Want to nominate an alumnus for the Hall of Fame 

The following individuals will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on October 1, 2005 at the Youghiogheny County Club.

Dr. James Clarke--1955--Education

In addition, Sandy Broder Lehner ('68) and Eileen Hansen Russell ('63) will receive the Educator's Recognition award.

DR. CAROLYN WASZCZAK ADAMS (Inducted 2000)

Dr. Carolyn Adams is currently the principal of Southmoreland High School in the Scottdale area of Westmoreland County. She was appointed to that position after five years as the school's Assistant Principal and Director of Alternative Education. Prior to that, she spent twenty-two years as a science teacher at Elizabeth Forward High School and as their Science Department Chair from 1986 to 1991. Her first teaching assignment was at Wallace Junior High for the Baldwin Whitehall School District.

As the principal at Southmoreland, she has overseen a 19 million-dollar renovation of the high school, its stadium, and athletic facilities, and served on district-wide panels such as the strategic Planning and Professional Development Committees. Dr. Adams also developed student directed school initiatives such as Peer Mediation and a Freshman Orientation group, the SURGE Staff.

She is a member of the Westmoreland Association of Student Assistance Professionals, the Southmoreland Drug Free Schools Committee, Southmoreland Parent Teacher Student Association and Westmoreland County Principal's Association.

Dr. Adams is a life-long resident of Elizabeth Township. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Waszczak of Greenock, she and her husband Frank have two daughters, Stacy and Kelly.

Carolyn earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology at Westminster College. Her Master's degree from California University of Pennsylvania was completed in 1981 in Secondary Counseling. Prior to that, Adams had studied for and obtained certification in Environmental Education. She completed work for her Principal's certification, also at California, and recently completed her doctoral studies and obtained her Pennsylvania Letter of Eligibility at Duquesne University.

During her tenure at EF, Dr. Adams co-authored a successful State Technology Grant resulting in hardware and software for the school's first computer lab. Additionally, she instituted an Accelerated Science Program and was a member of the writing team which authored the Curriculum Guide for Applied Biology as part of the Allegheny County Tech Prep Initiative. She has also done textbook review for Holt-Rinehart Publishing Company.

Among her honors, Carolyn was named a Presidential Scholar at California University of Pennsylvania and was inducted into their chapter of Phi Delta Kappa. She was also selected to present a session entitled Alternative Education - it Works at the October 1995 meeting of the Pennsylvania Association of Elementary and Secondary School Principals and at the 1998 Assistant Principal's Front-line Conference in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Dr. Adams was selected as the National Association of Secondary School Principals' 1997 Pennsylvania Assistant Principal of the Year sponsored by McDonalds Corporation.

Dr. Adams is a member of the Board of Directors of the Laurel Highlands Regional YMCA, and is also affiliated with the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, National Association of Secondary School Principals, Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh, Women's Club of Elizabeth and the First Presbyterian Church of Boston.

DR. RICHARD P. BONDI (Inducted 1998)

Richard R Bondi, M.D., is a distinguished member of the medical community in the McKeesport area, where the Bondi name has been prominent for decades. Dr. Bondi was Chairman of the Department of Surgery at McKeesport Hospital from 1993 to 1997 and has been Chief of Clinical Surgery from 1981 to the present. He also has been a Consultant of Surgery at Children's Hospital, Pittsburgh, since 1990. He has been on the Active Staff, Department of Surgery, McKeesport Hospital, since 1976; the Active Staff of Forbes Regional Hospital since 1997; and was on the Active Staff of Children's Hospital from 1975-1990.

Dr. Bondi has been an Assistant Professor of Clinical Surgery in the University of Pittsburgh's Department of Surgery since 1976 and also served the university as an Assistant Professor of Surgery and Instructor in Surgery, the latter from 1974-75 when he was Chief Administrative Resident. In addition, he was a Consultant of Surgery at Oakland Veterans Administration Hospital from 1974-1992. Dr. Bondi is a member of numerous professional and scientific societies, including the American College of Surgeons which he served in many capacities, including that of Governor from 1990- 1997. He holds membership in the Pittsburgh Academy of Medicine, Association of Academic Surgeons, Pennsylvania Association of Thoracic Surgeons, Pennsylvania State Medical Society, American Trauma Association, American Medical Association, Allegheny County Medical Society and Harbison Surgical Society.

Among his honors are: the Charles C. Moore Teaching Award in Surgery from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 1974, and the AMA Physicians Recognition Award, 1973-76. Dr. Bondi has written, lectured and presented in the U.S. and abroad. He did his undergraduate work at Washington and Jefferson College, graduating in 1965. He earned his MD at the University of Pittsburgh in 1969, did his internship (1969-70) and residency in surgery (1970-74) at University Hospitals of Pittsburgh.

He and his wife, the former Camille Vaira, Class of 1962, reside in the Squirrel Hill section of Pittsburgh. They are the parents of three children: Richard Paul, Shannon Brooke and Maris Ann.

DAVID CAIRD (Inducted 2004)

David Caird, Class of 1954, earned his BA in English and M.Ed. in Counseling from the University of Pittsburgh. Other than the first three years of his teaching career at Avalon High School in Pittsburgh, he has spent his entire career at Elizabeth Forward as teacher, counselor and administrator. He taught English and Public Speaking at the High School, where he also directed twelve of the High School plays, served as advisor to National Honor Society, and served on the Curriculum Council. He also served as Guidance Counselor at the Elementary, Junior High and High School levels. As Director of Special Services during the 1970's, Caird worked at bringing students who had been excluded from EF Schools because of handicaps into appropriate Special Education Programs.  

In the 1980s. he was one of the first persons to be certified in Student Assistance Team Work, was on the committee to develop a program to combat the abuse of alcohol and other drugs at EF, and served on that team until he retired. While high school counselor in the 1990s he wrote a Service Learning Demonstration Grant application that was funded for $75,000.  

Caird has always had a heart for the history of his alma mater and his town. As a committee member in the first publication of the Elizabeth Forward alumni directory, he wrote the history of Elizabeth Forward Schools that is found at the beginning of the two alumni directories that have been published recently. He is one of the founding fathers of the EF Alumni and Friends Association and still serves as a board member. He is Treasurer of the EF Student Aid Fund, past Building Representative and Chairman of the Friends of Education Scholarship Committee. Along with his extra curricular activities in education, his involvement in the community has been varied. He spent 19 years from 1955 to 1980 as Counselor, Program Director and Director of Summer Operations at Camp Kon-O-Kwee. He was a member of Central Lions Club for 37 years, Past Master and Chairman of the Scholarship Committee of the Stephen Bayard Masonic Lodge and is currently Clerk of Session at Bethesda United Presbyterian Church and Vice President of the Round Hill Cemetery Board.

Since retiring from EF, he has been employed part time as Guidance Counselor and Attendance Officer at Charleroi High School and Middle School, and enjoys time with his wife Marlene and his two daughters Jeanne and Jennifer and their families.

SAMUEL J. CRAIGHEAD (Inducted 2001)

Following high school, Mr. Craighead earned his B.S. from St. Vincent College and an M.Ed. from Duquesne University. While studying at the University of Pittsburgh, Sam received the Maurice J. Thomas Fellowship in Educational Administration. 

Prior to his employment at Intermediate Unit 1, Mr. Craighead was a general agent with the Prudential Insurance Company. From 1962 to 1965 he taught in the Elizabeth Forward School District; thereafter, he spent two years as a Federal Programs Coordinator and then went on to serve Fayette, Greene and Washington Counties as the Director of Regional Educational Planning. In 1971, after having worked several years in Charleston, West Virginia, as the Director of Cooperative Educational Development for the Appalachia Educational Laboratory, he returned to Western Pennsylvania and began his tenure at Intermediate Unit 1. Prior to his appointment as Executive Director, he served the Unit as its Specialist in Federal Programs and as Assistant Executive Director. 

Mr. Craighead is a member of the American Association of School Administrators, the American Association of Educational Service Agents, Pennsylvania Association of intermediate Units, Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators, Pennsylvania School Boards Association, Phi Delta Kappa, Tri-State Study Council Executive Committee, and the Western Pennsylvania Coalition for Youth Career Development. He has served on state and national committees on educational policy and has been called upon to testify before the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Senate and the United States House of Representatives regarding educational policy and finance.  

In the community, Mr. Craighead belongs to the California Alliance, Southeastern Area Schools Alliance, St. Michaels Church Parish Council and is a former member of the Elizabeth Township Municipal Authority. 

Mr. Craighead is married to the former Patricia Hofmeister and they have four children, Timothy of Derry, PA, Joan Kilgore of Frederick, MD, Jennifer Wardropper and Scott of Elizabeth. In his free time, Sam enjoys golf, fishing, spectator sports and travel.

MICHAEL DeCOURCY (Inducted 2003)

Mike DeCourcy, a 1978 Elizabeth Forward High School graduate, is one of the nation's leading authorities on NCAA basketball through his work as a senior writer for The Sporting News and extensive broadcast experience.  He has written two books about basketball and appeared on ESPN News, MSNBC and CNN to discuss the game.  

DeCourcy was born in Duquesne in 1960, and moved to Elizabeth, Township, at age two. He became active in youth basketball and junior high football. His enthusiasm for sports led him to pursue a career in journalism, starting with his work on The Warrior newspaper at EF. He attended Point Park College on a journalism scholarship and worked for Monongahela's Daily Herald while still a student and later was a traffic reporter for WWSW-FM. In 1982, he began working at the Tribune-Review in Greensburg. He moved to the Pittsburgh Press in October 1983 and stayed there until it closed in 1992. During his time there, DeCourcy covered 24 world championship fights, the 1992 Olympics, and Penn State's 1986 national championship football team.  He won three national reporting awards from the Associated Press Sports Editors, the most prestigious honor for sports journalists. In 1984-85, DeCourcy joined The Sporting News staff. He has written a college basketball column since 1995 and has been a senior writer since 2000. He co-hosted NBA Draft and NCAA Tournament coverage on the national TSN radio network. DeCourcy was a panelist on NCAA Tournament preview shows with former basketball stars Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy. 

He's one of the most sought-after sports talk radio guests and serves as co-host of "Talkin' Futurestars," a syndicated radio program devoted to college basketball recruiting.  In 2002, he completed "Legends of College Basketball," a book on the Top 100 players in the game's history.  His first book, "Inside Basketball: From the Playgrounds to the NBA," was published in 1996. He now lives in suburban Cincinnati.

THOMAS J. "TOM" DeROSA (Inducted 2000)

Tom DeRosa's life has been one blessed with many successful athletic endeavors. Upon graduation from E.F. he attended Pitt on a soccer scholarship and he was a member of the Pitt Panther intercollegiate soccer team. Tom transferred to California State Teachers College where he was a member of the football team, leading the nation in punting at that level in 1961. Tom DeRosa graduated from California State with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Tom played soccer as an amateur and professional from 1959 through 1976. He was a Pan Am selection in 1960 and earned an Olympic tryout in 1964. He played on numerous National Cup tournaments, reaching the finals in Cup competition as an amateur and as a professional. Tom played soccer professionally for the Pittsburgh Indians in 1962, and in 1972 he played professionally for the Canonsburg Maggis.

Tom DeRosa has been a member of the PGA since 1965. He served as the Head Golf Pro at Phillipsburg Country Club in 1965 and Greene County Country Club from 1966 to 1968. Tom qualified for the PGA Senior Tour and has competed in regional and major tournaments; in 1997, he qualified for the PGA Senior Tournament at Quicksilver.

Tom started the soccer program at Canon McMillan High School in 1971-972; he served as the boys' soccer coach at E.F. from 1984 to 1986, qualifying for the WPIAL playoffs two of the three seasons. Tom then moved his soccer coaching career to Robert Morris College from 1987 to 1989 at the Division I level in the NEC Conference, one of the premier soccer conferences in the nation during this period. In 1989, his team posted a 19-2 record that still stands as the college's most successful soccer season ever!

Tom's tremendous leg strength earned him a spot on the Steelers preseason roster as a punter in 1968.

Another of Tom's diversified accomplishments was that he trained championship grouse dogs from 1979 to 1991, having one dog claim 2nd place at the National Trials.

Tom has pursued other ventures outside the athletic arena, some of which are: owning and operating Lock Four Car Wash, Kawasaki of Pittsburgh, Valley Car Wash, Mr. Lube and repair shop, and Elite Motors Used Car Lot. Tom was also elected to serve as Chairman of Forward Township's Board of Supervisors.
 

JAY H. FELDSTEIN (Inducted 2001) 

Jay H. Feldstein, Class of 1955, has been practicing law since his graduation from Yale Law School in 1962. Beginning as a sole practitioner, he later formed a law firm which is now known as Feldstein Grinberg Stein & McKee, P.C. and is comprised of 23 attorneys. Upon incorporation of the firm in 1979, Mr. Feldstein was elected President and continues to serve in that capacity. 

From 1969 to 1976, Mr. Feldstein was Special Counsel to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. During this time he tried all public school desegregation cases in Pennsylvania. He also tried the first public housing discrimination case and the first corporate sexual discrimination cases. He was successful in all of these cases and all were affirmed by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. 

Active within his professional field, Mr. Feldstein has served as President of the Academy of Trial Lawyers of Allegheny County and as President of the Western Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association. He served for 12 years on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association and was Chair of its Affirmative Action Committee. He has served the Pennsylvania Bar Association as Chair of its Judicial Selection and Reform Committee and the Allegheny County Bar Association as Chair of its Judiciary Public Relations Law Day USA and Economics of the Bar Committees. 

Mr. Feldstein is a noted author and lecturer, having conducted seminars for other attorneys on behalf of the Pennsylvania Bar Institute, the Trial Advocacy Foundation of Pennsylvania and the Pittsburgh Institute of Legal Medicine. He has been published in "Legal Medicine" and "The Barrister". 

Moreover, he is an elected Fellow of the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers and has served as a Board member for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 

Active in community service, Mr. Feldstein has served as Chairman of the Pennsylvania Lottery Commission, President of the Penn State Alumni Association, Master of his Masonic Lodge, Counsel for the Elizabeth-Forward Student Aid Scholarship Fund and solicitor for the Borough of Elizabeth. 

He is married to the former Judith Stern and they have three children, Wendy, David and Marc. 

CAROL WATERLOO FRAZIER (Inducted 2004)

Carol Waterloo Frazier, Class of 1979, has been a news reporter and lifestyles editor for The Daily News in McKeesport since 1988. Her entire professional career has been with the local daily newspaper, where for the past 21 years she has brought news, culture, recipe and highlights of far- away countries to Mon Valley homes. 

A native of Elizabeth Township and daughter of Audrey and the late Patrick Waterloo, she was involved in a number of extra-curricular activities during her high school years. Frazier participated in the Warrior Concert Band where she played clarinet, color guard, forensics, drama club and volleyball. After graduating cum laude, she attended Penn State McKeesport for two years and was named Sportswriter of the Year for The Collegian during the 1980-81 school year. She then attended Point Park College and received a bachelor's degree in journalism and communications in 1981, graduating cum laude. During her college years, Frazier also interned in several departments at The Daily News and did freelance writing for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. She also was listed in Who's Who American College Students.

Immediately after graduation, Frazier began her newspaper career as a beat reporter and later was named a news editor. She was appointed lifestyles editor in 1988 and is responsible for a number of frequent columns and bringing readers the news of annual events such as McKeesport's International Village. Frazier also has brought readers Civic Light Opera reviews for nearly 20 years. Her "P is for Potato" guest appearance on WQED- TV's cooking show was chosen as a "Best of the Best" segment. In addition, Frazier received a Golden Quill Award from the Pittsburgh Press Club in 1993 in the Science, Health and Technology category. She also has judged writing competitions for professional journalists across the country.  

Also during her career, she has taught journalism at Penn State McKeesport, volunteered for Junior Achievement, judged local science fairs and currently can be heard reading news updates on WEDO-AM. She also is involved with the McKeesport Heritage Center.

 Frazier, a second degree black belt in Tae Kwan, Do, enjoys camping, boating, gardening and photography. She and her husband of seven years, Bob, reside in Elizabeth Township where they are active members of Mt. Vernon Community Presbyterian Church and she is an elder, Sunday school teacher, member of the bell choir and Bible study leader.

REV. ROBERT C. GUFFEY (Inducted 2000)

Robert C. Guffey was born on April 16, 1902 in Elizabeth Township on a farm that is now Seven Springs Golf Course. He attended school in the old Harmony one room school house for seven years—he was advanced from the sixth to the eighth grade because there were no other seventh graders at the time. He traveled by horse and buggy (sleigh in the winter) to Elizabeth High School where he completed his early education and was one of thirteen in the Class of 1919.

After graduation Mr. Guffey went to work in the accounting department of the United States Steel Corporation in Clairton. During this time he attended the Pittsburgh School of Accounting, now known as Robert Morris College, where he studied accounting, office management and business law. Subsequently he was promoted to Chief Clerk of the open Hearth Department. He continued his education through extension courses at Penn State and after 42 years of service he retired from U.S. Steel in 1962.

Having always been active in his church as a Sunday school teacher, Superintendent of the Sunday School, Lay Leader, Trustee, President of the Epworth League (Homestead Sub-District), and President of the Pittsburgh Conference of the Epworth League, his life took a serious turn. He began a four-year study at Wesley Seminary and in 1965 he was ordained a Deacon and in 1967 he was ordained an Elder at the Annual United Methodist Conference held at Grove City College. Rev. Robert C. Guffey went to serve pastorates at Winnet Chapel, Marianna, Zollarsville, Dunlevy and Speers United Methodist Churches. He retired from his second career in 1974 at the mandatory age of 72.

In the early years of his professional life, Rev. Guffey married Grace Garlitz of Clairton (1927). They had three children, Dolores, Robert, and Gracedaryl. Rev. Guffey has thirteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. Grace died in October of 1976, three months before their fiftieth anniversary.

In the community, Rev. Guffey has been a member of Rotary and served on the Board of Round Hill Cemetery since 1963; he was President of that board for 15 years. He also served as chaplin of the Clairton AARP for 25 years and continues to serve as a chaplin of the Tri-State Historical Steam Engine Association, a duty he has performed for the last 25 years.

JAMES E. HENDERSON  (Inducted 2003)

James E. Henderson, a 1967 graduate, was named Dean of Duquesne University's School of Education in November 1996. In July 1994, he was appointed associate dean of the School of Education and in November 1995 was chosen as interim dean. Henderson currently serves as a professor in the school of education. He also is director of the university's Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program for Educational Leaders. Prior to his most-recent posts, Henderson served as superintendent of schools in Montgomery Twp., N.J., and superintendent and assistant superintendent for personnel in the Reading School District. He also has served as assistant superintendent for business, high school principal and vice principal in Upper Freehold Regional Schools in New Jersey and as a middle school unit leader and high school teacher in East Windsor, N.J., Regional Schools.  

Henderson earned a bachelor's degree in psychology at Princeton University and his master's and doctorate degrees in educational administration at Rutgers. He's authored 21 journal articles and book chapters and recently attracted attention for his work in win-win bargaining, shared decision-making, strategic planning, leadership selection and development. In 1977, Henderson founded Know Outlet Inc., which glorifies God by helping individuals and organizations heal old wounds, solve and avert problems and serve others. His professional distinctions include selection as a Group 10 Fellow in the Kellogg National Fellowship Program for 1989-92, a member of the 1990 Executive Educator 100 and a past-president for the Somerset County, N.J., School Administrators' Association.  Henderson earned the 1996 Faculty Award for Excellence in Scholarship from Duquesne's School of Education and the 1993 Outstanding Research and Publications Award from the Pennsylvania Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. He also was chosen as the 1990 Superintendent of the Year by the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association for out- standing advocacy of music instruction in schools and as the 1988 Pennsylvania Outstanding Friend of Home Economics award recipient by the Pennsylvania Home Economics Association Inc. Other honors include recognition as the 1990 Friend of Education by the Berks County Education Association, and the 1989 Leadership Award by the Berks County American Heart Association. He's served as a deacon and Christian education leader at Beverly Heights United Presbyterian Church.  

Henderson is a runner who regularly logs 35-40 miles per week. He's completed 21 marathons, eight ultramarathons and numerous races of shorter distances.  His travels have taken him to Chile, South Africa, Puerto Rico, England, Ireland, Costa Rica, Germany, Austria and to numerous areas across the U.S. mainland during the Kellogg National Fellowship Program. He is married to the former Peg Beidler and has one daughter.

ALONZO C. "LON" HOWELL (Inducted 2000)

Alonzo Howell has been a life-long resident of Elizabeth Township and with his brother, "Lates", has been partially responsible for its successful growth.

Alonzo graduated in 1934 from Harmony School, which had one room, eight grades and one teacher. He then went to Elizabeth High School, which was a three mile walk just to get the bus, and graduated in 1938.

After graduation, he went to work on the neighboring McLay farm for 10' an hour. In 1955 Howell Bros. bought this farm to develop and    sold 4.5 acres to the present Central Highlands United Methodist Church and 11.5 acres to the present St. Michaels Church.

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, he joined the U.S. Navy and spent the next three years in the Pacific surviving 3 invasions from Guadalcanal to Okinawa, having been assigned to the 58th Construction Battalion he spent his time building bases, air strips and docks.

After the war, he married Majorie Shoaf, an Army nurse, from Elizabeth, now his wife of 54 years. They have 2 sons, 2 daughters, 5 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter.

In 1951 he was appointed to the Elizabeth Township School Authority and they bought 40 acres on Rock Run Road and 7 acres in Greenock and built the Central Elementary School and the Greenock Elementary School. Later the Elizabeth-Forward School Authority was formed to build the present Senior High School; he was Chairman of the Authority. He also served as the first President of the Elizabeth Rotary Club when it was formed. He is still a member with 45 years of perfect attendance.

In 1950 his brother Lawrence and he formed Howell Bros., Inc. and bought 98 acres of land at the intersection of Lovedale and Elizabeth-Glassport Road with railroad, river and highway property; thus began their career from farm boys to bricklayers, to home builders and real estate developers. Being the largest real estate developers in the Elizabeth Township area, he and his partner and brother Lawrence, helped put Elizabeth Township on the map.

Presently, he is semi-retired and lives at 306 Church Street in Elizabeth. He sill reports daily to his office at IO 1 Atlantic Avenue where he works as President of Howell Bros., Inc. and broker for Mon-Yough-Area Real Estate Co.

  LAWRENCE R. "LATES" HOWELL (Inducted 2000)

Lawrence Howell, like his brother "Lon", has been a life-long resident of Elizabeth Township and given much to the development of the surrounding community. He graduated as president of the senior class in 194

After graduation, he enlisted in the Navy Air Corp as a V-5 Cadet.
After being discharged from the service, he entered into the construction field as a bricklayer. It was during this period that he started dating and later married Elaine Miller, his present wife of 54 years. They are the parents of three children and the grandparents of four. After marrying Elaine, he joined the Bethesda United
Presbyterian Church, and at the present time, has served over 35 years on the various boards of the church.

In early 1950 when Elizabeth Township was starting to grow in population, he was a member of a group called the Central Civic Organization which was the forerunner of the Central Fire Department. He helped construct the first section of the building which houses the fire department.

In 1950 also, he and his brother, Alonzo, formed the corporation of Howell Bros., Inc. Under this corporation they developed residential, commercial and industrial sites in Elizabeth Township. Some of these were: Howell Park Plan, Highland Meadows, Oak Hill Manor, Mon View Manor and Dorman Drive Plan. They developed the Elizabeth-Glassport Road Shopping Area and the Central Shopping Plaza and the Central industrial Park at Enterprise Street.

His work expanded from construction to Real Estate Sales, and in 1955 he attended school and earned his Real Estate License. It was in September 1978 that he obtained his Broker's License. At that time, he and his brother formed the Mon-Yough Real Estate Company.

In 1955 he was part of a group of business and professional people from the Elizabeth area that were asked to form a Rotary Club. He was a member of that club for 37 years during which time he served as President, and then Secretary for many years. He was named a Paul Harris Fellow, the distinguished award in Rotary.

In the 1960's, he was asked to serve on the Elizabeth Township Water Authority. He became chairman, and later, the Township Commissioners chose to sell to Pennsylvania American Water Company.

In 1996 Howell Bros. Inc. donated 90 acres of property joining Lincoln Hall Road to Elizabeth Township to be developed for recreation.

At the present time, Lawrence is semi-retired and enjoying time with family and friends. He resides at 1649 Scenery Drive in Elizabeth Township. He enjoys golfing, dancing, and spending part of the winters in Ft. Myers, Florida. During the months at home, he delivers Meals on Wheels weekly to shut-ins.  

DR. RALPH L. JOHNSON (Inducted 2001)

Dr. Ralph L. Johnson, Class of 1959, has enjoyed a successful, 39 year career as a teacher, coach, department chairman, consultant, author, inventor and businessman. He has held teaching, coaching and administrative positions at Youngstown University and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Currently he serves as Professor and Chairman of the Sport Management Department at North Greenville College, while simultaneously holding a position of Professor on the Graduate Faculty at Clemson University in the Department of Tourism and Recreation. 

Following graduation from Elizabeth Forward High School, Dr. Johnson earned a B.S. from Youngstown State University with majors in Social Studies and Health and Physical Education. He completed two master's degrees at Slippery Rock in Physical Education and Recreation Administration and has earned a Ph.D. in Sports Administration from the University of Pittsburgh. 

Dr. Johnson is the author of more than 90 textbooks and instructor manuals for the YMCA of the USA, American Red Cross, Council for National Cooperation in Aquatics and the Aquatic Council of AAHPERD. Currently he is working on a springboard diving research project for the U.S. Olympic Diving Committee. Professionally, he has consulted for the U.S. Department of the Navy, Pennsylvania Departments of Health, Conservation and Natural Resources and Agriculture, National Safety Council, National Recreation and Parks Association and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. 

Dr. Johnson has been sought out as a consultant by NBC and ABC as a media consultant for "Inside Edition" and "Dateline." He consulted with NBC when Dan Rather covered three of his most notable diving accident cases in a program entitled "Deep Impact". Internationally, he has consulted for the YMCA of Japan, British Swimming Coaches Association, International Baby Aquatic Education Congress, Australian Institute of Architects (Sydney Olympic Pool) and the Royal Lifesaving Society of Australia. 

In 1993, Dr. Johnson founded PACI, (Professional Aquatic Consultants International) along with partners Allen Wagner and Jerry DeMers; he is currently CEO of PACI, a multi-million dollar company that has 14 partners throughout the United States. 

While he has devoted a lot of time to the aquatic profession, the two things closest to his heart are his church work and his family. Dr. Johnson has been married for 38 years to the former Peggy Mayfield, Class of 1962, and they have three daughters, Donna Miller of Richmond, Virginia, Deborah Koscho of Clymer, PA and Rebecca James of Taylors, South Carolina.

FRANK A. KARTESZ (Inducted 2002)

Frank Kartesz, Class of 1958, has been a life long learner and educator with a love for his family and career. Mr. Kartesz attributes his interest in taking his studies seriously to his mother and a seventh grade teacher named Mr. Walter Radishek. The discipline that he learned from them has rewarded him with a thriving career. After enjoying many successes, Mr. Kartesz now works as a principal at Iroquois Jr.-Sr. High School in Erie, Pa. He gives thanks every day for the wonderful blessings he has received in life and considers his family most important.

Following graduation from old "Betsy High" as he refers to Elizabeth Forward, Mr. Kartesz went on to earn a degree in physics from California State University. He then went on to teach physics at Clairton High School from 1962-1965 where he met Coralie, the love of his life. Mr. Kartesz still considers his marriage to Coralie the best move that he has ever made. A decision was made to go back to Elizabeth Forward and teach physics in 1965. Interestingly, one of his students at Elizabeth Forward ended up being his own brother. However the time was ripe for him to move on in 1966 when he accepted a National Science Foundation Scholarship to Brown University. That year he earned a master's degree in teaching with a specialization in biophysics. He then went on to become an Associate Professor at Community College of Allegheny County from 1967 to 1972. At the same time he taught in the continuing education department for Penn State McKeesport on a part time basis. Mr. Kartesz also designed, built and managed The Growers Exchange Lawn and Garden center on Route 51 for one year.

Life's changes once again called for Mr. Kartesz to move on from Elizabeth as he accepted a math department chairmanship position in the Rockwood School District in Somerset County.

During this time he had been working on a follow-up to his master’s dissertation in biophysics pertaining to keeping live bait alive in sealed containers. Kartesz developed a thirteen claim patent on the material that keeps bait living enabling it to be dispensed from a vending machine also developed by Kartesz. After he was awarded the patent, Mr. Kartesz set up distributorships in eight states to vend the bait. The Evening Magazine television program on KDKA broadcast a twenty minute interview with him. Even the Associated Press picked up the story and it appeared across the United States and in foreign countries.

 DR. JOHN T. KARTESZ (Inducted 2002)

 John Kartesz, Class of 1966, is a well-known botanist who has created a new classification system for the vascular plants (all plants except mosses and liverworts) in North America. His books appear in major bookstores across the country and his work has been utilized by prestigious universities. At the present time he is in the midst of a five year project with the National Park Service at Denali National Park in Alaska to identify and catalogue all living plant species that occur there.

Dr. John Kartesz's expertise in plant classifications began right here in Elizabeth Township where he was born and raised. His grandparents kept a wonderful garden in Buena Vista and his father taught him tree identification. He was influenced by Mrs. Roslund, his high school biology teacher, who encouraged students to participate in natural history research. After graduating from E.F., he headed to West Virginia University in Morgantown where he received both his bachelor's and master's degrees.

Dr. Kartesz received his Ph.D. at the University of Nevada at Reno. His dissertation on the cataloguing of Nevada state flora may well be the largest ever published in North America with nearly 2000 pages single spaced. In 1987 his work made the USA Today. Kartesz has been at the University of North Carolina for the past twelve years, where he is the director of the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) of the North Carolina Botanical Garden.

In his more than thirty years working in the field of botany, Dr. Kartesz has had a profound impact on many groups. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in need of a novel identification system for all vascular wetland plants of the nation, approached Dr. Kartesz to develop a simplified and modernized identification process for the nearly 22,000 plant species in North America.

The U.C. Berkeley and Texas A&M University web sites use Dr. Kartesz's classification system, and he has made it available free of charge to anyone interested in using it. He is most excited about a new product that he is about to publish that links species identification with distribution maps and species descriptions. This system will permit the user to link any Pennsylvania plant species with specific fields such as "edible plant" and be able to show a picture of every edible plant in the state. 

BILL KEENIST (Inducted 2004)

Bill Keenist, Class of 1976, is embarking upon his 20th year with the Detroit Lions Football Organization. He works closely with the club's departments of communications, marketing, sales, tickets, broadcasting, news media, and community affairs. Keenist also serves as the team's chief spokesman on organizational matters and leads in the negotiations of broadcast contracts for local radio and TV. He has been with the Detroit Lions since 1985 when he was hired as Assistant Public Relations Director. In 1987 he was named Director of Public Relations, in 1991 he was appointed Director of Marketing, Broadcasting and Communications, and in 1994 he was promoted to Vice President for Administration and Communications. In 2001 he earned the position which he holds currently, Senior Vice President of Organization, Communications and Marketing.  

Keenist's NFL career began in 1981 when he worked for the Washington Redskins as a public relations assistant. He was a member of that staff when the team won Super Bowl XVII in 1983. After leaving the Redskins, Keenist returned to Pittsburgh where he was the Public Relations Director for the Pittsburgh Maulers. One year later he served as the Sports PR Director for the Civic Arena, working primarily with the Penguins. His talents have been recognized around the NFL, having worked a total of 13 Super Bowls, several NFL PR/Marketing Committees, PR Chairman of the NFC Central Division, Chairman of the PR Special Projects Committee, and Detroit's Super Bowl XL Communications Task Force. In 2002, he was honored by the Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association with the "Best of the Best" award; which annually honors the top sports public relations person in the Detroit media market. In 2003, the Lions' 2002 club seat ticket commercial, produced by Keenist and Bryan Bender, was nominated for an EMMY.  

Keenist received his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Master's Degree in Sports Administration from Ohio University. He lives in Oxford, Michigan with his wife Cindy and their sons Billy and Christopher, and daughter, Lindsay.  

LINDA KELLY (Inducted 1997)

Linda L. Kelly was appointed United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania by Attorney General of the United States Janet Reno. She was sworn in August 1, 1997. Prior to her recent appointment, she had been the First Assistant in the U.S. Attorney's Office since 1991. During her tenure as a trial attorney with the federal prosecutor's office, she has prosecuted numerous narcotics, organized crime and white collar criminal cases.

A graduate of Duquesne University School of Law, she began her legal career in 1975 as an Assistant District Attorney with the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office. She worked for five years as a trial attorney at the District Attorney's Office, where she specialized in the prosecution of rape, assault and homicide cases, working closely with local law enforcement agencies. Active in local, state and federal bar associations, Linda is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association Commission on Women in the Profession, the Allegheny County Bar Association Judiciary Committee and is a member of the American Inns of Court. She serves on the Development Committee of the American Heart Association, the Edgewood Planning Commission and has been a three-term secretary of her daughter's PTA.

Ms. Kelly is a 1971 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. She resides with her husband, Paul A. Robb and daughter in Edgewood. Her husband also is a 1967 EF graduate and he was a key player on the 1966 Big Nine Championship football team.

THOMAS E. KELLY(Inducted 1998)

Thomas E. Kelly holds a number of major patents, is listed in the five major Who's Who in Science and Technology, and has designed plants for the products and processes he has developed. In 1977, for example, in order to manufacture flame retardants and thermal-acoustical insulation, he established Kelsul, Inc. Then, in 1995, he formed a subdivision - Quitters Dream Cotton - and opened a plant at Virginia Beach, Va., to produce cotton products for quilts and crafts that are now marketed nationally and internationally.

His undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame is in organic chemistry and his professional experiences from 1946 to 1977 include the Clairton Coke Works Laboratory, Consolidated Coal Research (Library, Pa.), AMP at Stamford, Conn., and Virginia Chemicals at Portsmouth, Va. Some of the projects he's worked on include coal carbonization, solvent extraction of tar oils, radiation polymerization, membrane grafting for desalinization studies, aerosols, catalytic processes, bonded fibers and fuel cells. Mr. Kelly developed the first wet process to flame retard cotton and meet the Federal Standards for mattresses and furniture, This system was installed in Sealy and Serta plants and in plants of other cotton users. Major patents include photoelectric pressure-vacuum controls, plasticizers for cellulosic products, and corrosion inhibitors for potable water lines. The Elizabeth water system is one of many that use these Virchem inhibitors, according to Mr. Kelly. He designed and established the first plant to produce cotton blowing insulation for residential attics and sidewalls. The product was called Fibe-"R" and the plant was in Lula, Miss.

In addition to his degree from Notre Dame, Mr. Kelly did graduate work at the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Bridgeport (Conn.). He served two years in the U.S. Navy following his graduation from Notre Dame in 1944. Mr. Kelly and his wife Juanita reside in Chesapeake, Va. They have two daughters, Kathy and Marianne, and three grandsons.

MYRON (BUS) KERR  (Inducted 1999)

Myron (Bus) Kerr rose from chief accountant in Pittsburgh's Oliver-Tyrone Corporation to become an owner of the firm that developed office buildings valued in the millions of dollars in the downtown areas of major eastern and midwest U.S. cities.

Mr. Kerr, who succumbed unexpectedly on August 17,1999, joined two other senior executives to purchase Oliver-Tyrone in 1976. He joined the real estate company in 1959 and six months later was named controller. In 1961, he became the financial vice president and, in 1962, when the company decided to begin new office building development, he was elected to the board of directors. He assisted with land assembly and was solely responsible for negotiating major leases and providing financing. High-rise office towers were built in the Pittsburgh, Chicago, Cleveland, and Philadelphia markets, primarily in center-city locations. Oliver-Tyrone was a closely held company of 250 shareholders until 1976 when Mr. Kerr and his two colleagues purchased it.

They continued development until 1985 when market downturns occurred in every major city in the U.S. Since all buildings developed by Oliver-Tyrone had been profitable, the decision was made that same year to do no more office building development. That decision proved to be a correct one since markets have not recovered to this date. Mr. Kerr continued leasing the final high-rise in Cleveland until 1989, at which time he decided to retire permanently and play golf, a game he loved. Mr. Kerr was a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and also attended Pittsburgh Technical Institute, earning an associate degree in industrial engineering there.

He served four years (1952-1956) in the U.S. Air Force. He is survived by his wife, the former Donna Biddle of West Elizabeth, a1951 graduate. They have two children, Robert and Paula, and four grandchildren.

JAMES V. LaFRANKIE (Inducted 1998)

In 1948, John H. Ware, Jr., of Oxford, Pa., acquired controlling interest in American Water Works Company. That same year, James V. LaFrankie of Elizabeth, Pa., began work at Monongahela Valley Water Company, a subsidiary of American Water Works. Thirty-three years later, Mr. LaFrankie was named President and Chief Executive Officer of American Water Works Company, the nation's largest investor-owned water system, supplying water service to over 7 million people in 22 states from Hawaii to New England.

Mr. LaFrankie was born in 1927 in Elizabeth, a few blocks from Elizabeth High School. He graduated from that high school "in absentia" in 1945, having enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in February of 1945. The war ended later that year, but Mr. LaFrankie served a tour of duty in North China before returning home and enrolling at the University of Pittsburgh. Following a second tour of service in the Marines during the Korean conflict, he returned to the Monongahela Valley Water Company. He subsequently accepted a position with American Water Works in Alexandria, Va., where he spent 13 years.

While there, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Management at Georgetown University. He returned to Pittsburgh in 1967 when he became President of the American Water Works System companies in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. In 1974, he was named President of the American Water Works Service Company and moved to the corporate office in Philadelphia. Mr. LaFrankie was named President and Chief Executive Officer of American Water Works System in 1984. He retired in 1992.

During his career, he served as a Trustee of the International Water Supply Association and participated in water utility meetings throughout the world. He also served in many capacities in the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and National Association of Water Companies (NAWC). Of all of his many awards and honors, Mr. LaFrankie regards the James V. LaFrankie Operations Center of Pennsylvania-American Water Company - located on the site of the former Wylie School in Elizabeth - as his most satisfying recognition.

He and his wife, the former Nancy Weigel of Elizabeth, reside in Williamsburg, Va., and Avalon, N.J. They stay busy with their seven married children and 10 grandchildren.

MAJOR GENERAL PAUL M. LEE, JR. (Inducted 2002)

Major General Paul M. Lee Jr., Class of 1965, is the Inspector General of the United States Marine Corps. He received this position only after continuing his education and holding several other positions in the Corps. The Major General is a very well decorated officer whose honors include the Legion of Merit with the Gold Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with two Gold Stars, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and the Cold War Victory Certification, just to name a few. He received these medals for his hard work in humanitarian efforts, war, and volunteer work. All of these honors did not come quickly to Lee, as he spent many years persevering through the ranks of the Corps.

Following his time as a student in the Elizabeth Forward School District, General Lee went on to graduate from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.A. degree in economics and then graduated from Officer Candidate School. It was at this time, in February 1970, that he was commissioned a second lieutenant and assigned to report directly to Ground Officers Supply School (GOSS) in Camp Lejeune, N.C. Upon completion of GOSS in March 1971, General Lee went on to receive many promotions, the first of which was to Captain in July 1974 while he was participating in the relocation of the Marine Corps Inventory Control Point from Philadelphia to Albany, GA.

In May 1978, General Lee attended the Naval Postgraduate School, graduating with a Masters of Science in Material Management in October 1979. The following year, he was promoted to Major and was transferred to the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Barstow, California, in November 1980 to head Plans and Operations. In July 1985, after a year spent as the head of an Inventory Management Division for the Defense Industrial Supply Center in Philadelphia, Lee achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Six years later, then a Colonel, Lee was deployed to Saudi Arabia as Commanding Officer to conduct retrograde of Marine Forces and equipment. In January of 1995, Lee was selected for promotion to Brigadier General, before his most recent promotion to Major General in September of 1999.

General Lee is married to the former Dorothy Machi and they are the parents of three children, Jennifer, Paul, and Mary. In his free time, Lee enjoys gardening, reading, and jogging.

REP. DAVID K. LEVDANSKY (Inducted 2002)

David K. Levdansky, Class of 1973, is a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in the 39th legislative district. As a member of the House, Representative Levdansky has helped his district by holding a seat on the Appropriations Committee, Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, Game and Fisheries Committee, Transportation Committee (Subcommittee Chairman of Railroads), Democratic Policy Committee, and the joint Legislative Budget and Finance Committee. His caucus membership includes, the Renewable Energy, Coal, and Steel Caucuses. The committees and caucuses Mr. Levdansky is a part of are instrumental in revitalizing and stimulating areas like the 39th legislative district, which happens to include Elizabeth and Forward Townships.

Following high school graduation, Mr. Levdansky attended Pennsylvania State University, where he received his B.A. in Labor Studies and Political Science. He continued his education at the University of Notre Dame, receiving his M.A. in Economics. With the combination of a liberal education and business education, Mr. Levdansky was better able to understand the needs of the people and the region where he would eventually be the representative. The stage, however, was not yet set for his political career.

Prior to his position in the State House, Representative Levdansky's professional experience was gained through many other careers and projects. His first step up the ladder started when he took a job as pipe fitter's assistant for United States Steel Corporation during a summer while he attended school. This was not his only job for U.S. Steel Corporation; he moved on to become a research assistant where he compiled and analyzed financial data. In addition, he participated in organizing campaigns in the chemical and ship building industries in the South. He then worked for the Air Line Pilots Association as an Associate Economic Analyst in Washington, D.C. Another job Representative Levdansky held was a project staff organizer for the AFL-CIO. He investigated and developed initial organizing contacts, then determined the feasibility of organizing employees, and formed in-plant organizing committees for the AFL-CIO. Mr. Levdansky also volunteered his time for the Mon Valley Unemployed Organizing Committee in an effort to increase workers' political awareness through the legislative action. From working with people on projects at work and volunteering his time, Mr. Levdansky's interest in politics was sparked. He has now been a State Representative for eighteen years. Aside from his political career, Mr. Levdansky is the husband of Mary Helen and the father of three sons, Shane, Timothy, and Joseph Thomas.

DR. KATHLEEN A. MALLOY (Inducted 1998)

Kathleen A. Malloy, Ph.D., R.N., began her career in nursing at Eye and Ear Hospital in Pittsburgh after graduating in 1968 from McKeesport Hospital School of Nursing. Today, she is Dean of Nursing at South Campus, Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC). CCAC's Nursing Program is the largest two-year associate degree program in the world. Dr. Malloy assumed her position at South Campus in 1985 after spending nine years at McKeesport Hospital as a Clinical Specialist in Oncology and Certified Enterostomal Therapist.

From 1971-1976, she was an Assistant Professor of Nursing at CCAC-South and an Instructor at McKeesport Hospital School of Nursing. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Pittsburgh in 1971 and her Masters of Nursing Education there in 1976. That same year, she became a Certified Enterostomal Therapist at the Harrisburg Hospital School of Enterostomal Therapy. In 1989, she received her Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh in the area of Higher Education: Administration and Policy Studies. A resident of White Oak, Dr. Malloy is active in the community and in activities relating to her profession.

She is a volunteer for Womansplace and organizes the Lee National Denim Day and Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation fundraiser for CCAC. She is a volunteer for the National Science Bowl Competition, works with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit and its Family Centers, and is active in the Hospital Association of Western Pennsylvania. She established an employee Wellness Program at CCAC and often speaks on nursing and educational topics.

Dr. Malloy is Chair for the Pennsylvania Council of Associate Degree Nursing Educators and a member of the special Task Force for the Pennsylvania Nurses Association. She has been a curriculum consultant for various nursing programs and a nursing consultant in the Soviet Union and is a speaker for the American Cancer Society. She also is a member of Sigma Theta Tau National Honorary Society for Nurses. As accomplished in the culinary arts as she is in her profession, Dr. Malloy is a certified chef in Chinese cooking.

SCOTTE MANNS (Inducted 2003)

Scotte Manns, from the class of 1953, was born January. 25, 1937, in Philippi, W.Va., and moved to Pennsylvania as an infant. After starting school in Clairton, the family moved to Elizabeth, where she entered fourth grade. She was promoted from seventh to ninth grade and began her freshman year at Elizabeth High School at age 12. She graduated in 1953 at age 16. Hers was the last graduating class from Elizabeth High School. She was a dental assistant until her marriage to Don Manns in 1961. After moving to Iowa, Manns was employed by the Des Moines Register and Tribune newspapers. She began a career at The Washington Post after relocating to the nation's capital in 1963. She was hired as a junior clerk in classified advertising, soon moving to sales representative supervisor and finally to manager of classified advertising. Manns was the first woman in charge of an advertising department at a major U.S. newspaper. In 1973, she was named assistant to the vice president of advertising and the following year promoted to manager of the advertising department. In 1983, Manns was promoted to director of advertising sales for the Post. The newspaper sent Manns to the executive management course at Williams College in Massachusetts and the executive business program at the University of Virginia's MBA School in Charlottesville.    

Scotte Manns is listed in Who’s Who of American Women and is the recipient of numerous business honors—including the Eugene Meyer Award, the most prestigious recognition given by the Post to business, news and editorial employees. Manns retired in 1992 and returned to Pennsylvania. She and her husband live in Greensburg.

MARY RAVASIO MINARD (Inducted 1997)

Mary Ravasio Minard is a general assignment reporter at WTAE-TV, Channel 4 but believes her most important job at the present time is being a mother. She works part-time so she can spend more time with four-year-old son Joey and seven-month-old son Matthew.

She and her husband Michael live in Elizabeth Township. While at EF, she participated in a variety of extracurricular activities. She was president of the Warrior Choir and Senior Feature Editor of "The Warrior" newspaper. The Drama Club and Student Government were among her other interests. Mrs. Minard is a magna cum laude graduate of the S.I. New House School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. Her broadcasting career was launched as a production assistant at KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh in 1985. She then went on to be an anchor/reporter at WDTV-5 in Clarksburg. While there, she won an Associated Press award for the best spot news coverage. She then became the Wilkes-Barre Bureau Chief for WNEP-TV 16 in Scranton, PA

In November of 1994, Mary joined the staff of WTAE-TV. Mrs. Minard, daughter of Dino and Roberta Ravasio of Elizabeth Township, is a member of the McKeesport College Club and the Elizabeth Township "Garden Thyme."

ALBERT I. MONHEIM, D.D.S.  (Inducted 1997)

Dr. Albert  I. Monheim practiced dentistry in Elizabeth for more than 50 years before his retirement in 1992. He was a school dental examiner for many years and served on the Elizabeth and Elizabeth Forward school boards a total of 17 years, 10 of which he was president. He played a key role in the school jointure of the borough of Elizabeth and townships of Elizabeth and Forward which created the Elizabeth-Forward School District. 

Dr. Monheim earned both his undergraduate B.S. and postgraduate D.D.S. degrees from the University of Pittsburgh.  His dental practice in Elizabeth was interrupted in 1942 when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Four and a half years later, he returned to private practice and continued until his retirement in January, 1992. 

Dr. Monheim was married to the former (now deceased) Ethel Caulkett for 53 years. "During this wonderful marriage," as Dr. Monheim described it, the Monheims had two sons, Jeffrey and Charles. Both are Elizabeth Forward graduates.

J. GORDON NEVIN (Inducted 1999)

Gordon Nevin has devoted his life to public education, influencing thousands of young people in western Pennsylvania as a teacher, administrator and friend. His own early education took place in Elizabeth Borough's schools. When he graduated from Elizabeth High School in 1929, his senior class numbered 39 people. He earned his undergraduate degree from Westminster College in 1933 and his master's degree in educational administration from the University of Pittsburgh in 1943. After additional studies at Pitt, he received his Supervising Principal certification in 1956 and his Letter of Eligibility for Superintendent Commission in 1960.

Mr. Nevin returned to Elizabeth High School to begin his teaching career in 1935. Nine years later, in 1944, he was appointed high school principal, and when the Elizabeth Forward School District was formed in 1952, he was named principal of the new jointure, a position he retained through 1956. The years in Elizabeth, Mr. Nevin has said, were very challenging, memorable, and rewarding and resulted in many lasting and meaningful friendships. In 1956, Mr. Nevin was elected supervising principal of the East Huntingdon Township School District in Westmoreland County, a position he held for eight years. In 1964, he was elected administrative assistant of the Southmoreland School District, which was created through a jointure of the East Huntingdon and Scottdale Joint System. In 1968, he was named supervising principal at Southmoreland and in 1970 was elected superintendent of schools there, a post he held until his retirement in 1974.

During his years in public education, Mr. Nevin helped implement many academic and comprehensive educational programs, experienced school jointures, oversaw new building and renovation projects, and prided himself on maintaining good rapport with school boards, staff members, and students. He held memberships in numerous professional associations and has been active in community and civic affairs, recently receiving an honor for his 50-year membership in the Lions Club. 

While in Elizabeth, he was active in the Bethesda United Presbyterian Church and served as chairman of the building committee. He now is a member of Calvin United Presbyterian Church in Scottdale, where he currently resides. He and his late wife, Marian, are the parents of two sons--James and Robert. Mr. Nevin has five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

DR. JOHN O'HARA (Inducted 2001)

Dr. John O'Hara, Class of 1951, recently retired as the Chief Scientist for the National Security Agency (NSA). Prior to that assignment he served as the Assistant Director for Training at the National Cryptologic School for the NSA. Prior to that position, he was Chief of Advanced Research from 1984 to 1987. From 1979 to 1984 he was the Chief of the Office of ELINT. Prior to 1979, he held several positions in the research and development areas and the electronic warfare areas at the NSA.

Following graduation from Elizabeth High School, Dr. O'Hara earned a B.S. from the University of Arizona; he went on to earn a M.S. from the University of Pennsylvania and a Ph.D. in Electronic Engineering and Physics from the Catholic University of America. He is also a graduate of the National War College and the Federal Executive Institute.

Dr. O'Hara conceived of and managed the design of the first ever Fiber Optic Cathode Ray Tube Recorder. He also conceived of and received a patent for a device called the "Compensated Sweep Generator". This device compensated for the tape recorder noise called "Wow and Flutter" that inhibited accurate analysis of data recorded on magnetic tapes. He is also responsible for the conceptualization, development and management of several intelligence collection programs, techniques and systems which are still in use today, some of which are still classified. He has taught part time at several universities and has authored several published papers. 

As a result of his technical achievements he has been inducted into the Electronic Warfare Hall of Fame.

In the community, Dr. O'Hara has organized and served as President of the Maryland Group Against Smoker’s Pollution (MDGASP) for 25 years. MDGASP has been directly involved in the passage of every tobacco control law enacted in the state of Maryland and has been instrumental in the passage of National legislation also. He has been active in his church and has served a three year term on the Parish Council. He has been an active member on the Board of the Prince George's County chapter of the American Cancer Society since 1974. He has provided leadership in drafting legislation, leading lobbying efforts and providing expert testimony on behalf of tobacco control legislation for clean indoor air, tobacco tax increases, and to limit youth access to tobacco products. 

In his spare time, he judges science fairs at County High Schools and also the Southern Maryland Science Fair run off competition; he is a life member of the Prince George's Science Fair Association. 

Dr. O'Hara is a long distance runner with nine marathons to his credit, including two Boston Marathons and two New York Marathons. He is a member of the Annapolis Striders Running Club. 

Dr. O'Hara and his wife Merrily have two sons and a daughter.

PHILLIP J. RENDIN, (Inducted 2004)

Philip J. Rendin, Class of 1968, was born June 6, 195O, in Pittsburgh, PA. The oldest of three children of Marie Rendin, and the late Philip Rendin, he grew up In the Mt. Vernon section of Elizabeth Township. As a youth, baseball was his favorite sport and he earned all star honors playing for Mt. Vernon teams at different age levels.

 He attained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology in 1972 from West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, WV, and a Masters of Science in Forensic Science Degree in 1976 from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.  

Rendin has been with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for over 31 years, beginning his career in the Laboratory Division at FBI headquarters as a Physical Science Technician. On December 10,1979, he received his appointment as Special Agent, assigned to the FBI's Washington Field Office (WFO), where he served for 21 years. As a Special Agent, he worked Violent Crimes, Drugs, White' Collar Crimes, International Terrorism and Foreign Counterintelligence matters. During this time, he also served as WFO's Bank Robbery Coordinator and Informant Coordinator as well as the FBI's principal .liaison with the local police departments in the Washington, DC area. He played an instrumental role in the investigation of the assassination attempt on the late President Ronald Reagan. He was involved in many types of investigations including bank robberies, kidnappings, extortions, plane hijackings and terrorism bombings. He also headed the investigation into the shooting deaths of two FBI agents and a Washington, DC Metropolitan Police Department Sergeant at the Metro Police Headquarters. In October 1991, Rendin successfully initiated Squad C-16 and the Safe Streets program within WFO and FBI Headquarters. This program became the model for a nationwide operation. In December 1991, he was promoted to Supervisory Special Agent at WFO where he supervised various squads to include Violent Crimes, International Terrorism, and Foreign Counterintelligence matters. He was an FBI Firearms Instructor and served on the FBI's Rapid Deployment Team, both as an agent and supervisor, with deployment on major cases to Mexico, Italy, Kenya and Uganda.  

In May 2001, Rendin was promoted to Unit Chief of the Evidence Response Team Unit (ERTU) of the Laboratory Division at Quantico, Virginia. The ERT Program encompassed 1,088 agents and support employees within 56 Field Divisions nationwide. He was responsible for the coordination of resources in the three significant crime scenes during the 9-11-0 I terrorist acts and served as the Crisis

Management Coordinator for the Laboratory Division. He played a leading role in the D.C. Sniper investigation and was instrumental in identifying the two perpetrators who had terrorized the DC, Maryland and Virginia areas in the Fall of 2002.  

"Rendin was promoted to Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Pittsburgh Division in January, 2004. His territory encompasses all of Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia, overseeing the activities and investigations of 141 Special Agents.  

He is married to the former Betty Rosnick, also a 1968 EF graduate. They have two daughters, Melissa and Lisa. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting with his two dogs, Todd and Copper; fishing, and playing golf.

BILL ROBINSON (Inducted 1997)

Bill Robinson's 36-year professional baseball career began on the night of his high school graduation in 1961 when he signed a contract with the Milwaukee Braves for what was reported to be a $10,000 bonus. When he was coming up through the Braves' minor league chain, they spoke of him as "the next Hank Aaron" raving as much about his throwing as about his hitting. In late 1966, Robinson was traded by the Atlanta Braves to the New York Yankees for veteran third baseman Clete Boyer. 

This deal bid the farewell of home run king Roger Maris. The Yankees planned to play, Robinson in right field, the position Maris had played regularly since 1960.Mr. Robinson joined the Philadelphia Phillies in 1972. The following year, he rapped 25 home runs while compiling a season batting average of .288. 

Bill Robinson Day was proclaimed in the Borough of Elizabeth that year and he was honored at halftime of an EF football game. In April, 1975 he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates for pitcher Wayne Simpson. The following year, his .303 batting average, 21 home runs and 64 RBIs earned him the Pittsburgh Chapter of Baseball Writers Roberto Clemente Award. His best season was 1977 when he hit .304 with 26 home runs and 104 RBIs. In 1979, his 24 home runs helped power the Pirates to World Series title. 

His playing career would end with the Phillies in 1984. He served as hitting instructor for the 1986 New York Mets' World Championship team. When inducted, he was batting coach at the Phillies' AAA affiliate in Scranton, PA. 

He and his wife, the former Mary Alice Moore of Duquesne, have been married for 34 years. They have two children, Bill III and Kelley, and two grandchildren, Bret and Tyler.

ANTHONY (TONY) RUBINO (Inducted 1999)

Anthony E. (Tony) Rubino's name is synonymous with Elizabeth Forward football and the Elizabeth community. As a player, coach, teacher and civic servant, he touched thousands of lives during a career that began on the high school playing field and ended with his death in November 1983.  

Mr. Rubino was born in Elizabeth and grew up on Town Hill just a few blocks from his future wife, Connie Sullivan.  He played football and wrestled for the Warriors in high school and was named to The Daily News' All- Scholastic Eleven in his senior year. He then attended Wake Forest University where he continued his football career, gaining All-Southern Conference honors as a starting guard in 1940, 1941 and 1942 and honorable mention on several All-American teams in 1942. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1943 and had a successful rookie season, but his career was interrupted by World War 11. He spent 29 months in U.S. Navy, 20 of them in the Pacific Theater.

When Mr. Rubino was discharged, he returned to the Lions for the 1946 season and, on the eve of the Redskins' game that year, he married Connie. In 1948, Mr. Rubino returned to the Mon Valley and began a teaching and coaching career that lasted for 35 years. He was at Duquesne High School from 1948-1949 and then at Steubenville Catholic High School until 1951, when he returned to Duquesne.  

In 1954, he went to the "new" Elizabeth Forward High School where he taught chemistry, highway and general safety education and driver's education. Mr. Rubino also coached the Warrior football teams from 1954 to 1971. In 1966, Mr. Rubino ran for and won a seat on the Elizabeth Borough Council, a position he retained for eight years. During that time, he spearheaded Project 70 and worked with Harry Duke to redesign and update the courts and play area on Town Hill. He also was a member and past president of Elizabeth Lions Club and American Legion Post 553.

Mr. Rubmo retired from teaching in the spring of 1983 after being diagnosed with cancer. He succumbed in late November of the same year. His wife Connie passed away in 1989. They are survived by their children: Toni O'Farrell of Lincoln, Nebraska; Tim, who teaches and coaches at Whitmer High School in Toledo, Ohio; and Gene, who teaches and coaches at Easton Area High School in Easton, Pa.

REBECCA SHAW-McHOLME (Inducted 2002)

Rebecca Shaw MeHolme, Class of 1972, a lifelong resident of Elizabeth Forward, is a well known local attorney and a dedicated volunteer in her spare time, Although she spends many hours in her office helping clients, she somehow manages to find time for volunteering and being with her two children, Caird and Molly. The Mon-Valley and the school district are truly lucky to have such a wonderful benefactor and role model.

After high school, Mrs. McHolme went to Allegheny College where she graduated magna cum laude in Political Science with a minor in Economics and German. While at Allegheny, she was also a member of Phi Beta Kappa, an honorary fraternity, and Kappa Alpha Theta, a social sorority. Mrs. McHolme went on to graduate magna cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1979. While at the University of Pittsburgh she joined the Order of the Coif, an honorary fraternity, and published two articles in Law Review, "Common Law Marriage and Unmarried Cohabitation" and "The Sexual Offenses Chapter of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code."

Following graduation from Law School, Mrs. McHolme took on work for the ALCOA legal department for seven years. In 1987 she joined her father (a former Elizabeth Forward School District Solicitor) in the Shaw and McHolme general law practice, where she remained until 2001. During this time, she also worked as a hearing officer in the Civil Commitment Department for the Allegheny County Orphans' Court. Currently, Mrs. McHolme has a general law practice in the Law Offices of Patricia L. McGrail, LLC with a concentration in elder law, long-term health care, and estate planning. 

When Mrs. McHolme is not working she volunteers her time to local organizations. She helps the UPMC McKeesport Hospital as a member of the Ethics Committee and Board of Directors. She is also a trustee for the McKeesport Hospital Foundation. Another place Mrs. McHolme can be found is at the YWCA of McKeesport where she is the President of the Board of Directors. Mrs. McHolme is also on the Mount Vernon Cemetery Board of Trustees and is a Sunday school teacher and deacon at the Bethesda Presbyterian Church.

JOHN M. SIKORA (Inducted 1999)

John M. Sikora has spent his career caring for those with disabilities, educating the public about them and making sure they have an opportunity to participate to the fullest possible extent in fitness, training, and sports programs. He joined the staff of the Harmarville Rehabilitation Center in 1976 as a social worker following graduation from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology.

In 1981, he became director of the Spinal Cord Program at HEALTHSOUTH Harmarville Rehabilitation Hospital, a post he held until 1999 when he left to form a new business, HOPE Network. From 1991-1999, he also headed Harmarville's Healthsports Program. The mission of the non-profit HOPE Network is to promote community integration of individuals with cognitive and/or physical challenges through a variety of programs, services and leisure activities that support the return to a healthy and productive lifestyle. It is designed to meet the needs of the disabled, their families and friends. While at Harmarville, Mr. Sikora was director of the popular Harmarville Hoops Classic. He also is the longtime chairman of the Board of Directors of the Pittsburgh Steelwheelers, Inc., the wheelchair sports organization. He is a member of the Men's Committee for USA Basketball (1994 to the present) and was president of the Keystone Conference, National Wheelchair Basketball Association from l9988-1992.

Mr. Sikora holds memberships in a number of organizations, including the Keystone Paralyzed Veterans of America (life member), Paralyzed Veterans of America, American Paraplegia Association and the National Spinal Cord Injury Association. He has made hundreds of presentations on such topics as trauma awareness and prevention, wheelchair sports and disability awareness at schools, hospitals, churches, and numerous other civic and community groups. He also has been on radio and television, twice appearing on Mister Rogers Neighborhood. 

Mr. Sikora was a member of the USA National Wheelchair Basketball Team World Cup Qualifiers in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and was a member and co-captain of the team which competed at the Pan Am Games in Caracas, Venezuela, in 1990. He has won numerous awards in track, road racing and basketball locally, nationally and internationally. In his home community of Freeport, he is assistant boys' varsity basketball coach. His wife is Susan Garrett-Sikora.

PAT MARVENKO SMITH (Inducted 1999)

Pat Marvenko Smith is a commercial illustrator and designer who began working as an artist at the G.C. Murphy Co.'s home office in McKeesport shortly after graduating from Elizabeth Forward High School. She spent nine years there as an advertising staff artist and attended Carnegie Mellon University (then Carnegie Institute of Technology) in the evenings and on Saturdays. 

When her twin sons were born in 1975, she decided to work at home doing freelance illustration. Since then, she has been commissioned to do various types of artwork for publishers, large corporation, small businesses, ad agencies and ministries in the U.S. and Canada. A series of 25 botanical illustrations originally commissioned by Thrift Drug Co. for a promotional book has been exhibited at the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation at Carnegie Mellon University, at The Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh,  and at the International Exhibition of Botanical Art and Illustration. 

In 1982, Ms. Smith founded her home-based business called Revelation Productions. The year before, she had illustrated the entire Book of Revelation, the last book in the New Testament, to use as visuals for the Sunday School class she was teaching. She and her husband Joel since have devoted 16 years to producing visual teaching materials and art prints from the series of 40 detailed works of art, called Revelation Illustrated., Distribution, primarily by mail order, has been to all 50 states and 17 other countries. This work also led to the development of a video version of Revelation Illustrated, which has gone around the world and been produced in several foreign languages. 

Ms. Smith has been a guest of Christian television talk shows in the U.S. and Canada. Her artwork has been used by many national and international ministries on TV and in print. In addition to her 33-year art career, Ms. Smith long has been active in church work and has conducted workshops at Christian conventions and conferences. She has spoken about and presented the Revelation Illustrated program at more than 600 churches of various denominations, She also belongs to the international art group CIVA (Christians In the Visual Arts). 

Ms. Smith and her husband are the parents of sons Reuben, who works in North Carolina as a nuclear engineer for the Department of Defense, and Ryan, who works in Pittsburgh as an applications scientist for Chemicon Corp.

 DEAN GEORGE SOTEREANOS (Inducted 2004)

Dean George Sotereanos, Class of 1976, was the first child born to George and Stella Sotereanos on September 3, 1958. His first years were spent in strong a Greek traditional household with four other families, all relatives, in McKeesport, PA. He spent a great deal of time with his Uncle Tony since his father was in the midst of a busy internship. He recalls many summer nights on Lysle Blvd. riding in Tony's 55 Chevy amongst the glowing furnaces of National Tube.

 The family subsequently moved to White Oak at age 6, where he enjoyed times with his cousins (the Scoumis') and neighbors (the Ruby's). In 9th grade, he was president of the national honor society and lettered in wrestling and baseball. The family moved to Elizabeth Township in 1973. His father, George, made certain that Dean and Nick were responsible for all the hard labor during this transition period. He recalls numerous trips up Route 51 to Kelly's Dump while trying to ready the new home that sum- mer. Playing baseball and going to Greater Pittsburgh Drive-In with his Mom and Aunt Mary as well as water-skiing with Uncle Harry were rewards for the hard work.

 His high school years are remembered with great fondness. Friendships were forged that persist to this day. Several teachers come to mind including Pete Scorza and his penchant for Greek olives, Frank Ciavarra and the times in his chemistry lab, Mr. Caruso and Shakespeare, Cool Coz in Biology and finally, the trigonometry class of Mr. Kerekes which made college trig simple. Socializing at the bonfire before homecoming games on cool autumn evenings, winning the WPIAL championship in baseball and hearing the chants of Sweat (his nickname) during wrestling matches are indelible memories. The trip to Wildwood with Bob Tick, Jay Weiskircher and Doug Torgent was also a true experience. He lettered in baseball and wrestling and won the Welcome Wagon Award.

 Life hastened after high school, college and medical school seemingly a blur. An orthopedic surgical residence at Pitt and fellowship at Duke University shortly followed. He returned to Pittsburgh and became Chief of Upper Extremity Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh in 1994. It is notable that he has trained a new generation of outstanding surgeons.

 Currently, Dr. Sotereanos is Vice Chairman of the Department of Orthopedic surgery at Allegheny General Hospital and Professor of Surgery at Drexel University. He is Director of the Hand Fellowship at AGH and internationally renowned as an expert in upper extremity surgery. Author of more than 200 scientific articles, Dr. Sotereanos is a frequent presenter at national and international meetings.

His wife Donna and children Alexis and Stella have been steady with their love and support.

 NICHOLAS SOTEREANOS (Inducted 2003)

Dr. Nicholas Sotereanos was born October 20, 1969 in McKeesport.  In 1982 he graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry.  Four years later he became a doctor of medicine after graduating from Hahnemann University in Philadelphia.  Sotereanos has had postgraduate training with a general surgery internsh8ip, general surgical residence, orthopedic surgical residency and fellowship in adult reconstruction at Anderson Clinic in Alexandria, Virginia.  He has taken several professional courses across the United States.

Among his awards and honors, Sotereanos received the Academic Distinction in Medicine form Hahnemann University and is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honorary Society it the University.  Group memberships include Allegheny County Medical Society, American Medical Association and Pennsylvania Medical Society.  Sotereanos has held the office of director of geriatric orthopedic service for University of Pittsburgh Medical Center; co-director of geriatric orthopedic service at Allegheny General Hospital, which he currently holds; and director of adult reconstruction at Allegheny General Hospital.

DR. ROBERT D. STEELE (Inducted 1997)

Dr. Robert D. Steele was named the Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State University in 1997. Prior to that appointment, he was at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he served as associate dean of the College of Agricultural & Life Sciences. He also served as the executive director of the Wisconsin Agricultural Experiment Station.

He grew up near Elizabeth Forward High School and attended Central Elementary School. While in high school, he was a drummer in the Warrior Band. He received a music scholarship for his percussion skills. After graduation from EF, he went on to earn degrees in nutritional sciences as well as biochemistry and nutrition from the University of Arizona and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Dr. Steele is nationally known for his research in nutritional sciences. His career at Wisconsin, where he joined the faculty in 1982, included increasing the amount of administrative responsibility and a commitment to the integration of teaching research and ser- vice. He also helped to develop the Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Nutritional Sciences, chaired the department's Graduate Admissions Committee and, as associate dean, initiated the formation of a Research Advisory Committee. His other work there included creating a home page and administering a multimillion-dollar competitive grants program within the University of Wisconsin-Madison, College of Agricultural & Life Sciences. 

Dr. Steele's primary areas of research include folic acid nutrition and metabolism, blood-brain barrier transport of nutrients, and proteins and amino acids. He is widely published in his field and has received numerous awards for his work. He and his wife, Dr. Jill Patterson, have two children, Adam and Molly.

CHARLES S. STORER  (Inducted 1998)

As an educator and a coach, the late Dr. Charles S. Storer touched the lives of thousands of young people in western Pennsylvania. But when he began his professional life in 1923, he was in an entirely different field - that of dentistry. Upon graduation from the University of Pittsburgh's School of Dentistry, he practiced in Glassport and in Elizabeth.

By 1932, "Doc" Storer's interests had turned to teaching and coaching and he began the educational career that became his lifelong work. He moved to Derry Township and joined the staff of Derry Township High School, where he taught General Science and coached football, basketball, and track. He remained there until 1934 when he moved back to Elizabeth to teach and coach in the high school there. In 1937, he received his Masters in Education from the University of Pittsburgh and the next year was named principal of Elizabeth High School. He was elected Supervising Principal of Elizabeth Borough School District in 1942. 

With the advent of the Elizabeth-Forward Jointure in 1952, Doc Storer was appointed Associate Supervising Principal for the new school district, a position he retained until his retirement on July 1, 1966. He passed away January 4, 1984. 

Doc Storer, born and raised in Elizabeth, was an active member of the community during his lifetime. He was a charter member of the Elizabeth Rotary Club and was honored as its Man of the Year in 1981. He also was awarded Rotary's highest honor, the Paul Harris Fellow. Following his retirement, he was elected to a four-year term on the Elizabeth-Forward School Board. He was a member of the Elizabeth Borough Municipal Authority, vice president of Round Hill Cemetery Association, a charter member of the Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society, and a recipient of the Friends of Scouting Award from 1963 to 1967. 

When he was named Rotary Man of the Year, Lou Kasperik, whom Doc Storer had coached at Derry Township and who had gone on to play basketball at Duquesne University, wrote the following to him: "Coach, you have given so much of yourself in the field of teaching and coaching. What you had accepted as a responsibility in your job has helped countless numbers of individuals to straighten out their lives and go on to future success. You have won the respect and esteem of all who have had the privilege of being associated with you."

JAMES O. THOMAS, JR. (Inducted 2003)

In 2003—after 33 years of service—James O. Thomas, Jr., class of 1966, retired from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. He served as chief executive officer for 20 years under five governors. Currently, Thomas is a nationally recognized consultant in criminal justice and strategic planning. He's also working on Tom Corbett's 2004 election campaign for attorney general. His interest in government was sparked in high school. In 1965, Thomas was selected by Elizabeth American Legion to represent it at Keystone Boys Camp in State College.  It was at this camp, where participants created mock local and state governments, that James started dedicating his life to public service.  

He earned a criminology degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1970 and was immediately hired as a government career trainee in the new Pennsylvania Criminal Justice Planning Board.  In 1973, he was awarded a state-paid, one-year sabbatical to attend the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh. His concentration was in public administration and criminal justice. In 1975, he married Rosemarie Akers of Johnstown. By 1978, Thomas was off to the University of Wisconsin's Center for Advanced Studies in Criminal Justice.  He rose through the ranks from trainee to chief of planning, to assistant to the executive director of PCCD.  

In 1982, Thomas was named principal investigator to determine the causes and adequacy of response to the inmate uprising and the taking of hostages at Graterford State Prison. The following year, Gov. Dick Thornburgh named Thomas PCCD executive director. The PCCD is recognized as the premier state criminal justice planning agency, often setting benchmarks for the nation.  Under his direction, there were many accomplishments—such as the development of risk-focused crime prevention and increases in the availability and amount of services and financial compensation to victims of crime.In 1987, Thomas was elected to the board of directors of the National Criminal Justice Association and was ultimately named president of the board. He served in that capacity from 1993-95. He sat on the board of the National Crime Prevention Association from 1992-94. Other endeavors include expansion of the state-of-the-art technology in law enforcement and prosecution and the development of statewide programs that provide drug treatment to non-violent offenders in lieu of incarceration.  Additionally, Thomas played a major role in the development of a national model for Pennsylvania’s juvenile justice system that recognizes accountability, skill development and restoration of the victim. 

He’s been very active in volunteer work in the Parish of St. Theresa, was president of the St. Theresa School Board, chaired the parish bazaar and served with the parish Caring Cuommun9ity, providing meals to the needy.  He enjoys work around the house and is the father of three children.

PETER VAIRA (Inducted 1999)

Peter Vaira has been a force in the fight against organized crime in America since 1968 when he joined the U.S. Department of Justice. He was assigned to the Organized Crime Section of the Criminal Division. During his 10 years there, he was appointed Attorney in Charge of the Philadelphia and the Chicago Strike Forces on Organized Crime. While serving as the head of those units, he directed all organized crime prosecution cases in the two cities, cases that involved extortion, labor racketeering, gambling and money laundering. 

In 1978, Mr. Vaira was selected by President Carter to become the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, a merit appointment made with no political sponsorship. He served as the United States Attorney from 1978 through 1983. The United States Attorney is the chief federal lawyer in the district, handling all criminal and civil cases in which the United States is a party. As such he supervised more than 70 attorneys.
Although President Carter lost his bid for re-election in 1980, Mr. Vaira was retained in office by Carter's successor, President Ronald Reagan, until 1983. 

In 1983, he became Executive Director of the President's Commission on Organized Crime in Washington, D.C. Mr. Vaira has been in private practice since 1984. His law firm, Vaira and Riley, is located in Philadelphia. He has served on international commissions on criminal investigations and procedure in Italy and Argentina; on the Mayor's Committee to Select the Philadelphia Police Commission in 1992; the Philadelphia Task Force on Police Corruption in 1997; and currently is the Independent Hearing Officer for the Laborers' International Union of North America. Mr. Vaira is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a member of The American Law Institute. He is the author of two books and has worked as a journalist and radio newsman. He frequently writes on law enforcement subjects for The Philadelphia Enquirer. 

He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Duquesne University in 1959 and his law degree from the law school there in 1962. He entered the U.S. Navy in 1962 and spent nearly five years on active duty before joining the Justice Department. Mr. Vaira is married to Mary Hohler, a career employee of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) who currently is the Public Information Officer for DEA's Mid-Atlantic Region. They reside in the Philadelphia area.

MARILYN HOUSE WEST (Inducted 2001)

Marilyn House West, Class of 1962, is Chairman/CEO of M.H. West & Co., Inc., a Richmond, Virginia based planning and consulting company specializing in management, planning and education services and performing work for small and large companies throughout the United States and several foreign countries. 

Mrs. West advises and consults on matters involving operations, development, structure, regulations and strategy. She has worked with CEO'S, executive management and governance of public and private sector business including corporations, medical care facilities, health care systems, federal, state and local government agencies, law firms and professional trade associations. 

Mrs. West is currently serving on the governing boards of many organiza- tions such as Leadership Metro Richmond (Chair), Richmond Hospital Authority d/b/a Seven Hills Health Care Center (Chair), the Bon Secours Health System (Chairman Acute Care Board), Richmond Renaissance (Executive Committee), the Metropolitan Business League, Children's Home Society, the National Association of Women's Business Owners (Executive Committee), the Atlantic Rural Exposition, Inc., Project Exile, and First Union National Bank (Advisory Board). She also serves on two local Welfare Investment Boards (Richmond and Capital ) holding seats on the executive committees for both organizations. 

Among her many honors are her selection as one of the 100 Power Players in the Greater Richmond Region (Richmond Magazine, February 1998), the annual Leadership Award (2000) of the National Association of Women Business Owners and the Community Services Award (2000) of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. In January 2001, Mrs. West was elected as a member of the Forum Club, the membership of which includes current and former CEOs of leading companies to include Fortune 500 Companies in the Greater Richmond region. 

Following graduation from Elizabeth Forward High School Mrs. West went on to Waynesburg College and received a B.S. in mathematics. She then continued her education at the University of Pittsburgh where she earned a M.S. from the Graduate School of Public Health. She is married to Edward G. West and has two teenage children, Meaghan Brittany and Brennan Elliott. In her spare time, she enjoys fishing, tennis and playing bridge.

LYNN WINKELVOSS(Inducted 1998)

Lynn Winkelvoss, who is known professionally as Ealynn Voss, has appeared on the stages of leading opera houses and concert halls and in festivals throughout the world, earning critical and popular acclaim. She has studied and/or performed with such celebrated artists and musicians as Giorgio Tozzi, Placido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti, and Leonie Rysanek and has won praise from such distinguished colleagues as the legendary opera star Bridgit Nilsson, who described her as "belonging to the group of dramatic sopranos that is very rare today." 

Miss Winklevoss began her career with studies at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1971. She then attended the AIMS Institute in Graz, Austria. She has received grants from prestigious music foundations and in 1996 was included in the International Who's Who in Music and Musician's Directory. She has had successes on three continents and is renowned for her interpretation of the title role in Puccini's Turandot, which she has performed for the Arena di Verona in Japan, Rome Opera, the Austrialian Opera, Royal Copenhagen Opera, the Metropoli- tan Opera, New York City Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Los Angeles Opera and San Francisco Opera. She has appeared in the title roles of these Verdi operas: Aida, Macbeth, Emani, Don Carlo, La Forza del Destino, Un Ballo in Maschera and Requiem. Her German repertoire spans Richard Strauss's Ariadne auf Noxos and Elektra; Richard Wagner's Der Fliegender Hollander, Tristan und Isolde and Der Ring des Niebelun- gen; and in Czech, Dvorak's Rusulka. Miss Winkelvoss also has done television commercials, made guest TV appearances, and was inthe final episode of St. Elsewhere. 

Until the untimely death of her husband, concert violinist Amadeo Altene in 1992, she made her home in Malibu, Calif., and New York City. She now resides in Elizabeth with her mother, Jewel Winkelvoss.