LaTanya White-Springfield Has Been Named to the Pottstown High School Alumni Honor Roll

LaTanya White-Springfield

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Foundation for Pottstown Education.

On Friday Oct. 18, the Pottstown School District Alumni Honor Roll Committee will induct three alumni in to the District’s Alumni Honor Roll at the 34th annual event.

The Alumni Honor Roll was established in 1986 as a way to recognize outstanding Pottstown High School Alumni who has made significant contributions to their community and profession. 

With the addition of this year’s honorees, 132 alumni will have been recognized with this honor.

The three 2019 honorees represent Pottstown High School Classes of 1953, 1990, and 1999. 

Aram Ecker, chair of the Alumni Honor Roll Committee placed the names of Robert G. Sutton, Leticia J. Santiago and LaTanya White-Springfield as the nominees for this year’s class to the Pottstown School Board on Thursday April 23.

They will be recognized at the Annual Alumni Honor Roll event on Friday Oct. 18. 

 The event will begin with a continental breakfast at the Pottstown High School followed by a tour of the Alumni Gallery. The recognition ceremony will be held during an assembly in the High School’s Stanley Davenport Auditorium. The induction ceremony will be followed by a luncheon at the Brookside Country Club. 

Members of the community as well as all Pottstown High School Alumni are welcome to the event and can purchase tickets for $50 per person which includes admission to all of the events listed above. A portion of the ticket price is tax deductible and will support the Alumni Honor Roll. 

Tickets for the luncheon are on sale and can be reserved by contacting Diane Nash in the Superintendent’s Office 610-970-6601. 

Here is the third profile of this year's alumni honor role nominees.

LaTanya White-Springfield

Representing Pottstown High School Class of 1999 is LaTanya White-Springfield. 

While at Pottstown High School, she participated in the Key/Anchor Club, Student Government, National Honor Society, was the Captain of the Cheerleaders. She was also a four year varsity athlete in track and field where she ranked fourth in Pennsylvania in the 100 meters placing first in PAC and district championships. 

After high school graduation, LaTanya attended Alvernia University and achieving her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology/Addiction Studies. Continuing with her education, LaTanya received her Master’s Degree in Counseling and Educational Psychology from West Chester University and later received her Educational Doctorate from Immaculata University. 

She is currently the Director of Student Services at the Pottstown School District. Among her many civic duties, she is active with the Women’s Center of Montgomery County, a board member for the YWCA and a member of the Council of Negro Women.

When asked to put into words what "Proud to be from Pottstown" means to her, White-Springfield replied:

Pottstown is more than just a town. It is a place that sparks connections and conversations; a setting where relationships are nurtured, families are supported, and adversities are overcome. Our small, but mighty town is enriched with some amazing people, unrecognized heroes, lots of hidden treasures, and enormous amount of pride. So when I think of what Pottstown pride means to me, it means loving hard, sharing laughs, accepting differences, encouraging each other, and standing together to lead the charge for change.

Being inducted in to the Pottstown High School Alumni Honor Roll is a distinguished honor for our alumni. What does this recognition mean to you?

Induction into the PHS Alumni Honor Roll represents many things for me. It represents a sense of accomplishment, especially growing up and being educated among an elite group of talented and educated peers.

It represents a community voice. I am aware that I have not done many extraordinary things that sit high above the efforts of others, but I am grateful to know that my endeavors and positive impact on our community have not gone unnoticed.

Lastly it represents motivation. Beyond communicating appreciation, this level of recognition sends a message, to those who I mentor and others who I try to set examples for, what success looks like. Success is not always fancy cars or big houses, but the lasting imprint you leave on your community. I don't consider this a win for me, but for all my class of '99 alumni.

Her one piece of advice to share with the current students of the Pottstown High School was: "The hardest thing to be is yourself. So when you finally figure out who you are, embrace your uniqueness. Be kind, inspire others, and open your mind to limitless possibilities."

Leticia Santiago Joins PHS Alumni Honor Roll

Leticia Santiago

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Foundation for Pottstown Education.
On Friday Oct. 18, the Pottstown School District Alumni Honor Roll Committee will induct three alumni in to the District’s Alumni Honor Roll at the 34th annual event.

The Alumni Honor Roll was established in 1986 as a way to recognize outstanding Pottstown High School Alumni who has made significant contributions to their community and profession. With the addition of this year’s honorees, 132 alumni will have been recognized with this honor.

The three 2019 honorees represent Pottstown High School Classes of 1953, 1990, and 1999. Aram Ecker, chair of the Alumni Honor Roll Committee placed the names of Robert G. Sutton, Leticia J. Santiago and LaTanya White-Springfield as the nominees for this year’s class to the Pottstown School Board on Thursday April 23, 2019.

They will be recognized at the Annual Alumni Honor Roll event on Oct. 18. 

The event will begin with a continental breakfast at the Pottstown High School followed by a tour of the Alumni Gallery. The recognition ceremony will be held during an assembly in the High School’s Stanley Davenport Auditorium. The induction ceremony will be followed by a luncheon at the Brookside Country Club. 

Members of the community as well as all Pottstown High School Alumni are welcome to the event and can purchase tickets for $50 per person which includes admission to all of the events listed above. A portion of the ticket price is tax deductible and will support the Alumni Honor Roll. 

Tickets for the luncheon are on sale and can be reserved by contacting Diane Nash in the Superintendent’s Office 610-970-6601. 

Here is the second profile of an inductee.

Leticia J. Santiago

Representing the Pottstown High School Class of 1990 is Leticia J. Santiago. While a student at Pottstown High School, she was captain of the twirling squad, basketball cheerleaders and the Lacrosse team. She was also the recipient of the London Leisure Scholarship

After high school Ms. Santiago attended Howard University majoring in Political Sciences. While at Howard University she was awarded the United States Attorney General’s Special Achievement Award while interning in the Department of Justice. 

After receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree, she enrolled in Howard University’s School of Law and received her Juris Doctor Degree in 1997.

Santiago is the Associate Managing Attorney for Travelers. In 2004, she was awarded the Edith Spivack Special Recognition Award and presented this award from New York City Mayor, Micheal Bloomberg. She was also presented the 2013 Staff Counsel Award as well as the 2013 In-synch Service award presented by the CEO of Travelers.

When asked about what the phrase “Proud to be from Pottstown “ meant to her, Ms. Santiago responded: 

"For me, the phrase “Proud to be from Pottstown” represents the gratitude I feel having been born and raised in Pottstown. Pottstown is where the majority of my family resides; it is where I developed my first friendships, all of which are still maintained today; it is the sense of community, in thought and deed, which during my most impressionable years as a child and teenager, provided me with support and encouragement I needed to succeed in life," she said in a press release issued by the Foundation for Pottstown Education.

Being inducted in to the Pottstown High School Alumni Honor Roll is a distinguished honor for our alumni. When asked what this recognition means, Santiago replied:

My maternal grandparents had 9 children, all of whom graduated from Pottstown High. The first to graduate, my Aunt Berwindale (Glenn) Whitehurst, graduated in 1951, 68 years ago. My Uncle Gregory Glenn, the youngest, graduated in 1966 (my mother, Melvenna (Glenn) Santiago graduated in 1962). When my Uncle Gregory was set to graduate, the Mercury published an article on June 6, 1966 about the Glenn family entitled “Ninth Member of Glenn Family To Graduate from Pottstown High.” The article, which includes a picture of my grandparents, mother, aunts, and uncles, states “[t]he Glenn family probably created school history for the number of brothers and sisters to graduate from any one area high school.” This is my legacy, which is inextricably intertwined with Pottstown High. I am who I am today, in part, because of the four years I spent at Pottstown High; critical years of self-development and purpose. My heart is full with this extraordinary honor. I am proud to be from Pottstown and I am proud to be a Trojan! 

When asked what one piece of advice that he would give to the current students of the Pottstown High School, Santiago replied: "My advice is to be loving and kind to others, be positive, find your passion; recognize that you have the power and everything within you to succeed. Be confident, listen carefully, seek counsel from trustworthy adults; understand that challenges and difficulties will arise in life – it is your mindset that makes the difference." 

Robert Sutton Joins PHS Alumni Honor Roll

Robert G. Sutton

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Foundation for Pottstown Education.

On Friday Oct. 18, the Pottstown School District Alumni Honor Roll Committee will induct three alumni in to the District’s Alumni Honor Roll at the 34th annual event. 

The Alumni Honor Roll was established in 1986 as a way to recognize outstanding Pottstown High School Alumni who has made significant contributions to their community and profession. 

With the addition of this year’s honorees, 132 alumni will have been recognized with this honor.

The three 2019 honorees represent Pottstown High School Classes of 1953, 1990, and 1999. 

Aram Ecker, chair of the Alumni Honor Roll Committee placed the names of Robert G. Sutton, Leticia J. Santiago and LaTanya White-Springfield as the nominees for this year’s class to the Pottstown School Board on Thursday April 23.

They will be recognized at the Annual Alumni Honor Roll event on Friday Oct. 18. The event will begin with a continental breakfast at the Pottstown High School followed by a tour of the Alumni Gallery. 

The recognition ceremony will be held during an assembly in the High School’s Stanley Davenport Auditorium. The induction ceremony will be followed by a luncheon at the Brookside Country Club. 

Members of the community as well as all Pottstown High School Alumni are welcome to the event and can purchase tickets for $50 per person which includes admission to all of the events listed above. A portion of the ticket price is tax deductible and will support the Alumni Honor Roll.

Tickets for the luncheon are on sale and can be reserved by contacting Diane Nash in the Superintendent’s Office 610-970-6601.

Here is the first of three profiles of the honorees.

Robert G. Sutton

Representing the Pottstown High School Class of 1953 is Robert G. Sutton. 

While a student at Pottstown High School, Mr. Sutton participated in football, basketball and track and field, making the first team All Chest-Mont Football Team. He also played in the marching band which took first place in the National Safety Patrol Parade in Washington, DC.

After graduation, Mr. Sutton attended George Washington University on a football scholarship making the all-Academic Southern Conference football team. He majored in Physical Education and furthered his education receiving his Masters of Education in 1963.

Mr. Sutton began his professional career at the Newport Jr. High School in Montgomery County Maryland from 1958-1961 and then moved to Arlington County Virginia teaching at Gunston Jr. High School. 

He taught health and physical education at both schools and coached the basketball and football as well as serving as the Intramural Director in Arlington County.

In 1964 he moved to East Stroudsburg University where he spent 40 years at this institution. Some of his career highlights at ESU include teaching physical education and sports management courses, coaching football and freshman basketball, serving as the Assistant Athletic Director and as the Acting Athletic Director, and as the Director of Physical Education and Athletic Facilities. 

He took a sabbatical leave in 1974-75 to receive his PhD while at the University of Utah. Mr. Sutton took a second sabbatical in July of 1996 to work at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta Georgia.

When asked about what the phrase “Proud to be from Pottstown “ meant to him, Mr. Sutton responded: 

"I am proud to be from Pottstown because of the many fond memories such as:

• Had a loving and supportive family.
• Made lifetime friendships.
• Had teachers and coaches who pushed us to be the best we could be.
• Had the opportunity to be in a variety of school activities.
• Provided me summer employment through my high school and college years.
• Attended dances at the Y.M.C.A.
• Went to the high school proms held at the Jr. High School.
• Provided me with a set of values of hard work and the desire to succeed.

All of the above has helped me to achieve success in my career."

"I am very humbled to have this award bestowed upon me. It is very difficult to express in words what it means to me. I will say it’s one highlight in my life which I won’t forget. Looking over the names of past inductees with fantastic careers and accomplishments, I am much honored to be part of this distinguished group of people," Sutton said in a press release provided by the Foundation for Pottstown Education. "Thank you for this recognition."

When asked what one piece of advice that he would give to the current students of the Pottstown High School, Mr. Sutton replied, "my advice is to never say 'No' to an opportunity to experience a new adventure. Always accept the challenge -- take and run with it. Your future success may be achieved from being involved."

He added, "remember -- you can not buy experience."

PHS Alumni Honor Roll Profile: Heather M. Thiret

Major Heather M. Thiret

Blogger's Note: On Friday Oct.19, 2018, the Pottstown School District Alumni Honor Roll Committee will induct four alumni in to the District’s Alumni Honor Roll at the 33rd annual event. In preparation, The Digital Notebook will present profiles of all four inductees as provided and prepared by the Foundation for Pottstown Education.

Today we present Heather Thiret, representing the Class of 1991.

Representing the Pottstown High School Class of 1991 is Heather M. Thiret. 

Heather earned her Bachelor of Science degree from West Chester University and holds a PA Teaching Certificate. She is currently working on her Master’s Degree in Leadership through Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. 

She entered the service in 1992 and has spent 25 years, 10 as enlisted and 15 as an officer. Heather holds a ranking of Major in the US Army and has received several honors including a Bronze Star Medal. 

She has also served as a TAC Officer/Instructor at the OCS Officer Candidate School Academy from 2010-2013. She is currently the Officer In Charge of Military Ascensions Vital to National Interest Program in Fort Belvoir, VA. Heather has been active in the Veterans Outreach Program/Homeless Vets and the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America.

In response to the question, what has graduating from Pottstown High School meant to you? Heather responded that "graduation from PSHS itself is an accomplishment and benchmark in life. However, graduating from Pottstown High School was bittersweet in the fact that it was "sweet" to be graduating and equipped with the skills and knowledge bestowed upon me from my teachers and coaches at PSHS, and "bitter" to say goodbye to the same mentorship, guidance and trusting relationships I had to rely on while attending PSHS. I felt confident in my capabilities and self-worth I developed from my four years at PSHS."

When asked about what the phrase “Proud to be from Pottstown “mean to her, Heather stated, “I am proud to be from Pottstown, because these are my roots. The familiar places and faces that continue to be part of my life even today, almost 25 years after I left. It is always still good to come 'home.' Hometown, isn't just a place, it is a feeling...from Ice House Deli, Manatawny Park, Brunish's, Frankie and Johnny's, the Elks, the Carousel, Pottstown Trojans, The Mercury, High St, Waterfront Park, Sunnybrook Ballroom, the community people(alumni) and feeling etc...it's the familiar places and faces that continue to make me proud to come home and call Pottstown home.”

In receiving this honor, Heather stated “I am truly blessed and honored to been chosen to represent what thousands of Pottstown alumni who came before me had done. We all attended PSHS, graduated and went on to do great things in this world, change the world and make it a better place. I accept this award on behalf of all those who came before me with the same drive and motivation that PSHS became the catalyst for and ensured they were ready to take on the world. Graduates did not need to be doctors, lawyers, politicians, CEO's, nor famous to be successful alumni...they are also mothers, fathers, coaches, teachers, mentors, community advocates, military, police officers, fire fighters, EMS, nurses, factory workers, secretaries, borough service workers, reporters, writers, artists, and thousands of unmentioned professions and occupations that whether nominated for this honor or not, are success stories of PSHS and are just as proud to be from Pottstown and a product of PSHS as me.”

One piece of advice that Heather would give to high school students, is "ask and listen. Lead and follow. Take advantage of all the education, mentorship and advice you can receive while at PSHS. This is only the beginning of you becoming the type of person you want to be in life. Make mistakes, and learn from them. Don't be afraid to learn from other people’s mistakes, they have less pain and anguish than our own, but the same lesson is learned. If you don't already, thank your parents, coaches, teachers and mentors...come back and visit. I didn't thank them enough while I was there and truly did not appreciate them until after I left. Walking across the stage and accepting that diploma, is also an acceptance of your future and life, for it will be whatever you put into it, and whatever you choose to make it. Make it yours, and make it the best life as the best person you can be. You are a Pottstown Trojan, even after you leave, that will never leave you."

The four honorees will be recognized at the Annual Alumni Honor Roll event on Friday Oct. 19, 2018. The event will begin with a continental breakfast at the Pottstown High School followed by a tour of the Alumni Gallery. The recognition ceremony will be held during an assembly in the High School’s Stanley Davenport Auditorium. 

 The induction ceremony will be followed by a luncheon at the Brookside Country Club. Members of the community as well as all Pottstown High School Alumni are welcome to the event and can purchase tickets for $50 per person which includes admission to all of the events listed above. A portion of the ticket price is tax deductible. Tickets for the luncheon are on sale and can be reserved by contacting Diane Nash in the Superintendent’s Office 610-970-6601.

PHS Alumni Honor Roll Profile: Therese Rinaldi

Therese Rinaldi

Blogger's Note: On Friday Oct.19, 2018, the Pottstown School District Alumni Honor Roll Committee will induct four alumni in to the District’s Alumni Honor Roll at the 33rd annual event. In preparation, The Digital Notebook will present profiles of all four inductees as provided and prepared by the Foundation for Pottstown Education.

Today we present Dr. Therese Rinaldi, DPM, Class of 1979.

After high school, Therese earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Widener University. In 1989 she earned her Degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine.

Therese began her medical career as a Staff Registered Nurse at Pennsylvania Hospital before moving to the Skilled Nursing Inc. as a Critical Care Nursing Contractor. After earning her Doctorate, she became a Podiatric Surgical Resident at what is now known as Washington Hospital Center. In 1990, she returned to Pottstown as a Director and Surgeon for the Pottstown Foot and Ankle Center before becoming a Partner and Practitioner at the Foot and Ankle Health Group, PC in Pottstown, Royersford and Boyertown.

When asked what graduating from Pottstown High School means to her, Therese responded “Graduating from the same high school as both of my parents was a grand tribute to their faith in the quality of the education they received. I know Pottstown High School equipped me with the necessary knowledge, experience, confidence and skills to go anywhere and do anything I dreamed- for that I am thankful.”

Therese responded that Proud to be from Pottstown means that “ I am proud to have grown up in Pottstown, a diverse community of art, industry, beauty and history. Nestled along the Schuylkill River in the corner of three counties, we locals have easy access to both rural and urban experiences. After podiatric medical school and surgery residency, there was no question as to where I wanted to set up my practice and raise a family. Some of my first patients came because they either knew me or my family, and that continues to this day, 28 years later.”

Being named to PHS Alumni Honor Roll is a wonderful distinction. To be recognized, as many others before me, for my accomplishments helps current PHS students realize that they have all the tools and opportunities here, one just needs to find what makes them happy then work hard to pursue it. Success will surely follow.

My advice to Pottstown High School students is simple. Get out there, experience life, find your passion and do not stop until you achieve your goals--and enjoy life along the way.

The four honorees will be recognized at the Annual Alumni Honor Roll event on Friday October 19, 2018. The event will begin with a continental breakfast at the Pottstown High School followed by a tour of the Alumni Gallery. The recognition ceremony will be held during an assembly in the High School’s Stanley Davenport Auditorium. The induction ceremony will be followed by a luncheon at the Brookside Country Club. Members of the community as well as all Pottstown High School Alumni are welcome to the event and can purchase tickets for $50 per person which includes admission to all of the events listed above. A portion of the ticket price is tax deductible. Tickets for the luncheon are on sale and can be reserved by contacting Diane Nash in the Superintendent’s Office 610-970-6601.

PHS Alumni Honor Roll Profile: James Bush

James Bush.

Blogger's Note: On Friday Oct.19, 2018, the Pottstown School District Alumni Honor Roll Committee will induct four alumni in to the District’s Alumni Honor Roll at the 33rd annual event. In preparation, The Digital Notebook will present profiles of all four inductees as provided and prepared by the Foundation for Pottstown Education.

Today we present James Bush, Class of 1962.

Representing the Pottstown High School Class of 1962 is James R. Bush. After graduation in 1962, Jim served in the U.S. Army Reserves and attended Peirce Junior College earning his Associates Degree in Accounting in 1970. Jim then earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Ursinus College. From May of 1964 through September 1968, he worked as a Commercial Loan Officer and Assistant Branch Manager for the Philadelphia National Bank in Pottstown. Then in 1980, Jim returned to his Alma Mater becoming the Supervisor of Accounting/Assistant Business Administrator before being hired as the Business Administrator/Board Secretary in 1968 until his retirement in June of 2006.

When asked about what the phrase “Proud to be from Pottstown “ mean to him, Jim responded
“I have been involved with the Pottstown School District for fifty ( 50 ) Years of my life ( 12 years as a student, 38 years as an employee 1968-2006). The Pottstown School has been and continues to be a leader in education in the area".

He lists several examples:

-- The establishment of a Foundation for Pottstown Education ( 1985 ) to help raise private funds for student scholarships and some programs unable to be funded through the school district

-- Early Childhood Education: The school district started a Four Year Kindergarten program in the early “90’s “and a full day kindergarten program in the early 2000’s. Today the Pottstown School through its Early Childhood program (PEAK) is a statewide model.

-- Senior Citizen Program: In 1995 the school district started the Golden Sage Program which allows senior citizens to volunteer at the school district and receive a credit up to $500 on their property taxes.

-- Dual Enrollment Program: In the early 2000’s, the school district and the Montgomery County Community College established a program to allow students to attend the college during their high school years and receive College credit. Initially this was funded with local and state funds. The Foundation for Pottstown Education now funds the Dual Enrollment Program.

The school district provides excellent education and co-curricular programs staffed by excellent teachers that provide opportunities for students to be successful. Pottstown School District students excel in academics and receive recognition for their accomplishments. Pottstown students receive accolades for their involvement in community service programs.

“YES! I am proud to be a graduate of the Pottstown School District,” he said.

This recognition has special meaning to Bush.

“ I am honored to be recognized by the School District as a member of the Alumni Honor Roll. Since its establishment in 1986, there have been 125 graduates who have been inducted to the Alumni Honor Roll. When I look at accomplishments of those previous and current inductees, I am proud to be included as a member of the Alumni Honor Roll."

When asked what one piece of advice that he would give to the current students of the Pottstown High School, Jim responded “Set Your Goals. Challenge yourself to meet those goals. Whatever career path you decide to follow, always give maximum effort.”

The Alumni Honor Roll was established in 1986 as a way to recognize outstanding Pottstown High School Alumni who has made significant contributions to their community and profession. With the addition of this year’s honorees, 129 alumni will have been recognized with this honor.

The four 2018 honorees represent Pottstown High School Classes of 1962, 1979, 1982 and 1991. Aram Ecker, chair of the Alumni Honor Roll Committee placed the names of James R. Bush, Theresa Rinaldi, Jonathan C. Corson and Heather M. Thiret as the nominees for this year’s class to the Pottstown School Board on Thursday April 19, 2018.

They will be recognized at the Annual Alumni Honor Roll event on Friday Oct. 19, 2018. The event will begin with a continental breakfast at the Pottstown High School followed by a tour of the Alumni Gallery. The recognition ceremony will be held during an assembly in the High School’s Stanley Davenport Auditorium. The induction ceremony will be followed by a luncheon at the Brookside Country Club. Members of the community as well as all Pottstown High School Alumni are welcome to the event and can purchase tickets for $50 per person which includes admission to all of the events listed above. A portion of the ticket price is tax deductible. Tickets for the luncheon are on sale and can be reserved by contacting Diane Nash in the Superintendent’s Office 610-970-6601.

Members of the community as well as all Pottstown High School Alumni are welcome to the event and can purchase tickets for $50 per person which includes admission to all of the day’s events. A portion of the ticket price is tax deductible. Tickets for the luncheon are on sale and can be reserved by contacting Diane Nash in the Superintendent’s Office 610-970-6601.

Pottstown High School Alumni Honor Roll Named

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Foundation for Pottstown Education

What do the Pottstown High School Classes of 1962, 1979, 1982 and 1991 have in common?

They all have classmates who have been nominated for inclusion in the 2018 Class for the Pottstown High School Alumni Honor Roll. 

Aram Ecker, chair of the Alumni Honor Roll Committee placed the names of James R. Bush, Theresa Rinaldi, Jonathan C. Corson and Heather M. Thiret as the nominees for this year’s class to the Pottstown School Board on Thursday April 19.

The four honorees will be recognized at the Annual Alumni Honor Roll event on Friday Oct. 19, 2018.

The event will begin with a continental breakfast at the Pottstown High School followed by a tour of the Alumni Gallery. 

The recognition ceremony will be held during an assembly in the High School’s Stanley Davenport Auditorium. The induction ceremony will be followed by a luncheon at the Brookside Country Club. 

Members of the community as well as all Pottstown High School Alumni are welcome to the event. Tickets for the luncheon will be on sale beginning in August and can be reserved by contacting the Foundation for Pottstown Education or the Superintendent’s Office.

James Bush

James Bush

After graduation in 1962, James R. Bush served in the U.S. Army Reserves and attended Pierce Junior College earning his Associates Degree in Accounting in 1970. 

Jim then earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Ursinus College. 

From May of 1964 through September 1968, he worked as a Commercial Loan Officer and Assistant Branch Manager for the Philadelphia National Bank in Pottstown. 

Then in 1980, Bush returned to his Alma Mater becoming the Supervisor of Accounting/Assistant Business Administrator before being hired as the Business Administrator/Board Secretary in 1968 until his retirement in June of 2006.

Therese Rinaldi

Therese Rinaldi, DPM, graduated from Pottstown High School in 1979. After high school, Therese earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Widener University. 

Therese Rinaldi

In 1989 she earned her Degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine. 

Rinaldi began her medical career as a Staff Registered Nurse at Pennsylvania Hospital before moving to the Skilled Nursing Inc. as a Critical Care Nursing Contractor. 

After earning her Doctorate, she became a Podiatric Surgical Resident at what is now known as Washington Hospital Center. 

In 1990, she returned to Pottstown as a Director and Surgeon for the Pottstown Foot and Ankle Center. 

Subsequently, she become a Partner and Practitioner at the Foot and Ankle Health Group, PC in Pottstown, Royersford and Boyertown.

Jonathan Corson

Jonathan Corson

Jonathan C. Corson graduated from Pottstown High School in 1982. He is currently a Reactor Operator for Arkema Chemicals. 

Corson is extremely active in the Pottstown Community. He is currently serving as the President of the Pottstown NAACP, a position that he has held for the past two years. 

He is also a Pennsylvania State Constable serving since 2013 and serving on the Pottstown Human Relations Commission. 

From 1980 through 2000, Jonathan served as a Trustee for the Church of the Living God where he played the organ and was a drummer. 

Other community activities include serving on the Grants Committee for the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation, Co-Captain for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, a Board Member for the Ricketts Community Center and participated in the Foundation for Pottstown Education’s Dancing with the Stars.

Heather Thiret

Heather M. Thiret is a member of the Class of 1991. Heather earned her Bachelor of Science degree from West Chester University and holds a PA Teaching Certificate. 

Heather Thiret

She is currently working on her Master’s Degree in Leadership through Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. She entered the service in 1992 and has spent 25 years, 10 as enlisted and 15 as an officer. 

Thiret holds a ranking of Major in the US Army and has received several honors including a Bronze Star Medal. 

She has also served as a TAC Officer/Instructor at the OCS Officer Candidate School Academy from 2010-2013. 

She is currently the Officer In Charge of Military Ascensions Vital to National Interest Program in Fort Belvoir, VA. 

Thiret has been active in the Veterans Outreach Program/Homeless Vets and the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America.

Honorable Alumni

Photo Courtesy of John J. Armato

From left, Paul Salem son of Phyllis Sell Salem, Mark Pennypacker, David Garner, James E. Rodgers

A lawyer, a police chief, a middle east expert and a teacher are the most recent inductees to the Pottstown High School Alumni Honor Roll.

During the Oct. 17 ceremony, the school district honored David Garner, James Rodgers, the late Phyllis Sell Salem and Mark Pennypacker Sr.

Mark Pennypacker Sr.

Pennypacker, a 1978 graduate, has a dizzying array of degrees and progressional experiences.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and sociology fropm West Chester University; a masters in divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary; a masters in educational administration from Shenandoah University and in geosciences from Mississippi Sate University and course work at University of Colorado, James Madison University and the University of Virginia.

He has been named to who’s who of American High School Teachers, soccer and girls soccer coach of the year and a distinguished citizen leader award where he lives in Winchester, Va.

An earth sciences and biology teacher at James Wood High School there, he is also an adjunct professor of Geography and Meterology at Lord Fairfax Community College and, as a People to People Student Ambassador, he has accompanied students to the Netherlands, Austria, Greece, Australia, China, France and the British isles.

Pennypacker has also been named a Boy Scout leader of the year, and is a member of the local Lions Club and the Treadwell Lodge No. 213 of the Masons, as well as serving on the boards of the local American Red Cross, Blue Ridge Youth Soccer, Shenandoah University Alumni Board, United Way of the Northern Shenandoah Valley and the Vestry of St. mark’s Episcopal Church in Virginia.

James Rodgers

Rodgers, a 1953 Pottstown High School graduate, served as Pottstown’s police chief from 1974 to 1991, after serving for five years as a sergeant and one year as the captain of the force.

Born in North Carolina, he and his family moved to Pottstown in 1946.

While in high school, Rodgers was on the track team and captain of the cross country team, as well as a member of the choir and playing the tuba in the band.

A four-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Rodgers was recognized for many innovations during his years with the police force.

They include a crisis intervention service, a crime prevention unit, a cooperative instruction program which put police officers into the schools to teach criminal justice classes and the creation of an awards and honor guard program within the force itself.

Himself a recipient of the department’s medal of valor award, Rodgers also received recognition from the International Police Chiefs Association, the Fraternal Order of Police, Jewish War Veterans and a Navy recruiting award.

After retiring from the police force in 1991, Rodgers served for six years as the executive director of the Interfaith Community Development Corp.

Phyllis Sell Salem

Salem graduated from Pottstown high School in 1948 and continued her education for many years.

From 1948 to 1950, she attended the Pierce School of Business, and in 1966 graduated with a bachelors degree from Beruit College for Women.

Two years later, she received her masters in English from the American University of Beruit and one year after that, received a second masters from the same school, this one in philosophy.

From 1975 to 1982, Salem was an organizer with Cultural Books of Distinction, a program forging connections between Europe and Lebanon.

She was a consultant with the Ministry of Information in Lebanon from 1980 to 1989 and from 1975 to 1990, Salem was chairperson of the Save Lebanon Committee, during the civil war there.

David Garner

A 1976 graduate of Pottstown High School, Garner then attended the Hill School for a year where he lettered in cross country and winter and spring track and set the home course record.

In 1981, a degree in political science and European history was earned from Ursinus College, where he again set the home course record and won a league championship as co-captain of the cross country team, as well as worked for four years as a reporter at the school newspaper.

Garner’s law degree was earned from Dickinson School of law in 1984, the same year he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, where he worked as an attorney and leaving in 1991 with the rank of captain.

Now in his own practice, which he established 14 years ago, Garner has served as the solicitor for the Pottstown Borough Authority as well as the East Vincent Municipal Authority.

He has served as president as the Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities, co-chairman of the Tri-County Area Chamber of Commerce, the board of directors of Creative Health Services and the Rejoincing Spirits Board, a worship service for the developmentally disabled, the board of the Moasic Community Land Trust and in many positions at St. James Lutheran Church in Pottstown.

Garner has also spent 10 years with the Pottstown Chapter of the American Business Club and on the advisory committee at Manatawny Manor.

In 2008 and 2009, Garner was the president of Pottstown Borough Council.

On A Roll

Photo by John Armato

The four honorees of this year's Pottstown High School Alumni Honor Roll with the students who helped honor them during the Oct. 18 ceremony.

October is Alumni Honor Roll month at both Pottstown and Pottsgrove high schools.

Ceremonies for both were held within a day of each other.

First up was Pottstown, which on Oct. 18 inducted George M. McLain Jr. (Class of 1958), Eva K.M. Yashinsky (Class of 1972), Bennie Simms (Class of 1972) and David Donald (Class of 1981) into the alumni honor roll.

McLain, born on Maple Street and raised on Sunset Drive, was an all-state legion baseball player
and a graduate of East Stroudsburg State College, where he majored in social studies education.

A social studies teacher at Boyertown Area Senior High School for six years, McLain earned a masters in education from Temple, and took a job at as assistant principal at Pottstown Central Junior High School, where he worked for two years.

Afterward, he obtained a past as principal of Conrad Weiser High School Principal, a post he held for 15 years, before moving on two two administrative positions before retirement in 1997.

McLain worked on staff development initiatives at the national and state level and, in his retirement, has served Alvernia University as supervisor of student teachers.

Yashinsky, whose maiden name is Altomari, is not only a Pottstown High School graduate, where she graduated sixth in a class of 326 and was the president of the class, she spent her entire 35-year career as a teacher in the Pottstown School District.

A graduate of Temple University's Tyler School of the Arts, Yashinsky, an art teacher at every school building but Barth and the middle school, was named Teacher of the Year in 2011.

Photo by John Armato

McLain, Donald, Yashinsky and Simms in front of the lobby mural

Yashinsky helped to organize.

Longtime manager of the Davenport auditorium at the high school, Yashinsky oversaw nearly every assembly, concert, rental event and managed the stage crew.

She is remembered by many graduating classes for her creative and inspirational graduation ceremony backdrops.

Since graduating, Simms has had a long musical career that brought him to 14 different countries.

He has worked with many well-known artists including The Temptations, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, The Trammps, Dizz Gillespie, Rita Coolidge, Ray Parker Jr., the Tower of Power and Tavares.

As a bassist, Simms played with Pieces of a Dream, where he also served a scomposer, producer and music director.

He has performed on television many times, including on Good Morning America, Emeril Live and on a PBS broadcast special "Love Rhythm and Soul," with Aretha Franklin, Lou Rawls and the Spinners.

He is currently the music director and bassist for The Three Degrees World Wide, Simone and founding member, with Curtis Harmon, of the new jazz sensation "New Foundation."

Captain of the Trojan football team when he graduate, Donald attended Temple University's business school, made the dean's list, received the scholar athlete award and was, again captain of the football team.

Donald is the founder and CEO of PeopleShare Inc., the third largest privately-held staffing company in Pennsylvania with more than 5,000 employees with its headquarters here in Pottstown.

He is a board member not only of Temple University's graduate school, but also Philadelphia Works, a post to which he was appointed by Philadelphia Mayor Nutter.

His company has been recognized numerous times as one of the 500 fastest-growing companies; was an Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalist in 2011 and has been recognized by Smart CEO Magazine as one of 50 CEOS to watch.

PeopleShare Inc. has been recognized by the Philadelphia Business Journal as one of the "best places to work."

Donald has been asked many times to meet with the U.S. Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of the Department of Public Welfare, as well as Congressional staff, concerning success in the work force.

All four were honored at a school-wide ceremony and assembly.

The next day, the 13th annual luncheon of the Pottsgrove Education Foundation and the Pottsgrove Retired Educators was held at Copperfield's in Limerick and the members of the Pottsgrove Honor Roll were recognized.

This year's honorees were Michael A. Foltz, Kathy-Jo Winterbottom, John Moletress and the late Joseph Dori.

Foltz is the Chief of Police of Lower Pottsgrove Township.

Winterbottom is a retired captain and commanding officer of Troop T of the Pennsylvania State Police.

Moletress is active in theater education and directing.

Dori was an English teacher and coach at Pottsgrove High School for 35 years.

The Pottsgrove Honor Roll recognizes members of the community who have provided distinguished service to the school district, or who have made notable contributions to society since graduating from Pottsgrove.

Master of ceremonies for the luncheon was James Basile and honorees were introduced by Charles Yohn, Earl Boehmer, Barb Clayton and Kevin Hennessey. Jane Conley offered the invocation.

Serving on the Honor Roll Committee are Basile, Yohn, Linda Cole, John Meko, D.J. Testa, Arlan Burkert, Addison Davidson, Clayton, Boehmer, Thomas Roberts and Robert Rheel.