Alumni Spotlight

This month's alumni spotlight features Michelle Petko '89, a passionate and driven business professional with a deep commitment to community service. Michelle embodies the core values of Methacton, demonstrating the spirit of giving back and making a positive impact through her dedication to both her career and her community.

Michelle (Bravo) Petko found a lifelong passion for community service while in High School. She actively participated in various volunteer opportunities, including Class Congress, during her time there.

"I enjoyed being a part of the community and anything that involved school spirit."

Some of her fondest memories, are Homecoming games and celebrations. These were such large school events that brought the whole community together and fostered so many lasting relationships.

Michelle fondly recalls her many wonderful memories of Methacton teachers, but two in particular stand out as the most influential figures in her life: Mr. Romano, her high school Math teacher, and Mr. Herman, her business teacher.

"Both teachers were supportive and put in the extra time with me and other students. They always made themselves available for extra help, checked in on us to make sure we were on task and would reinforce what was taught during class."

Although she came from a family of educators, her exposure to business classes at Methacton broadened her horizons and revealed the diverse range of career opportunities available to her. The encouragement and support she received from both Math and Business teachers instilled in her the confidence to pursue a career path in business. Taking on electives such as Typing, Accounting, and Business Law, Michelle's dedication and enthusiasm were so noteworthy that she won the Norristown Business and Professional Women Award in her senior year.

Michelle Petko graduated from Penn State's Smeal College of Business with a Business Management degree in 1993, and then embarked on a career in Commercial Lending at Ford Financial Services. Rising through the ranks, she eventually became Operations Manager for their North East Region.

"However, my most fulfilling role came later when I transitioned to become a stay-at-home mother to our three daughters."

After stepping away from her career at Ford Financial to raise her daughters, Michelle became a dedicated member of the Methacton community. Over the past 15 years, she has held various positions on the Home and School Board at different schools within the district and has been a tireless volunteer for Post Prom events.

"I was volunteering in the schools so much a principal said "you should work here", and here I am. At Methacton, I found a second career that allows me to combine my business degree in the education field, community involvement, supporting Methacton families' education, supporting our community, and enjoying working with my peers in what makes me love coming to work every day."

MIchelle acts as the Supervisor of Continuous Improvement Secretary - a vital role in supporting the Curriculum department, teachers, and administration. The experience in the business world prepared her to approach any work with an intrigue to make improvements. Her responsibilities include coordinating conference arrangements, facilitating teacher and administrative professional development, providing technical support for the instructional software used at Methacton, working with Curriculum vendors, organizing in-service days, and overseeing various other important tasks.

"This is more than a job for me, I feel I have an active role in the community as well. I love my job because of the people I work with and I get to talk to Methacton staff all day. I get to be a part of the operation of the district itself and contribute to the improvement in all those areas."

Michelle met her husband, Steve Petko, at Penn State University 30 years ago. Together, they have three daughters: Ashley, Emily, and Casey. Ashley and Emily are both graduates of Methacton High School, with Ashley from the Class of 2021 and Emily from the Class of 2023. Currently, Ashley and Emily are attending the University of Pittsburgh, while Casey, a junior at Methacton, is exploring her options and interests for post-high school.

"Sitting in the bleachers seeing my 2 oldest daughters graduate, walk the same halls I did at their age including the same elementary school I attended is a very emotional feeling, a very proud one at that.

I feel very fortunate to have many career accomplishments, but I am most proud of my family."

As for current Methacton students, Michelle says:

"My advice to students in high school is to get involved. Try everything even if it may not typically be in your interest areas. One class, one activity, club etc. could open you up to something you may never had thought you would pursue. The people you meet and the different things you can be exposed to could be life changing. Being involved, working with others to reach a common goal are invaluable lessons."

If you are -- or know -- a Methacton graduate who should be featured in the ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT, complete the interest form here.

Email: information@methacton.org
Website: www.methacton.org/alumnispotlight
Location: 1001 Kriebel Mill Road, Eagleville, PA, USA
Phone: 610-489-5000
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Twitter: @methacton