DA 2023 Program

2

Table of Contents Page 4 Tonight’s Program Page 5 Amy Davis McShane Page 6 Mark Gorman Page 7 Joseph Grubich Page 8 Crystal Hall Page 9 Josh Verbanets Page 10 PHS Distinguished Alumni—Our Story Page 12 Officers and Committee Page 13 Alma Mater Page 14 The Distinguished Alumni Page 16 Greetings to Honorees Page 19 Sponsors and Congratulations Page 33 Thanks Back Cover Nomination Application Special thanks to Carena Dapra, the PHS student designer of our exceptional program cover art!

3

PHS Distinguished Alumni Induction Banquet September 28, 2023 5:30 p.m.

Cash bar and hors d’oeuvres

6:30 p.m.

Pre-Dinner Activities Michele Gallagher, emcee, introduces candidates and Student Ambassadors: Amelia Faust, NHS President Sophie Anderson, NHS Vice President Lauren Depkon Kate Monick, NHS Secretary Therese Schollaert, Plum School Board Student Representative Pledge of Allegiance

Alma Mater (found on page 13) Remarks by Dr. Rick Walsh, Superintendent Invocation, Mary Beth Ford Dinner 7:15 p.m.

Induction Ceremony Introductions Presentation of Distinguished Alumni Awards

Remarks by Inductees

4

Amy Davis McShane Class of 1989

Amy Davis McShane, class of 1989, has worked in both formal and informal education for more than 30 years. She earned her undergraduate degree in Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh.

Most recently McShane received a gifted endorsement from Millersville University.

In 2007, the Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU) hired McShane for a newly created position in which she would direct career education, gifted education, and academic competitions for Allegheny County. In that role, she created the STEM Design Challenge, an elementary and middle school competition that quickly expanded statewide with every Pennsylvania intermediate unit now offering the competition that draws more than 5,000 student participants annually.

McShane’s role at the AIU has expanded in recent years. Now serving on behalf of the Pennsylvania Department of Education as the Western Pennsylvania Gifted Liaison and Career Ready PA Lead, she provides professional development and resources on gifted and career education to teachers throughout the state and has spoken on those topics at state, national and international conferences.

Prior to joining the AIU, McShane served 10 years at the Carnegie Science Center’s coordinator of Children’s Programs. There, she created and launched new camps and classes and a national Summer Camps Exchange, a networking group for summer camp coordinators in science museums.

McShane has also served on boards for the Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education, Smart Futures, National Association for Gifted Education Standards Committee, and the Plum Borough Community Library.

5

Graduating from Plum Senior High School in 1978, Mark Gorman credits his accomplishments to his Mark supportive family and close circle of friends.

Some stubborn Gorman independence also helped. The Class of 1978 summer after high school graduation, while working for a local roofing company, Mark suffered a life-changing injury when he fell off a roof resulting in burns and an L1 spinal injury with paralysis. Overcoming obstacles, he continued his education and earned a BS degree from Wright State University. He furthered his education at Northwestern Medical School where he became a Certified Prosthetist and Orthotist (CPO). For 30 years he has helped many folks needing various braces and artificial limbs in a center that he co-founded in 1993, Morgantown Orthotic and Prosthetic Center in Morgantown, West Virginia. It is estimated that this facility provides mobility to more than 1200 people per year.

In 1999, Mark was approached to help a medical charity, Central American Medical Outreach (CAMO), to develop a program to teach local people in Honduras the science of orthotics and prosthetics. He has traveled to Honduras twice annually to provide free care to the needy and to teach his trade to Hondurans. This work continues today.

For years, Mark participated on numerous wheelchair basketball teams, most notably the Pittsburgh Steelwheelers.

He was named to various all tournament teams and all conference teams over his 35 years of wheelchair basketball He was a member of a national team in 1990 that traveled to Venezuela. Mark also won the Pittsburgh Great Race 10K wheelchair division in the 80’s while also enjoying adapted tennis, running 10K’s and the mile on the track.

6

A Plum native, Colonel Joseph Grubich was a highly decorated combat veteran and military Joseph leader, earning five Bronze Stars in his 30-year career. Highlights of Grubich roles include: Chief of Class of 1980 leadership Joint Exercises and Training within the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon, controller of MEDEVAC and CAS operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and facilitator of Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations during the US drawdown in Iraq, though he was most proud of serving as a Battalion Commander to new Army recruits.

Grubich was a graduate of Plum Senior High is 1980 and was commissioned as an Infantry Officer in 1984. Colonel Grubich’s civilian and military education includes: Bachelor’s Degree in English from Washington and Jefferson College; Master’s Degree in Management, Webster University; Infantry Officer Basic Course and Infantry Officer Advanced Course, Ft. Benning, Georgia; Ranger School, Jumpmaster; Air Assault; Command and General Staff College which prepares officer to lead larger units and command on joint and combined battlefield operations with sister services in a joint environment and with international forces in a combined environment and Joint/Combined Warfare School.

Colonel Grubich had an astonishing and rewarding military career which spanned three decades where he demonstrated his compassion and dedication to his country.

Colonel Grubich’s posthumous award will be accepted by his son, Nicholas Grubich.

7

Crystal Hall attended Carnegie Mellon University where she earned degrees in both Decision Crystal Science and Policy and Management. She then studied Hall Social Psychology at Princeton Class of 1999 University, earning both a Master’s and PhD. After completing her graduate studies, she moved to Seattle, Washington to join the faculty at the University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Policy and Governance. Her research and teaching explore the integration of psychology into the design and implementation of social policy - with a particular focus on race, equity, and decision making in the context of poverty.

She has also served United States government agencies at the local, state, and federal level, including an appointment as a Fellow on the White House Social and Behavioral Sciences Team from 2015-2016. She has received numerous awards recognizing her research, teaching, and service to the field.

In addition to her scholarly pursuits, she completed her 300 hour yoga teaching certification in 2014. Her personal practice and teaching style emphasizes the physical aspects of yoga as tools for meditation, healing, and the pursuit of selfdiscipline and well-being. Yoga has also been a great complement to the other sports she has practiced over the years, including running, cycling, swimming, and boxing. She met her husband, Dominic Muren, while they were both students at Carnegie Mellon.

They are the proud parents to triplets: Noah, Carter, and Simone.

In the rest of her free time, she loves exploring the outdoors with her family.

8

Josh Verbanets is a Pittsburghbased singer, songwriter, performer, and proud Plum High Josh School graduate, best known as Verbanets the front-man for indie-rock band Meeting of Important People and Class of 2001 as one-half of celebrated children’s performing duo Josh & Gab. As a live musician and event volunteer, Josh has hosted and performed benefit events for charity organizations such as UPMC Childrens Hospital, Auberle Foundation, Spina Bifida Association, Mario Lemieux Children’s Home, and many others.

Alongside co-creator Gab Bonesso, Josh's award-winning musical-comedy programming has been featured in over 800 schools across 15 U.S. States and abroad in Mexico, leading to television partnerships with both KDKA and WQED television, and honors as one of Pittsburgh's "40 Under 40" by Pittsburgh Magazine in 2013. In both 2009 and 2016, hometown radio station WYEP-FM named Meeting of Important People albums the top local releases of the year, with many of the band’s songs going on to be featured in television programming such as E's Keeping Up With The Kardashians, MTV's The Real World & Jersey Shore, and CBS' The Ghost Whisperer. Josh is also an active real estate agent with hometown property brokerage Riva Ridge, and currently resides in Allison Park with his wife Kate and two daughters, Alice and Anya.

9

PHS Distinguished Alumni—Our Story It was in January of 2006 that Bob Ford, retired Plum Borough school teacher, decided that distinguished alumni of Plum Senior High School should be recognized. Ford initiated the distinguished alumni wall concept with a request to School Board President Jeff Matthews, seeking support in some way to honor Plum alumni who had given to the community or excelled in their chosen fields. Bob and Jeff established a committee which studied 50 school districts’ alumni recognition programs and began to organize one to fit the needs of Plum High.

The first meeting was held on March 28, 2006, and was attended by Bob Ford, Jeff Matthews, Pam Kinzler, Plum High School Principal, and Dawn Check, Plum’s Communications Co-ordinator.

Other members of The Committee were Lt. Commander Lou Balot, Judy Fluent, Bill Stezoski, and Carol Woods. Their stated objective was: “To establish a program that recognizes Plum High School alumni who have distinguished themselves in various fields of excellence or have made a major contribution to society.”

By March 2008, The Committee was ready to proceed. Dawn Check wrote a grant that was received for $10,000 through the special efforts of Pennsylvania State Senator Sean Logan. New members including designer Jerry Churik, Paul Houde, Plum Senior High School Assistant Principal, Rena Lynn Koteski, retired School Board member, Ray Supak, retired Principal of Steel Valley High School, Loretta White, Plum School Board member, and Linda Zucco, Plum’s Magistrate, were added.

The following officers were elected: Bob Ford, President, Lou Balot, Vice-President, Loretta White, Secretary, and Rena Lynn Koteski, Treasurer. Mary Beth Ford, Events Coordinator for Washington & Jefferson College, agreed to serve as a consultant to the committee.

The Committee solicited the community for nominations and chose four alumni to be honored. The new committee worked through the year and finalized plans for a banquet at Oakmont Country Club, with Miss Carolyn Seeley being our member sponsor.

10

The first banquet to recognize the inaugural class of Plum Distinguished Alumni was on Sunday, April 19, 2009. Beginning with a social hour, the banquet included a message of Welcome from Distinguished Alumni President Bob Ford and an Invocation by School Board President Thomas McGough. National Honor Society students began the tradition of serving as Student Ambassadors accompanying the Inductees. The evening culminated with the presentation of awards and remarks from Inductees Dr. Patricia Barthalow Koch, COL Gregory John Argyros, and COL James C. Lord, and Kenneth Tometsko on behalf of his late father, Inductee Andrew Tometsko.

The Honorees toured the high school on Monday, April 20, 2009, where they were treated to brunch, visited classes in their areas of expertise, and were interviewed by Rick Berrott’s TV Productions students for future use. That evening the Honorees were introduced at the National Honor Society induction ceremony, were presented with Pennsylvania Senate Proclamations by Tim Joyce, Deputy Chief of Staff to State Senator Sean Logan, and the Wall of Distinction was unveiled in the lobby of the high school.

The Wall, containing pictures of the Inductees, was designed and constructed by members of The Committee and Jerry Churik, who said he wanted it “…to project a strong feeling of the alumnus, especially intended to develop a sense of involvement for current students, making them aware that they too can succeed.”

Following the successful first Induction Banquet, nominations continued to come in to The Committee from within the Plum community and beyond. For ten successive years The Committee selected classes of worthy Plum High School Distinguished Alumni.

They were inducted at spring banquets at Oakmont Country Club, and shared their inclusion on the Wall of Distinction with the National Honor Society Induction Ceremony.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in March of 2020 the Distinguished Alumni Committee made the decision to postpone the Induction Banquet for the Class of 2020. Meetings were held remotely while everyone looked forward to the time when this patient class of Distinguished Alumni could finally be inducted, and there were no classes selected for 2021 or 2022.

11

Beginning with the new fall induction of the Distinguished Alumni Class of 2020, Thursday evening Induction Banquets kick off induction festivities. Friday then allows Inductees an opportunity to come home to PHS to visit classes, and for the unveiling of their places on the Wall of Distinction.

Current Officers and Committee Members Mrs. Margie Evans, President Mrs. Ilona Beatty, Vice-President Mrs. Lynda Dougherty, Secretary Miss Penny Antolovich, Treasurer

Ms. Rachel Begg Mr. Pat Derry Ms. Joy Porter Drum Mrs. Lynn Forbeck Mr. Bob Ford Miss Mary Beth Ford, Ad Hoc Mrs. Michele Gallagher Mrs. Erin Morris Mrs. Melissa Nonnenberg Dr. Terry Stepnick Mr. Dick Williams

The Committee’s purpose is to recognize, celebrate, and honor alumni who have distinguished themselves through accomplishments in public service, academic achievement, including the arts, and professional contributions to mankind.

12

We’ll be true to thee, Plum High School, ever and a day.

Flags unfurled of plum and gold, in a proud array.

Alma mater, Alma mater, glorious, grand, and true, We will be forever faithful, hail, all hail, to you.

In Memoriam Distinguished Alumni Committee Members

Lou Balot Ruth Grant Rena Lynn Koteski Carolyn Nonnenberg Bill Stezoski Carol Woods

13

The Plum High School Distinguished Alumni Class of 2009

Colonel Gregroy Argyros,—Class of 1979—Medicine Patricia Ann Barthalow Koch—Class of 1968—Education Colonel James C. Lord—Class of 1983—Military Andrew M. Tometsko—Class of 1956—Science/Invention Class of 2010

Jackie Dempsey—Class of 1984—Performing Arts Richard Evanchec—Class of 1998—Government Ruth O’Block Grant—Class of 1949—Business Rena Lynn Koteski—Class of 1961—Public Service Class of 2011

Nick DIaloiso—Class of 1981—Performing Arts Margaret Conry Evans—Class of 1967—Education Lisa Veitch—Class of 1979—Science/Engineering Judge Paul Zavarella—Class of 1949—Law Class of 2012

Robert DeMichiei—Class of 1983—Business Lisa Mulholland Fischbach—Class of 1965—Women’s Ed/Counseling Martin Hoffman—Class of 1971—Humanitarianism Marcia Rosal—Class of 1969—Art Therapy Lieutenant Colonel John Wasko—Class of 1987—Military Class of 2013

Michelle Fisher Freeman—Class of 2001—Medicine Judge Lee J. Mazur—Class of 1957—Law Selena Evans Miller—Class of 1969—Fine Arts Carolyn Young Nonnenberg—Class of 1961—Education Lauren Murray Snyder—Clas of 1981—Theology/Humanitarianism Class of 2014

Frank Jones—Class of 1963—Law Ella Mortland Koscik—Class of 1983—Business/Humanitarianism Robert J. McCann—Class of 1976—Business/Philanthropy Harriet Mulholland Miller—Class of 1966—Entrepreneur/Author Robert P. O’Block—Class of 1961—Business/Philanthropy Colonel George A. Pivik—Class of 1989—Military

14

The Plum High School Distinguished Alumni Class of 2015

Renee DeMichiei Farrow—Class of 1976—Entrepreneur/Author Rich Hrivnak—Class of 1983—Politics Richard Kelly—Class of 2008—Artist Commander William A. Lind—Class of 1987—Military Toni Grant Verstandig—Class of 1970—International Business Class of 2016

Marcia Cackowski Ballinger—Class of 1979—Education Randy Koslosky—Class of 1980—Music Ben Sampson—Class of 1965—Business/Conservation Myles Sampson—Class of 1977—Business/Philanthropy James Sims—Class of 1977—Public Service Class of 2017

Christopher Cooley—Class of 1990—Education/Community Service Joseph F. Gassette, Jr.—Class of 1977—Engineer Steven Fabian Lisowski—Class of 2002—Broadcast Television James Nesbit—Class of 1977—Musician/Instructor Suzette M. (Shaffer) Schultz—Class of 1978—Engineer/Mentor Class of 2018

Linda Tresco Belfus—Class of 1967—Medical Publisher/Mentor Gary A. Getz—Class of 1972—Global Strategy Consultant Matthew J. Kelly—Class of 1987—Orthopaedic Surgeon Keith J. Kondrich—Class of 1979—Non-profit Administrator/Deacon Deborah A. Lange—Class of 1975—Civil/Environmental Engineer Class of 2019

Bart. A. Berkey—Class of 1985—Hotelier/Author Robert W. Farrow—Class of 1974—City of Pittsburgh EMS Chief Edward J. Kachurik—Class of 1975—Glass Artisan Andrea Miller—Class of 1999—Veterinarian Andrea Ferraco Redinger—Class of 1997—Educator Class of 2020

Kathleen Dudas Bostick—Class of 1976—Transportation Industry Francis P. Ferragonio—Class of 1973—Law Enforcement Robert McCutcheon—Class of 1985—Business/Philanthropy Toni Kasmoch Zelickson—Class of 1972—Children’s Television 15

From the School Board President Good Evening, It is my distinct honor and privilege to congratulate you on behalf of the Plum Borough School District Board of Directors, as the 2023 Plum Distinguished Alumni. This year’s recipients are all accomplished and well respected individuals in their personal and professional circles. It is a great honor to graduate from the Plum Borough School District, however, to make an impact as you leave these four walls shows the world how great it truly is to say you are from Plum. Tonight’s individuals are from a variety of backgrounds and professions. The time, energy and devotion they have put in is felt across many industries as well as charities.

You all are a true inspiration to the next generation of Plum graduates. Our teachers and staff can only tell our students what is out there waiting for them, and that they have the opportunity to be great. Tonight is a showcase to prove those words and show that they hold true.

Being in the company of so many successful Mustangs is humbling. To see the honors, awards, recognitions, and accomplishments of so many who came both before and after my time at Plum, is inspiring.

As you leave here tonight, continue to do what brought you here tonight, continue to be great!

Congratulations from all of Mustang Country! It’s a great day to be a Mustang!

Sincerely, Michael Devine President, Plum School Board of Directors

16

From the Superintendent Plum High School Distinguished Alumni Class of 2023 I wish to extend my sincere congratulations to Crystal Hall, Amy Davis McShane, Mark Gorman, Josh Verbanets, and the family of Joseph Grubich as the Distinguished Alumni Class of 2023. Whether it be in academia, the arts, community service, or any other sphere of influence, our distinguished alumni have consistently demonstrated the values of the Plum Borough School District. Their intellectual prowess, creativity, and resilience have propelled them to great heights, and their accomplishments have earned them recognition within our community and in their field.

In order to have this honor bestowed upon the recipients, each of the esteemed individuals has elevated themselves through their accomplishments. Each honoree exemplifies what hard work and dedication to your education, your career, and your community will allow you to accomplish. By sharing their talents and expertise they have not only been able to excel in their fields, but also give back to their communities and advocate for what they are passionate about.

I would like to express my gratitude for their continued representation of Plum Borough School District. They serve as an inspiration to our current students, showcasing the limitless possibilities that await those who are willing to put in the hard work and determination required to achieve success.

Congratulations!

Dr. Rick Walsh Superintendent 17

From the Distinguished Alumni Committee President The Plum Distinguished Alumni Committee is proud to honor the Class of 2023 for exemplary achievement in their field as well as service to their community and to their country. We congratulate you for your accomplishments in education, policy and research, the military, songwriting and performance, and development in prosthetics.

Your significant contributions in your field demonstrate a passion for your career that will inspire and motivate Plum students towards their career and life endeavors. As Distinguished Alumni, you serve as role models for students in our school district and residents in our community. It is critical for our students to understand that hard work and attention to goals provide the path to future success. Your dedicated service and generosity to your community and to your country instill in our students the importance of high standards in life.

As you celebrate this evening, please reflect on the impact you have on students in the Plum Borough School District.

The pride we share this evening reflects on your perseverance, along with the combined support and strength of your family, friends, our educational system, and the Plum Community.

Congratulations to the newest members of the Plum Distinguished Alumni!

Margie Evans President, Plum Distinguished Alumni

18

Dear Crystal, I can’t think of anyone who deserves the warm glow of success more than you.

Your strong work ethic, abilities, and character have molded the achiever that you were in high school and college.

They continue to make you the brightest star in all you do.

The sun shines not on you, but in you. The river flows not past, but through you.

In the gratitude journal of my heart, your name comes up again and again.

Sharing your joy, Marilyn Bott

19

Congratulations Distinguished Alumni! from your friends at:

20

21

22

ALWAYS AN INSPIRATION CONGRATULATIONS MARK GORMAN MAUREEN & DAVE DERRY

COMMERCIAL—INDUSTRIAL—RESIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

Congratulations Plum High School Distinguished Alumni Class of 2023

BRUNS GELLES & CO., PC Certified Public Accountants 5290 Logan Fery Road Suite C Murrysville, PA 15668-8523 724-327-1040 FAX 724-327-9191 www.BrunsGellesCPA.com psg@brunsgellescpa.com

PAUL S. GELLES, CPA 23

Your Friendly Neighborhood Dentist DR. TERRY STEPNICK 24

Congratulations Amy Davis McShane With Love From Aunt Judy & Uncle Bob

GOLDEN MILE DENTAL CENTER 2804 Golden Mile Highway Pittsburgh, PA 15239 724-325-1050 goldenmiledentalcenter.com

25

Charles W. Trenz, Supervisor 11110 Frankstown Road Pittsburgh, PA 15235 412-242-5100 www.trenzfuneralhome.com Congratulations Distinguished Alumni Inductees

www.senatorbrewster.com 26

27

www.dannymoriarty.com Facebook: @dannymoriarttyphotography dannymo66@gmail.com 412.377.9655 To view, purchase, or download photos by Danny Moriarty that were taken at the banquet, go to https://zenfolio.page.link/xtCFq

Special thanks to

Linda Tresco Belfus Plum High School Class of 1967 Distinguished Alumni Class of 2018

For your continued generosity!

28

29

BARBIERI LANDSCAPING, LLC WALLS + OMNI-STONE DRIVEWAYS + MAINTENANCE NEW WORK

1349 RENTON ROAD PLUM, PA 412-795-4960 OWNER - VINCE BARBIERI 30

oakmontbakery.com 31

CONGRATULATIONS Plum High School Distinguished Alumni Inductees Class of 2023 Peggy & Frank Jones The beautiful glass awards presented to our Inductees are the work of Ed Kachurik, Plum Distinguished Alumni Class of 2019. A creator of unique glass sculptures, Ed’s work can be seen in museums and galleries throughout the country. His work can be found in the homes and offices of many distinguished leaders and companies throughout the world.

His glass sculptures include glass art pieces, awards, recognition gifts, and cremation sculptures for people and pets. To see Ed’s amazing work up close, please visit our Wall of Distinction in the High School. This year’s Inductees will have their portraits unveiled on The Wall at a ceremony tomorrow at 5:30 p.m.

Want to stay up-to-date with the Distinguished Alumni? Join our mailing list at plumdistinguishedalumni.com/mailing-list-sign-up 32

The Wall of Distinction An update to our Wall of Distinction was finalized for our Class of 2020 Wall Unveiling on October 7, 2022. The expansion wraps around the corner in the main hallway of the high school, with increased visibility for all.

The Wall now includes a history of the Plum High School Distinguished Alumni Committee, explaining who we are and why we endeavor to recognize the Distinguished Alumni of Plum Senior High School. Also featured are the current student-designed cover of the Induction Banquet program and portraits of the Student Ambassadors who guide our Inductees through the weekend's activities.

A unique larger glass piece in the same colors and design as the Distinguished Alumni Award is on permanent display, along with information about the Distinguished Alumni and portraits of all previous Inductees.

This expansion and refurbishment ensured that there will be plenty of room to grow with each new Distinguished Alumni Class for many years to come.

Our thanks to initial Wall Designer, Jerry Churik.

33

The PHS Distinguished Alumni Committee extends sincere gratitude to the following: Oakmont Bakery (cake) Vince Barbieri (cake) Oakmont Country Club Staff

Mr. Andy Bronkaj, Strings teacher Mr. Rick Berrott and NHS officers Mr. Brian R. Kelly, OCC Sponsor Mr. Dan Moriarty, Photographer Mr. Dennis Swogger, Program designs by student: Carena Dapra Ms. Mary Beth Ford, Consultant Dr. Rick Walsh, Superintendent Dr. Adam Szarmach, PHS Assistant Principal Ms. Melanie Rush, PHS Assistant Principal Mr. Tom Flajnik, Videographer

High School Facilities Staff High School Security Office Mr. Robert O’Block, PHS Class of 1961 Distinguished Alumni Class of 2014

plumdistinguishedalumni.com 34

35

.

On-line nominations accepted at plumdistinguishedalumni.com 36