate teachers within the school district based on a teacher's professionalism and community involvement as well as their commitment to students.

"I had no clue I'd been selected to receive the award until I got a letter in the mail about it," Schantz said. "The students, Northeast Principal Joseph Rahs, and other teachers at school never said a word to me.

"Ironically, when I told my principal I'm retiring at the end of this school year, I mentioned I wanted this to be the best year ever.

"He had asked me how it could get any better than what it's already been, and then I found out I got the award."

Rahs said Schantz will be "tremendously missed" as a teacher and mentor at the school and in the community, adding he has won numerous awards in addition to the BEST award.

"He's certainly worthy of any and all awards, but he's a very reserved man who teaches because he loves inspiring the kids, teachers, and community and never seeks the accolades," Rahs added. "Bob has infused art projects with the students throughout the entire fabric of Northeast, from plays to the yearbook.

"If you walk through the school hallways and stop to look at the students' art projects on display, they are good enough to belong in an art museum."

While teaching, his students learn about various forms of art as well as different culture arts and art throughout history.

"My sixth grade students have made art based on Ancient Egyptian art," such as the relief drawings in the pyramids, Schantz said. "Seventh and eighth grade students will often learn about Japanese art or Native American basket and bag weaving."

Schantz also discusses American styles such as portraits by Georgia O'Keefe.

"I often see my teaching career as an extension of who I am, and as a way to give kids with a spark of hope as well as skills they can use later in life," Schantz said. "I had considered other career paths, but still felt a pull to teach art.

"I always wanted to share with others an artistic streak I had from the time I was little and had used my coloring books and crayons while visiting with my grandparents."

He added that while his uncle had offered to turn over his floral shop to Schantz for free since he'd worked there in high school, Schantz turned down the offer because he wanted to teach art.

"I knew getting accepted at what is now Kutztown University and graduating would allow me to pursue teaching art, even though I didn't like disappointing my uncle by turning down his offer of the shop."

The Rev. Dr. David Charles Smith, senior pastor at Jordan UCC, said Schantz is a ninth generation descendent of the church's founding member, Lorenz Guth, and is a committed member who volunteers his time and energy in his work at the church.

At Jordan UCC, Schantz creates the displays for the annual Harvest Home worship services every September as well as co-teaches the high school Sunday School class and often chaperones activities with Koinonia, the church's combined middle school and high school youth groups.

Schantz also continues to be involved in Christian clowning as Chump the Clown with the church's clown ministry and also performs at local community events and private parties as Chump.

Schantz had also been approached by one of the former pastors at his church, the late Rev. George Harting at Jordan, about entering ordained ministry.

"I didn't consider preaching because I knew my calling from God was to be a teacher, and in some ways I see it as a way to serve and minister to others, especially to kids who may have learning challenges or have a tough family situation. I never lack for topics I want to teach my students," he said. "This year, though, I won't have the time to include all of them now that I'm retiring."

After his retirement, Schantz plans to spend more time with his wife, Cheryl, a retired nurse, and with his mom, Betty, of Orefield.

They plan to continue their involvement at Jordan UCC, collecting antiques and going to local auctions in the Lehigh Valley.

"Bob will be missed by everyone," Rahs said. "He's made an impact on the children he teaches as well as the community around him.

"Bob teaches because he loves what he does and has been called into it. He makes everyone's life alive with art."