On Friday, September 25 three alumni from Tyrone Area High School returned to their alma mater, but not for a simple reunion. These three individuals were here to be honored as the High School Distinguished Alumni, Class of 2015.  They join 25 others, whose names and photos are enshrined in the High School lobby. 

This year’s class is made up of a school administrator, a member of the clergy and an educator:

• Dr. William Miller, graduate of Tyrone Area High School in 1959, served as Tyrone’s superintendent for 42 years.  In 2013 he was selected Pennsylvania Association of School Administration Superintendent of the Year.
• Rev. Peggy Bonsell graduated in 1964 and attended the Manahath School of Theology and Westley School of Theology. She recently received the Kiwanis Club’s 2014 Altoona Kiwanian of the Year.
• Mrs. Virginia Smith, 1971 graduate of Tyrone High, has made it her mission in life to teach and mentor others in their own educational endeavors. Smith has won several awards for her teaching, including the Penn State College of the Liberal Arts Outstanding Teaching Award in 2005.

The honorees began their enshrinement day with a breakfast hosted by Superintendent Cathy Harlow and High School Principal Tom Yoder.  They then visited classes to tell students about their experiences at Tyrone High School and beyond.

Miller told students about the impact their actions can have on their community. He also discussed his time as superintendent of the school district.

“I’m proud of how well the staff have done,” said Miller. “I’m honored through the students and their achievements. There are challenges in every area, but the opportunities are there. Hopefully students who graduate can redirect the community in a powerful way.”

Smith discussed civic life and societal problems in Mr. Todd Cammarata’s third period Honors Civics class.  She also discussed a practical plan for choosing a career path.  “Take what you love and figure out how to monetize it,” Smith told the students.

Bonsell discussed her career as a pastor and encouraged students to serve their communities, no matter what career path they choose.

After their visits to classrooms, the honorees ate lunch and addressed the juniors and seniors at a formal assembly during which the honorees made formal remarks and took questions from the students. 

The distinguished alumni event has been a feature of the school district since 2002, with a total of 29 honorees being chosen. Each honoree is nominated by the community, a board consisting of an alumnus from each decade is by the TASD school board to make the final decision on each class of inductees.

Regarding the event, superintendent Cathy Harlow voiced her appreciation to the honorees and the presentation.

“It’s always good to have positive role models for the students,” said Harlow. “Dr. Miller is an excellent mentor. I worked with him for 20 years, and still call him sometimes when I run into a problem to get his opinion on things.”

“I believe the students are very appreciative of their [the alumni’s] comments,” stated Harlow. “Events like these are why the students of Tyrone have a very positive future.”