A Panther Valley Junior Senior High School teacher received state accolades for his work rebuilding his school’s Family and Consumer Sciences program.

Julian Costa was named the 2026 recipient of the Pennsylvania Association of Family and Consumer Sciences New Achiever Award.

The award recognizes an emerging family and consumer sciences professional who has exhibited the potential to make significant contributions to the field.

The association commended Costa’s dedication to rebirth of his school’s Family and Consumer Science program, which had ended in 2017 due to retirements and budget cuts.

“The PAFCS has been incredibly enthusiastic about the work I’ve done at Panther Valley, and I sincerely appreciate their ongoing support,” said Costa, who was surprised by the honor.

“It means a lot to me to be recognized by such a support organization,” he said.

Since joining the Panther Valley School District in 2024, Costa has developed eight new courses — six of which are currently being taught. They include Foundations of Family and Consumer Sciences, Child Development, Food Production, Housing and Interior Design, Interpersonal Communication and an eighth-grade exploratory course.

Costa began his teaching career in 2013 and has taught in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York City.

In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Costa established and advises the Family and Consumer Science Club and serves as chair of the school FCS Occupational Advisory Committee.