Stefan Wentling

 

 

 

 

 

9/16/22

Stefan Wentling graduated from Northern Lebanon in 1983. While at NL he was active in soccer, basketball, tennis, band, National Honor Society, and the Ecology Club. He served as class treasurer and graduated as class salutatorian. Wentling cites the dedication of his teachers and coaches as one of the most positive aspects of his time at NL. Whether in the classroom or on the athletic field/court, he would push himself to excel in large part because of the length that those instructors went to invest in his success.

Wentling then earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. While there he was also a three-year starter on the men’s soccer team (Go Mountain Cats!). It was also at UPJ that Wentling developed his affinity for all things Social Studies, and so decided to pursue a teaching degree. After completing his certification at Lebanon Valley College and a long-term stint at Hershey High, his journey brought him back home to NL in 1991, where he has been teaching ever since. Along the way he has had the opportunity to experience work as a house painter, South Dakota state park worker, golf course greenskeeper, saw mill worker, and flower delivery driver.

Wentling has had a full and varied career at Northern Lebanon. After 12 years in the Middle School, he has been in the High School ever since, teaching, at various times, Ancient and American Histories, Civics & Government, AP US History, Political Science, Economics, Comparative Religions, Social Science Survey, and the Bible in Western Culture. A Master of Arts degree in American Studies from PSU, and a Juris Master degree from Liberty University Law School, have proven valuable in these endeavors. Wentling is a member of the Lebanon County Educational Honor Society. He has also enjoyed the many years of coaching soccer, tennis, volleyball, and quiz bowl, helping to foster hard work and dedication among NL students.

As a resident of the Northern Lebanon community, a personal benefit has been the opportunity to teach all four of his children. Even more than a rewarding teaching career, Wentling’s family is most important to him. He and his lovely wife, Susan, are rich beyond measure in the blessings of marriage and family and have always been actively involved in the life of their church. In his other available time, he enjoys exploring trails in Pennsylvania and elsewhere by bike and by foot, and also serves on the East Hanover Township Board of Supervisors.

Wentling’s advice to current students: “Don’t seek a life of happiness and ease. Instead, pursue a life of purpose, and true joy will follow. In particular, make sure that you are looking for opportunities to serve. Taking your focus off yourself and putting it on others is the best way to find meaning and significance.”

 

 

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