Crystal Gay started teaching at West Branch in 1997. She teaches Chemistry I & II. She also is the advisor of the Chief Science Officers (CSO) for the high school. 

Mrs. Gay attended high school at Tussey Mountain. She was on the dance team and was involved in many clubs, such as student government, school newspaper, NHS, prom committee, and yearbook committee. After graduating, she attended Juniata College. She dual majored in chemistry and secondary education and minored in literature. Now, she is married to Mike Gay and has two kids, Noah and Hannah. 

Mrs. Gay is a very hard-working teacher who cares a lot about her students. She not only cares about their grades and education but also their emotional well-being. She’s always willing to listen and help, whether it’s about chemistry or anything else a student would want to talk about. Mrs. Gay is very passionate about her students’ safety which is important for chemistry classes. She makes sure that her classes are fun while also ensuring that everybody understands the information she’s teaching. She is very intelligent and has worked very hard to get where she is now.

She is well-liked by her students and colleagues and never fails to put a smile on peoples’ faces. Her contagious laugh can be heard from far away. Junior and Chemistry II student, Bella Koleno said, “Mrs. Gay is such a good teacher. She teaches us all we need to know but she also cares about all of us. She always checks with us students to make sure we understand the topic, and she tries to help all of us individually. She even offers to stay after school, even though she has a busy life. Her dedication to her job is such an inspiration to me and other students.” 

In addition to teaching, Mrs. Gay advises the CSOs which is a group of students who are committed to teaching and encouraging students to explore the world, take courses, and embrace ideas in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math). Mrs. Gay organizes club meetings, field trips, and helps her students create activities for the district STEAM night. Last year, CSO officers helped local students make ice cream, mix slime, and even extract the DNA from a strawberry. 

On behalf of the West Branch student body, thank you Mrs. Gay for your dedication to the West Branch school district.