When Mary Robert, second grade teacher at Radio Park Elementary, opened her copy of the State College Area School District Education Foundation magazine, she was struck by an article on page 29. It was a profile of a student she taught many years ago, accomplished vocalist Danya Katok.

Katok recalled in an interview that she “absolutely loved Radio Park” and fondly remembered her teachers there, including Miss Ricketts, who is now Mrs. Robert.

In the article, Katok credited her role in the play Little Grunt and the Big Egg as a second grader with initiating her onstage career. Robert remembers the performance well and was touched that Katok recalled and mentioned the play.

Robert has since been able to reconnect with her former pupil. “It really is so touching to me to see students grow up and find their place in this world and know that I shared in a small part of their journey,” she said.