Robert Valente, a chemistry teacher at Marian Catholic High School, was recently named "Chemistry Teacher of the Year" for the state of Pennsylvania.

Valente was nominated for this award by a former Marian student, Patrick Martino, who currently teaches chemistry at Bucknell University.Valente received a bachelor of science degree in environmental resources management from Penn State University in 1983 and began his teaching career at Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, Virginia, teaching chemistry and biology.While in Virginia, he also worked for Naval Surface Weapons in White Oak, Maryland, as a polymer chemist.In 1991, he moved to Pennsylvania, where he opened his Sign Spot business.In 2003, Valente began teaching chemistry at Bishop Hafey High School. During his tenure there, he moderated the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science program.Employed at Marian since 2008, he teaches honors and college prep chemistry, along with organic chemistry for students considering entering the medical or engineering fields.In 2013, Valente initiated a basic chemistry class for students entering college, but not necessarily a science field.Along with his classroom responsibilities, he has helped to direct the senior play and continues to moderate the junior academy of science program.He is married to the former Michele Seliga of Hazleton. They are the parents of two sons, Alex and Stephen, who both attended Marian High School and Penn State University.