How long have you worked at NA?

18 years at NA.

What was your role in the district?

For the first three years I worked at the bus garage then I moved over to be a Special Needs Assistant. I have worked with the physically disabled and also with mentally challenged throughout the years.

What will you miss most about NASH?

I miss working with my fellow assistants and mostly seeing all the students that I assisted over the years. I always wanted to make the students smile and laugh whenever possible.

What will you miss least about NASH?

I will not miss the fire drills, Keystone testing prep, and in-service days (BORING!!!).

What has changed the most since you started your career in education?

The most significant change has been the implementation of technology in the classroom and the district itself. Students should not take this for granted. NA has been very proactive in seeking out and doing what’s best for all of our students to get ahead in the world.

What is your proudest accomplishment at NA?

My biggest accomplishment at NA has been to connect, trust and know that any student that I came in contact with could rely on me, and for me most important is to make them laugh and smile at whatever the situation that they were facing that day can be worked through and accomplished no matter what.

How are you planning to spend your retirement?

Lately, my retirement has consisted of a lot of interior painting, I’m ready to start painting the roof shingles! I’ve been staying home of course and when permitted I’m going to do a lot of fishing and golfing!

If you could offer parting words to the students and staff at NASH, what would you say?

To the students: trust and reach out to any and all adults. If you are having any type of trouble or problems that you are experiencing, everyone here is here to help you. Always try to be the best person you can be to yourself and to others. To the staff: keep up the great work that you are doing. Remember to keep being a positive influence in working with our children, and with each other. Count your blessings, be proud to be working for one of the best school districts in Pennsylvania — that pride will reflect in our students and to society in the present and future.

How long have you worked at NA?

I have worked at NA for 29 years.

What was your role in the district?

I have been an English teacher, Assistant Varsity Football Coach, Head Varsity Coach for Boys’ Tennis, JV Softball Coach, In-line Hockey Coach, English Department Chairman for NASD, English Department Liaison for NASH, Variations sponsor and Safari (yearbook) sponsor.

What will you miss most about NASH?

I will miss the sense of community. NASH is such an active, vibrant campus, and it seems like a city unto itself.

What will you miss least about NASH?

The windowless rooms!

What has changed the most since you started your career in education?

Technology has changed the most. Who would have guessed that we would be teaching students “remotely” at the end of this school year? When I started teaching at NA, few people had personal computers, laptops, cell phones, tablets, and so on. Now we can’t live without them.

What is your proudest accomplishment at NA?

There is no single personal accomplishment, but I can say that I am incredibly proud of all my students. For example, I’ve had a student who became the lead writer for the TV series Bones. Another started a software company in Silicon Valley after graduating from Stanford and “retired” by the age of 38. Another is the CFO of a Fortune 500 insurance company based in Chicago. One more is a local and respected orthopedic surgeon. Nine of my students have even become teachers in the District! Regardless of what they choose to do, I’m proud that my students have gone on to lead happy, productive lives.

How are you planning to spend your retirement?

I will most likely continue to coach at NASH since I still plan to live in the “Wexford bubble.” Two of my children live in the DC area and I plan to camp out there often! When the pandemic subsides, my wife and I will visit family in Australia. It’s a trip we had to postpone but hope to reschedule at some point.

If you could offer parting words to the students and staff at NASH, what would you say?

For my students, what comes to mind is author Herman Melville, who supported himself as a customs inspector when his writing career foundered. He kept writing. I would tell my students to not give up on what you do best, and to always do it with a passion. Melville said, “Be true to the dreams of my youth.”

For the staff, NASH was an outstanding school when I arrived and its become even much more accomplished because of their efforts. I was proud to be a small part of it. Please keep that momentum going forward. Also, thank you for the help and support you gave me, every step of the way.

How long have you worked at NA?

27 years at NA, 35 years teaching overall.

What was your role in the district?

Technology & Engineering Education teacher and Department Chair

What will you miss most about NASH?

The people I worked with.  No matter what kind of day you were having (good or bad), you could walk down the hall and share with someone. 

What will you miss least about NASH?

 The early, early start time.

 What has changed the most since you started your career in education?

 The use of computers everywhere in the school, and the concern about school safety.

 What is your proudest accomplishment at NA?

 Keeping the Tech & Eng Ed department up with the times and the curriculum relevant to today’s technological advances.

 How are you planning to spend your retirement?

 Doing anything I want anytime that I want to!!

 If you could offer parting words to the students and staff at NASH, what would you say? 

 Enjoy the moment that you are in. Time just flies!!

How long have you worked at NA?
16 years

What was your role in the district?

I began my career as a job coach, taking the special needs children out to worksites in the community. Recently, I have been working with special needs children in the classrooms helping them with work assignments and their daily work.

What will you miss most about NASH?

I will miss the NASH staff (office personnel in Main Office, Guidance Office, and Athletics Office), my fellow paraprofessionals, teachers, and the student body. All of them helped me to be successful in doing my job.

What will you miss least about NASH?

Getting up at 5:30 A.M.

What has changed the most since you started your career in education?

The learning of technology. It has forced me to adapt, which is difficult for my generation. Everyone at NASH that I reached out to helped me tremendously. I am learning. We never stop learning.

What is your proudest accomplishment at NA?

Working with my special needs children, and experiencing the growth of my students within the classroom and workplace. Many of my students are gainfully employed and they have demonstrated their values with the companies they work for. I was inspired by their kindness and achievements.

How are you planning to spend your retirement?

I am going to enjoy my family and friends. Hopefully, I want to travel. I also want to volunteer in some capacity where needed.

If you could offer parting words to the students and staff at NASH, what would you say?

Thank you for a memorable career. Wishing all of you a healthy, successful future!