Jerry Zahorchak, a graduate of Great Johnstown High School, was dubbed Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Young Citizen in 1991 and 1996, and has continued his growth as a leader in the state of Pennsylvania. He began his young career while playing football under fellow inductee Art Martynuska at Saint Francis. Since his graduation in 1979, Mr. Zahorchak has involved himself with students at every level of education from principal to coach during his career.
Under Martynuska, Mr. Zahorchak set the Red Flash single-season record for tackles with 138, and also holds the single-game record with 27 tackles. A tough competitor, Mr. Zahorchak formed the core of the Saint Francis defense during his football career.
He has served as superintendent, principal, teacher and football coach. He was nominated by Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell to serve as Secretary of Education in 2005. Prior to his nomination, Mr. Zahorchak served as Deputy Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education. A former Superintendent of the greater Johnstown School District, Mr. Zahorchak also served as President of the Johnstown Rotary in 2003, as an elected official of the Greater Johnstown School District school board and of the Johnstown City Council. Additionally, he was also the Deputy Mayor of Johnstown. Mr. Zahorchak has received numerous awards, including Saint Francis University’s Distinguished Alumnus in Education and the University President’s Outstanding Educator Award in 2002. The Pennsylvania Jaycees also named him Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Young Citizen in 1991 and 1996.
Saint Francis College is proud to honor Jerry Zahorchak with induction into the Athletics Hall of Fame on this date, Saturday, November 17, 2007.
