Ms. Mary Lynn Halapy

Years in Education

At NASH, this is 14 years, but I was at Hosack, Peebles, and Bradford Woods for 8 years prior to coming here. So twenty two total at North Allegheny School District.

Best memory at NASH

Well, we’ve had a lot of injuries and weird stuff happen in this building, but the best memory is hard to think of, because really just taking care of kids is the best every year. The majority of the kids in this building are healthy to begin with, and they’re all old enough to have a conversation and talk about what’s best for them, which is part of a reason I like working here at the high school rather than the elementary schools. But there really isn’t one best memory that sticks out. I mean, there have been some hysterical moments, but nothing that comes off the top of my head.

Best Class

Every class is great and has their own unique personality, as most teachers would probably say. Because I started at the elementary schools, in the subsequent years up here I recognized the faces of the same frequent fliers from the elementary schools walking through the door, and it was really nice seeing kids grow up from age 5 to graduation.

Plans after Retirement

I’m planning a trip to Africa, Kenya specifically. We’re going to go on a safari, which is something that has been on my bucket list forever. I love animals, and my family and my husband are going to go in September 2019 for two weeks. The plan is to travel to camps and lodges. I’m not exactly a camper, but as I understand these camps do your laundry for you and they heat up the water for your shower and put a heating in your bed at night to keep you warm. It really sounds like five-star camping to me!

What new activities do you plan to pick up after you retire?

Well, I plan on doing a lot of things. And, again along the animal line, I plan to continue walking dogs for animal friends, I’ve thought about volunteering for the Pittsburgh Zoo and specifically the elephants — they really are my favorite. Anything animal-related would be great, but maybe even working the salad bar at Eat’n Park, or even bussing, as I like keeping things neat. I love The Container Store, so I could be an employee there. I have lots of options, but just no nursing – I’m done with that!

If you could make any last change to NASH what would it be?

I would like to see the NASH Health Office have a confidential area where the nurse could have a conversation with a student about a sensitive matter, or call a parent about a sensitive topic about their child, and not having everyone in this office hear what we’re saying. That would be the best thing that could happen to this space. They can’t give us a window, they can’t give us a sky light, but a confidential area to have a conversation would make all the difference.

*Student Tribute*

“I have to go to the Nurse’s Office every day right before lunch, and Ms. Halapy has always been helpful in making sure I take care of myself. She shows genuine concern for everyone who visits her throughout the day, and goes out of her way to build a more personal relationship with us. Even though I will not be here to see NASH after she leaves, I know that she will be missed.” ~Thomas Antonelli