Bridger Hall of Honor

(Ret.) Lt. Col Delmar Richard Mineard Sr.

(Ret.) Lt. Col Delmar Richard Mineard Sr. (Deceased), 1942 Graduate Retired Lt. Col Delmar Richard Mineard Sr. enlisted in the Army Air Corps straight out of high school. He began as a radio operator who found his way to flight school, where he gained firsthand experience battling the enemy. Later, he tested his skills and experience and was told to choose between being a pilot, navigator or bombardier. He chose Bombardier and quickly mastered the new Norden Bombsights. During his time in the military, he was shot down three times: Once over France, where he was rescued by the French …

The Honorable C. Gus Kwidis

The Honorable C. Gus Kwidis (Deceased), 1962 Graduate The Honorable C. Gus Kwidis was a first-generation son of Greek immigrants from Chios, Greece. He was a graduate of Ambridge High School class of 1962 and received his undergraduate degree from West Virginia University and his law degree from The University of Toledo. During Gus’s adolescent years, he was a paperboy walking up and down the streets of Ambridge and spending much of his summer’s working for his Uncle George’s painting company. As the first Greek American member of the Beaver County Bar Association, he began working as a law clerk …

Dr. Bryan Hooks

Dr. Bryan Hooks – Orthopedic Surgeon, Veteran, ACES Award Recipient, and Community Advocate. 1997 AAHS Graduate Dr. Bryan Hooks has devoted his life to healing, leadership, and service—values instilled by his parents, Gerald and Cynthia Hooks, and deeply influenced by his aunt and uncle, Vickie and Dr. Mickey Zernich. A pivotal childhood moment—joining his uncle on hospital rounds in scrubs—sparked a lifelong passion for medicine and human connection. Dr. Hooks graduated with highest honors from Ambridge Area High School in 1997 and earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology with distinction from Westminster College in 2001. At Westminster, he was …

Strano, Frank

Frank Strano 1965 Graduate   Frank Strano was born in Ambridge and grew up on Church Street to working class parents. His father was a steelworker and had a part time home remodeling business. His mother was a homemaker. Frank attended Fourth Ward and Park Road schools for the first eight years of his education and graduated from Ambridge High School in 1965. Upon graduating from Duquesne University, he worked at Jones and Laughlin in Aliquippa as an industrial engineer.   After three years, along with his two brothers and father, they expanded the part time home remodeling business into …

Thompson, David

General (Retired) David D- Thompson 1981 Graduate   Following graduation from Ambridge Area High School, General Thompson attended the United States Air Force Academy.  He commissioned into the United States Air Force in 1985, serving over 38 years in the Air and Space Forces. Thompson’s career included assignments as a rocket test engineer, satellite acquisition officer, Assistant Professor of Astronautics and Space Shuttle launch team member.  He commanded space operations units at the squadron, group and wing levels, deployed to Southwest Asia supporting the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and served in senior leadership positions at the Air Force Warfare Center, …

Baiardo, Lorraine

Lorraine Baiardo Justice, Ph.D. 1973 Graduate   Lorraine Baiardo Justice, Ambridge Area High School graduate of 1973, is the granddaughter of Sicilian immigrants. Lorraine worked at Jones & Laughlin (J&L) after high school graduation to pay for her tuition to art school. She graduated from Edinboro University in 1977 with a Bachelor of Fine Art in Painting. Lorraine worked in industry for 10 years for companies such as Goodyear, Battelle, and Discovery Systems before completing a Master’s Degree in Industrial Design at The Ohio State University (OSU) in 1988. She joined OSU as a professor and taught and consulted for …

Kennedy, Sean

Sean Kennedy 1991 Graduate   After graduating from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in 1997, Sean Kennedy moved to Los Angeles and has been working in special and visual effects ever since. His first few years were spent doing physical effects, everything from props and miniature models to animatronic creatures and special effects make-up. He was fortunate to be able to work at effects studios both large and small, including Oscar winning effects studio Amalgamated Dynamics Inc, and the studio of legendary make-up effects artist Rick Baker. Sean worked on such movies as Spider-man 1 & 2, The Santa Clause …

Bezuk, Steve

Steve Bezuk, Ph.D. 1972 Graduate Dr. Bezuk is an internationally recognized expert in the field of semiconductors and semiconductor assembly, the “chips” that make computers, cell phones, tablets, and many other high-tech items work. He earned a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Minnesota. He worked in the electronics industry for over 37 years. He most recently was Senior Director of Integrated Circuit Package Engineering at Qualcomm, the largest supplier of semiconductor devices for the mobile market. Prior to joining Qualcomm, Steve worked at Kyocera, Unisys, Sperry-Univac and RCA’s …

Donati, Dana

Mrs. Dana Donati Class of 1999 As the CEO of United Aviate Academy, a Part 141 flight school owned by United Airlines, Dana Donati is responsible for the overall performance and efficiency of the Academy.   Within six months of operation, United Aviate Academy had over 130 students enrolled in the flight program with goals to train 5,000 pilots over the next ten years.  Dana leads a team that is successfully achieving the goal of training 50 percent of United Aviate Academy students being women or people of color. Before being named CEO of United Aviate Academy, Dana was the General …

Bichey, Bradley

Mr. Bradley Bichey Class of 2004 Mr. Bradley Bichey is a 2004 AASD graduate.  He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Physiology from West Liberty University and his Master Degree in Health Education from Penn State University.   Mr. Bichey is currently in his sixth season as Toledo’s Director of Football Strength and Conditioning. During Brad’s tenure, the Rockets achieved a record of 33-19 and won the 2017 MAC Championship.  Brad has also worked with six Rockets who became NFL draftees, as well as multiple Rockets who made NFL rosters as undrafted free agents. Prior to joining Toledo, Brad was …

Bichey, Mr. Cory

Mr. Cory Bichey Class of 2008 Mr. Cory Bichey is a 2008 AASD graduate. He received his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Minor in Strength and Conditioning from Indiana State University on a full athletic scholarship.  Mr. Bichey made the Dean’s List in Exercise Science with a minor in Strength and Conditioning in the fall of 2011 and 2012.  He was named to Athletic Director’s Honor Roll in 2011 and named to the 2011-2012 MVC (football) Academic Honor Roll.  He was also a four-year letter winner as an offensive lineman for Indiana State University.  He is currently an Assistant Strength …

Grabiak, Marita

Marita Grabiak Class of 1976 is a 1976 graduate of Ambridge Area High School.  She attended Carnegie Mellon University and graduated with honors from University of California Los Angeles, with a Bachelor of Arts in Motion Picture/Television and a Minor in Art History.  Marita is a veteran Television Director/Writer, with 40 credits in episodic television.  Her TV movies, both thrillers and romantic comedies, are highly rated in Lifetime and Hallmark Channels.  A versatile director, she has worked with acclaimed actors such as: Emma Stone, Kathy Bates, George Clooney and Sally Fields.  With  thousands of hours of film production experience, she …

Guilish, Brandon

Brandon Guilish Class of 2003 Brandon Guilish is a 2003 graduate of Ambridge Area High School.  Mr. Guilish graduated with honors from Temple University with a degree in Film and Media Arts.  In a very short period of time, Brandon has made a mark on the field of reality TV.  He is a sought after producer and director and has traveled to over 40 countries across the globe.  Some of his credits include producer/director of Weird But True (National Geography), The Great Human Race (National Geography) and co-executive producer of Uncommon Grounds (Travel Channel) and Dangerous Grounds.  He received the …

Cirka, Dr. Ken

Dr. Ken Cirka 1989 Graduate Dr. Cirka is a 1989 graduate of the AASD. Dr. Cirka received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Grove City College and a Master of Arts degree from Slippery Rock University. He attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, where he received his Doctorate of Dental Medicine. Dr. Cirka is a cosmetic dentist who was named Best of Philadelphia, America’s Best Dentist, Life Magazine Top Dentist and a six-year recipient of Consumer Research Council’s Top Dentist award.   He is engaged in numerous philanthropic activities.

Wozniak, Rhonda

Ms. Rhonda Wozniak 1979 Graduate Ms. Rhonda Wozniak is a 1979 AASD graduate. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Art History from the University of Colorado at Denver; her Master of Arts Degree in Art Conservation from the State University of New York, College at Buffalo; and her Certificate of Advanced Studies in the Conservation of Marine Archaeological Objects at the Western Australian Maritime Museum. Ms. Wozniak was the objects conservator and only female crew member aboard the 1994 RMS Titanic expedition that recovered over 400 artifacts from the shipwreck. The expedition was featured as a National Geographic documentary. Ms. …

Larrimer, Karen

Mrs. Karen Larrimer 1980 Graduate Mrs. Karen (Petcash) Larrimer, a 1980 AASD graduate, received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Point Park University. She is currently the Executive Vice President, Head of Retail Banking and Chief Customer Officer of The PNC Financial Services Group. Mrs. Larrimer is the first female chairwoman of the board for the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, and a board and executive committee member of the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.   She was recognized as one of the Most Powerful Women in Banking by American Banker Magazine in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

Knafelc, Judge Harry E.

Judge Harry E. Knafelc 1965 Graduate Harry E. Knafelc graduated from Ambridge High School in 1965. He went to Villanova University where he received both his undergraduate and law degrees. He began his law career in 1972 as a law clerk and in 1974 he started his private practice. Harry served as the Ambridge School District Solicitor for 16 years and was the Chief Assistant Public Defender for twenty years. He was elected as a Magisterial District Judge in 1993 and re-elected in 1999 and 2005. He was elected to the Common Pleas Court of Beaver County in 2007, a …

Zakovich, Ray T.

Ray T. Zakovich 1952 Graduate Born in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, Ray T. Zakovich graduated from Ambridge High School in 1952. Following high school he served in the Intelligence Division of the Air Force Security Service during the Korean War and was classified with Top Security Clearance. Mr. Zakovich has a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice. He was appointed a US Marshal and began his lifelong career in protection. In 1962 he transferred to the United States Secret Service as a Special Agent from which he retired after 25 years of total government service. Mr. Zakovich served under five presidents: John F. …

Brylinsky, Jody Ann, Ph.D.

Jody Ann Brylinsky, Ph.D. 1973 graduate Professor and Coordinator of the Master of Arts in Coaching Sport Performance program at Western Michigan University Fellow in the North American Society for Sport and Physical Education, American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Past President of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education, member of the NASPE Sport Hall of Fame, author of numerous publications for coaching.

Klaich, Alan

Mr. Alan Klaich 1965 graduate Lifelong resident of the Ambridge Area School District Bachelor of Science and Masters Degree in Education from California University of PA. Served forty-two years as an Applied Engineering and Technology Education teacher and department chairman in the Ambridge Area School District, retiring in 2011. Served on the executive boards of the Technology and Engineering Education Association of PA and the Technology Student Association

Choma, John, Ph.D.

John Choma, Ph.D. 1959 graduate B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering University of Pittsburgh Professor of Electrical Engineering and the former Chair of the Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical Engineering at USC Technical Fellow at Scintera Networks, Inc. in Sunnyvale, California, 2009 joined the Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems Electronics Center in El Segundo, CA, as a Technical Scholar in Residence.

Hankinson, Reed D., Ed.D.

Reed D. Hankinson, Ed. D. 1988 graduate Bachelor of Science in Education from Pennsylvania State University Master of Science in Education, emphasis on School Psychology, from Duquesne UniversityDoctorate of Education, emphasis on Educational Leadership, from Duquesne University Co-founded EduLink, Inc., an educational consulting and technology company in 1998 Designed and developed the online teacher recruiting system-Teacher LinkUSA. Pioneered first Act 48 continuing education submission process for the PA Department of Education in 1999.

Feduska, Nicholas J., M.D.

Nicholas J. Feduska, M.D. 1959 graduate Dr. Feduska is a well known and respected surgeon. While training as a surgeon, he served as a Captain in the United States Army. He subsequently served in the United States Navy at the National Naval Medical Center and the Naval Medical Research Institute in Bethesda, Maryland. He held the rank of Lieutenant Commander and was Director of the Division of Transplantation. Upon receiving an honorable discharge from the Army and Navy, Dr. Feduska was invited to join the faculty at the University of California San Francisco. He later became the Director of the …

Matzie, Robert

Mr. Robert Matzie 1986 graduate Rep. Matzie is a lifelong resident of Ambridge. He received an associate degree in high technology communications from the Community College of Beaver County and a bachelor’s degree in journalism and communications from Point Park University. Prior to his election to the House in 2008, he worked as a state Senate staff member for 14 years. He also served as Mayor of Ambridge, was elected to the Democratic State Committee to represent Beaver County, and served on the Ambridge Planning Commission, Member of the Board of Directors of the Ambridge Redevelopment Corp. as chairman of …

Axtell, George C., Lieutenant General USMC (Retired)

Lieutenant General USMC (Retired) George C. Axtell 1938 graduate Lieutenant General George C. Axtell served four combat tours during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Navy Cross; Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with Combat “V” and three Gold Stars; Distinguished Flying Cross with one Gold Star; and an Air Medal with one Silver Star.

Bilanich, Bud, Ed.D

Bud Bilanich, Ed.D 1968 graduate Dr. Bilanich received a Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State; a Master of Arts degree from the University of Colorado; and his Doctorate degree in Education from Harvard University. He is the author of ten books, a Success Coach, and Motivational Speaker. Dr. Bilanich writes a monthly column called “Common Sense” in PM360, a print magazine that provides the best, most current and practical marketing information to pharmaceutical product managers.

Ackermann, Robert J.

Dr. Robert J. Ackermann 1966 graduate Dr. Robert J. Ackerman is Professor and Director of the Mid-Atlantic Addiction Research & Training Institute at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He is co-founder of the National Association for Children of Alcoholics. As an author he has published numerous articles and research findings and is best known for writing the first book in the United States on children of alcoholics in 1978. Twelve books later, many television appearances, and countless speaking engagements he has become internationally known for his work with families and children of all ages. His books have been translated into thirteen …

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Welsh, Doreen

Ms. Doreen Welsh 1968 graduate Ms. Doreen Welsh has been a flight attendant for US Air for 38 years. She was aboard US Air flight 1549 when it went down in the Hudson River in New York early in 2009. There were 150 passengers, the pilot, co-pilot and three flight attendants on board when the plane went down. Flight 1549 had been struck by something. It would later be determined that birds had taken out both engines. The pilot had to land the plane on the frigid Hudson River. Ms. Welsh was instrumental in saving 150 lives as she made sure …

Fisher, Kelvin

Mr. Kelvin Fisher 1987 graduate Upon graduation from Ambridge, Mr. Fisher attended Arizona State University, where he received his degree in social work. While at ASU, special athletic awards and honors include the MVP of the Coca Cola Bowl, voted team captain, and he was a four year starter on the football team with P.A.C. Ten honors. He was the first fullback in the history of Arizona State University to run for 1000 yards and catch for 500 yards. He was featured in Bigger, Stronger, Faster Magazine as one of the top running backs in the NCAA. In 1992 he …

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Marotti, Mickey

Mr. Mickey Marotti 1983 graduate Mr. Mickey Marotti is the Director of Strength and Conditioning at the University of Florida. He is one of 57 people in the world to hold the Master of Strength and Conditioning (MSCC) certification. Entering his fourth year at the University of Florida, he has already developed eight All-Americans and two first-round NFL draft choices during his tenure. The Florida Gators have won two BCS National Championships and two SEC Championships in the past three years with Mr. Marotti as the Director of Strength and Conditioning. He currently lives in Gainesville, Florida with his wife and …