If you think of any person(s) deserving such an award listed below, please e-mail Valentine Wojton, III (vwojton@wpsd.org) along with the reason why that person should be recognized and he will fine-tune it and then add to the list!
REV. JOHN G BROWN SERVICE AWARD – The person(s) shall be chosen for his/her devoted service to the deaf for at least twenty-five years at the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf.
BINOTTO, Adolph – 2005
McMULLIN, Tom – 2008
MUNDINGER-SAPKO, Ada – 2005
TEEGARDEN, George – 2005
NOMINEES for the REV. JOHN G. BROWN SERVICE AWARD
Henry Bardes – He graduated from the Ohio School for the Deaf in 1881. He was the shoe repair teacher for 47 years (1884-1931). During the WPSD history, he was employed as a vocational instructor for the longest amount of time. He made baseball gloves for the WPSD baseball team. In June of 1931, Henry retired and the shoe repair vocational training was discontinued because employment in this field was very scarce.
Milford Holliday – He was the history teacher for 33 years (1935 – 1968). Every student loved him. He was a jolly man and always smiled. At every AA of WPSD reunion, the Alumni members would always talk about him.
Thomas McMullin – He was a social studies teacher for around 30 years until retirement in 1999. He always volunteered to be the interpreter for the WPSD and out in the community. He was involved in after school program activities. He coached Freshman soccer and track and field for many years and coached the Junior Varsity wrestling team. Later he became the head coach for the track team. He was loyal to our WPSD team by attending many of the games and tournaments. He was also the advisor for the Class of 1977.
James Salem – He was the dormitory counselor, teacher, Dean of Students, principal, and assistant superintendent until his retirement. He gave his complete devotion to the education and welfare of the deaf people in Western Pennsylvania and has been noted for his innovations and development of ideas in the school publications, parent/infant program, Center projects, legislative proposals, private funding/public relations and numerous other areas of need. He was one of the founders of the Varsity Letter Club. He was loyal to our WPSD team by assisting, encouraging and supporting the boys and girls in sports. He was the advisor of the Class of 1973.
Richard Starr – He is the director of Food Service since 1967 (I think). He is always pleasant to the students and staff at every meal. He hired the boys as waiters during breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the students and girls will host the staff although dinnertime only. Also hired the boys for the dishwasher during breakfast and dinner. Then policy changed requiring to hire deaf and hearing adults to do the work, so that the students could focus on their education and activities. He is always willing to serve the meals during the Alumni events every year. Of all the eastern states of America, WPSD has the most outstanding meals.
Bernard Teitlebaum – He was a teacher for 38 years (1924-1962). Everyone adored him even though he was strict.
James Toner – Since graduation 35 years ago, he is still the dormitory counselor. Everyone loves him for his sense of humor. He has coached the mighty mites, freshman, wrestling, and track/field. He was the head coach for the Varsity wrestling team. He drove the students to the games, activities, and homes weekly. He is an advisor of the Varsity Letter Club.
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD – The member(s) shall be chosen for becoming “well-known” among the Deaf community across the country. Also that person can be recognized for his/her services to their fellow deaf citizens on a voluntary basis.
*WPSD Deaf employees with 25 years of service be admitted as Active members as Constitution Article III – Membership Section 1.4, can not be chosen for the Athletic Hall of Fame, Alumni Merit, and Distinguished Alumnus Awards.
BARWIOLEK, Alan – 1999
KUKLESKI, Audrian – 2005
MARBURY, Nathie – 2008
MOWL, Harold Jr. – 2008
NOVITSKY, Mary Lou – 1996
POLLARD, Elizabeth – 1993
SCHWARTZMAN, Dorothy – 2002
NOMINEES FOR DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD
David Binning ‘77 – Was a leader in the deaf community at the state of North Carolina for several years. He was a President of the North Carolina Association of the Deaf. He received an award for his leadership in the community several years ago. After moving to Arizona, he is still involved in the deaf community.
Rodney Danco ‘65 – Currently is our first Deaf President of the WPSD Board of Trustee. He has worked hard to fund the Alumni Tree and is involved in many activities at WPSD. Not only for our school, he has traveled nationwide to give presentations regarding his employment as being an administrator in a company, requesting financial support for school and many other organization. He is a strong advocate PASD and NAD and is involved in debates/discussions for education, employment, and others issues.
James DeBee ‘76 – Currently is the President of the AAWPSD for two terms. He was instrumental in the design of the special technical and equipment for the auditorium, library, and media center at WPSD. Not only for our school, he has taught other deaf school on which would the best technical uses and how to designs such. He has been involved in the PASD to design a website, updated the layout for newsletter, fund-raising for the camp for many years. He was on the PASD Board.
Harry Lang ‘65 – Still teaches students at NTID/RIT. Currently, he is on the WPSD Board of Trustee. He had written many books regarding the deaf scientists, and others. He has traveled nationwide to give presentations.
Eddy Laird ‘70 – Teaches and trains individuals to become bilingual teachers and coordinates three programs: ASL Special (certificate); Teaching ASL as a Foreign (WORLD) Language (certificate); and ASL & Deaf Studies (undergraduate) Minor programs at McDaniel College. While in Massachusetts, he was the President of D.E.A.F. and the coordinator of the National Association of the Deaf Senior Citizens. Currently, he is on the advisory board for Catonsville Community College, Frederick Community College, and Towson University. He is also the chairperson of two committees for the Maryland Association of the Deaf to legislate two issues: to have standards and qualifications for educational interpreters in K-12 settings and to accept ASL as part of foreign language study for K-12 and higher educational programs.
ALUMNI MERIT AWARD – The member(s) shall be chosen for his/her devoted service to the Alumni Association for at least ten (10) years.
*WPSD Deaf employees with 25 years of service be admitted as Active members as Constitution Article III – Membership Section 1.4, can not be chosen for the Athletic Hall of Fame, Alumni Merit, and Distinguished Alumnus Awards.
HALL OF FAME (1965 to 1990)
ALLEN, Marion – 1969
BOSWORTH, Walter – 1981
FORBES, John – ????
FRANK, Pearl – 1984
FRIEND, Richard – ????
GRAVES, Peter – 1975
KIEFFER, Laura – ????
KIEFFER, Louis – 1978
LUDIVICO, Carmen – 1969
LUDOVICO, Enza – 1975
MANNING, Dr. Archie – ????
NICHOLS, Samuel – 1965
PAINTER, Cyril – 1969
READ, Elmer – ????
TEEGARDEN, George – ????
ZAHN, Harry – 1990
ALUMNI MERIT (1993 to now)
CAMPERO, Kathy – 2002
DICKSON, Wesley – 2005
MAJOCHA, Donald – 2005
MAJOCHA, Verla – 2008
MEHL, Albert – 1996
MOWL, Jr. Harold – 1999
RUTE, Stephen – 2002
SCHWARTZMAN, Dorothy – 1993
TONER, James – 2002
WESOKY, Norman – 2005
NOMINEES FOR ALUMNI MERIT AWARD
Frank Lietner – Has been involved in the alumni activities and held the officer positions for many years.
John Rolshouse – Was one of the founders of the Alumni Association Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf. He was involved in many activities for the Alumni in the past.
Mary Toomey – Was involved in the Alumni Board and held different officer positions. She was the first female President in 1924 for a term (2 yrs).
Valentine Wojton ‘76 – Was on the Alumni Board for many years and has held many different position as an officer. He loves to work on the constitution and the bylaws. He was the President in 1993 for one term.
ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME – The qualified male or female athlete(s) shall be chosen for his/her loyalty to the Alumni Association. This award shall be recognized an alumnus for his/her contributions to the Deaf community and/or sports program twenty (20) years after his/her graduation or departure from the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf.
*WPSD Deaf employees with 25 years of service be admitted as Active members as Constitution Article III – Membership Section 1.4, can not be chosen for the Athletic Hall of Fame, Alumni Merit, and Distinguished Alumnus Awards.
ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME (1984 to present)
ANTAL, Jack – 1996
CHUTO, Michael – 1999
CRINO, Anthony – 1987
DICKSON, Wesley – 2005
DORRELL, Michael – 1990
FORD, Dale – 2008
GLENN, David – 1999
HARDING, Walla – 1999
HAWKINS, Wes – 2005
JEZERSKI, Joseph – 1993
LEWIS, Harrison – 2002
MOWL, Rita – 1996
PARK, Karen – 2008
PUZAUSKY, Stanley – 1993
RUTE, Stephen – 2005
SAVANICK, Paul – 1993
STANGARONE, Eugene – 1984
TAJC, Paula – 2002
WOJTON, Valentine – 2002
NOMINEES FOR ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME AWARD
Barbara (Barnacastle) Cline ‘77 – Played Varsity Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, and Softball. She was involved in the Girls’ Athletic Club. She attended several AAWPSD Reunions.
Dale Ford ‘65 – Played Varsity Soccer, Basketball, and Track/Field. He was the assistant coach on Varsity Track/Field. He became the head coach for Varsity Basketball for two years. He attended several AAWPSD Reunions and golfed the WPSD Cup and Elroy Face Tournament.
Betty (Maher) Longo ‘75 – Played Varsity Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, and Track/field. She was a member of the Girls’ Athletic Club. She attended many AAWPSD Reunions, May Day, and other alumni events.
Dennis Mancini ‘75 – Played Varsity Soccer, Basketball, and Track/Field. He received many awards for being an outstanding player in different sports. He was involved in the Varsity Letter Club. He played softball and basketball for different deaf clubs. He still plays basketball during the Alumni Night. He has attended many reunions.
Janice (Mogus) Gwizdak ‘68 – Played Varsity Volleyball, Basketball, and Softball. She was involved in the Girls’ Athletic Club. She played volleyball, basketball, and softball for Pittsburgh Association of the Deaf for many years. She has attended several AAWPSD Reunions and played golf on WPSD Cup several times.
Karen Park ‘73 – Was an all around athlete. She played field hockey, volleyball, basketball, tennis, softball, and track/field. Due to her blindness, she had to discontinue playing sports however she still does outdoor activities which include hiking and camping.
Linda (Pelton) Tasselli ‘76 – Played Varsity Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, and Softball. She was involved in the Girls’ Athletic Club. She played softball for the deaf club. She attended the WPSD class and alumni reunions. Yearly, she attends the May Day.
Richard Siar ‘69 – Played Varsity Soccer, Basketball, and Track. He broke track school records in the 880 yards dash, one and two miles run. He played softball for deaf club. He attended many AAWPSD Reunions.