Twitter

Baldwin-Whitehall Educational Foundation (BWEF) is honored to celebrate the 2026 honorees at the Distinguished Highlander Gala on March 21.

This year's honorees are inspirational figures and difference makers who embody the values of BWEF, and they are exactly what makes the Baldwin-Whitehall School District an exceptional place to live and learn. Distinguished Highlanders were nominated for this distinction by their peers and will become part of the Distinguished Highlander exhibit at Baldwin High School, where their accomplishments will be on display to inspire current and future generations of Highlander students.

The 2026 honorees will be recognized at the Distinguished Highlander Alumni Hall of Fame & Awards Gala at South Hills Country Club on March 21. 

ALUMNI HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2026
Graduates of Baldwin High School whose personal accomplishments, professional achievements, and service to others inspire current & future Highlander students

• Scott Chapman, BHS '77, Distinguished Professor, Sam Houston State University
• Walter D'Alessio (1934-2024), BHS '51, Urban Developer
• Guy Junker, BHS '74, (Ret.) Sports Journalism & Media
• Timothy Knavish, BHS '83, Chairman & CEO, PPG
• Susan Orsega, BHS '86, Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Health Services, Policy & Oversight, Department of War
• John Slater, BHS '71, (Ret.) Supervisor, Slater Funeral Homes, Inc. 
  
  

HIGHLANDER COMPASS AWARD
Baldwin-Whitehall School District personnel who guide students toward brighter futures

• Heather Bianchi, Faculty, presented by J. E. Harrison Middle School
• Theanita Hampsay, Confidential Administrative Assistant/Board Secretary, presented by Baldwin-Whitehall School District Administration
• Kristen Homer, Faculty, presented by McAnnulty Elementary School
• Mark Kelly, Custodian, presented by Baldwin High School
• Katie Olds, Faculty, presented by R. A. Lutz Elementary School
• Alan Pilarski, Custodian, presented by Whitehall Elementary School
• Chris Reilsono, Faculty, Baldwin High School, presented by Baldwin-Whitehall Educational Foundation

ABOVE AND BEYOND AWARD
Parents, residents, and individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the Baldwin-Whitehall School District through volunteerism

• Courtney Brown, Vice President, PTO, presented by McAnnulty Elementary School
• Nicole Healy, PTSA, presented by J. E. Harrison Middle School
• Chris McCoy, Special Olympics Volunteer, presented by Baldwin High School
• Mary Odato, Community Ambassador, presented by Baldwin-Whitehall Educational Foundation
• , Executive Vice President, HHSDR Architects & Engineers, presented by Baldwin-Whitehall School District Administration
• Michelle Staude, Handler for Lilly Belle (BWSD Therapy Dog), presented by Whitehall Elementary School
• Jennifer Wechter, President, PTO, presented by  R. A. Lutz Elementary School

Tickets For Gala Are Now On Sale

Join us for the Distinguished Highlander Gala on Mach 21 at South Hills Country Club to celebrate this year's honorees! Individual tickets ($100/ticket) and 10-seat table reservations ($1,000/table) are now on sale. Dining options are: chicken asiago, grilled Atlantic salmon, or wild mushroom ravioli primavera. Dessert and champagne are included. For more information, visit the BWEF website at https://bwef.weebly.com/ or send an e-mail to bwef@bwschools.net.

• < Prev
• Next >