Six of New Kensington-Arnold School District's bright lights will shine together this week as part of the district's new Distinguished Alumni program.
The initiative recognizes graduates of Valley High School, or predecessor New Kensington and Arnold high schools, who have gone on to impressive careers, community service or other noteworthy accomplishments.
The inaugural crop of nominees includes: Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission hearing examiner Phillip Ayers; guidance counselor, youth mentor and professional athlete Baron "B.B." Flenory; Alle-Kiski NAACP president and retired district educator Liney Glenn; Glenn's daughter, Tiffany Burress, an attorney and creator of the Joiful Maternity clothing line; state Rep. John Pallone; and longtime district teacher and cultural historian Larry Rowe.
Superintendent George Batterson said the district wants to do more to acknowledge alumni and give them an opportunity to interact with students.
"We wanted to recognize the accomplishments of people who have been outstanding graduates and who serve as role models for our students," Batterson said.
The program first was discussed during the district's strategic planning process that Batterson spearheaded a few years ago.
"There's so many Valley graduates that have excelled and advanced in their areas," said school board member Traci York. "It's just positive for the district."
The district asked for nominees in the spring and a committee of board members, administrators teachers and community members narrowed it down to the six awardees.
Batterson and York said they plan to recognize six or seven alumni every year.
The six alumni were honored last night at a banquet at Hill Crest Country Club in Lower Burrell.
They also will be recognized before tonight's football game and during homecoming ceremonies at halftime.
Batterson said Rowe and Flenory also spoke to classes at Valley High and Middle schools yesterday.
Rowe, 65, of Arnold said he talked to the students about his years of community service. Rowe taught social studies for 35 years, retiring in 2002.
Rowe also has served as the director of the Eden Center in New Kensington, as a tour guide for the August Wilson Center for African American Culture in Pittsburgh and assisted many with historical information on African and Native American cultures.
Rowe said he enjoyed his time back in the classrooms and was looking forward to the rest of Distinguished Alumni festivities.
"It's a great idea," Rowe said of the initiative. "I was surprised that my name came up, especially in the first year."
Ayers, 59, now lives in Harrisburg but has the opportunity to return to Pittsburgh periodically for his job with the state Human Relations Commission. Those return trips give him time to visit his mother and sister, who still live in the Valley.
Ayers said he was "honored and humbled" to be recognized, and was anticipating seeing his former classmate and fellow inductee, Liney Glenn.
"It's certainly refreshing," Ayers said. "It's always nice to be honored by your hometown."
Acting as a hearing examiner for the past 24 years, Ayers oversees cases of alleged discrimination and offers his opinion on a resolution to the 11-member commission. The job has taken him to just about every county in the state over the years.
"It's still a joy to do it because you see something different all the time," Ayers said. "I always loved the analytical part of being a lawyer. I can't say I grew up wanting to be Perry Mason."
York said she was pleased this year's group of nominees was a mix of people who still live locally and those who have moved away.
"A lot of Valley graduates don't live here anymore and you don't hear about them," York said.
York said the Distinguished Alumni program is set up similar to the sports hall of fame programs, but people can be recognized for much more than sports.
"The six we have are phenomenal," York said. "But they've also sparked interest and we're getting many ideas for people next year."
The six Distinguished Alumni recognizes by New Kensington-Arnold School District this week include:
• Phillip Ayers, Class of 1969, permanent hearing examiner for the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. He previously worked as an attorney for the state Department of Education.
• Tiffany Burress, Class of 1996, an attorney in New York and New Jersey. She is creating a clothing line called Joiful Maternity. She is the daughter of fellow inductee Liney Glenn and the wife of NFL wide receiver Plaxico Burress.
• Baron "B.B." Flenory, Class of 1976, a guidance counselor for Pressley Ridge, a nonprofit organization serving special needs children. Flenory also mentors students athletes in the community. He is a former star basketball player at Valley and Duquesne University who played professionally.
• Liney Glenn, Class of 1969, the president of the Alle-Kiski NAACP chapter and a board member for Tri-City Life Center. She taught reading and language at New Kensington-Arnold for 32 years and continues to oversee a dropout prevention program.
• John Pallone, Class of 1978, Democratic state representative for the 54th District for the past decade. Also a practicing attorney, Pallone previously served as a school board member. He is the brother of school board President Bob Pallone.
• Larry Rowe, Class of 1963, a retired social studies teacher who continues to offer his cultural and historical knowledge to the community. Rowe, the district's first black male teacher, taught for 35 years and implemented many cultural activities, lessons and clubs. He also served as director of the Eden Center in New Kensington.
To nominate a graduate for the Distinguished Alumni program, call the administration office at 724-335-4401. Forms also are available on the district's website, www.nkasd.com , under the administration tab.
