Plum High School boasts new Distinguished Alumni class
Rich Kelly is eagerly anticipating the month of April and the birth of his first child.
About a month ago, Kelly, 29, of Forest Hills, found out the month will have even more meaning when he and five others will be inducted into the Plum High School Distinguished Alumni Class of 2015.
“I was pretty surprised (about being selected),” said Kelly, a freelance illustrator and 2003 alumnus. “It is quite unexpected.”
A banquet is scheduled for April 26 at the Oakmont Country Club in Plum.
A program at the high school is set for April 27. Events include tours of the high school, visiting with students and interviews with members of the high school television production classes.
In addition to Kelly, the 2015 Distinguished Alumni Class members are:
• Renee DeMichiei Farrow — area manager, Pennsylvania Lottery, class of 1976
• Richard Hrivnak — director of human resources and labor relations at UPMC and mayor of Plum, class of 1983
• Commander William A. Lind — retired from the U.S. Navy; tactical aviation consultant and trainer to Special Forces units; mentor and process coach in the international oil exploration industry, class of 1987
• Toni G. Verstandig — executive director of Middle East Programs at the Aspen Institute in Washington, D.C., and executive vice president of the S. Daniel Abraham Center for Middle East Peace; class of 1970
Verstandig said serving her community was something she learned from her granddaughter, the late Plum Mayor Tony Oblock.
“He was committed to philanthropy and leadership,” Verstandig said. “I was really surprised and honored (to be selected). It is a reminder that these are very important milestones in life. Recognition by colleagues and classmates from high school is touching.”
Hrivnak, 49, a lifelong Plum resident and serving his third term as mayor, said his ties with family and friends have kept him in the community.
He also credits his education in the school district including his work in student government that prompted him to stay involved. “I am a big believer that when you are blessed, it is not just something nice to do, it is your responsibility,” Hrivnak said.
Kelly, 29, a graduate of Syracuse University who lived in Chicago and Philadelphia before returning to Pittsburgh in 2012, said he always enjoyed drawing and that he was encouraged to pursue his dreams by high school art teacher Savino Cicconi.
“It is important to show kids that they need to find something they love and do it until they are successful, Kelly said.
DeMichiei Farrow, 56, of Stanton Heights, is a business owner and author. “I always love a challenge,” she said.
DeMichiei Farrow said her positive experience in the Plum school system prompted her to mentor young people, including Plum students.
“I tell them they can be and do anything they want in life,” DeMichiei Farrow said. “I look forward to spending the day (April 27) with the kids.”
Lind, 46, after graduating from Plum High School, attended the Citadel on a U.S. Navy scholarship.
He completed flight training and over the next 14 years flew in combat operations in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. He retired from the Navy in 2011 after 20 years of service.
“From the time I was a young, I thought it was neat to fly a fast airplane off a ship,” Lind said. “I got to live my boyhood dream.”
Lind credits his education in the Plum School District with preparing him for college and his military career.
Distinguished alumni committee secretary Loretta White is eager for the new inductees to join the previous six classes. “I continue to be amazed by the accomplishments of our Plum graduates in so many areas,” she said. “They are truly a credit to our school district and our community. They also serve as positive role models for the young people in our community.”
The Class of 2015 is the seventh group to be recognized since retired Plum teacher Bob Ford in 2006 pushed to honor graduates.
