Please join us in congratulating the 2026 Distinguished Highlanders, who we will honor 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.
"While their achievements and impacts are diverse, our inductees represent one common idea — a future of unlimited potential for each of our current students,” said Dr. Randal A. Lutz, Superintendent of Schools.
Erik Arroyo, President of the Baldwin-Whitehall Educational Foundation, shared, "Congratulations to the 2026 Distinguished Highlanders! 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. All 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. Once again, congratulations and thank you for all that you do. We look forward to celebrating with you in March!"
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
C. Robert Schafer, 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
Learn more and plan to attend the Distinguished Highlander Gala here.