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5 Things You Should Know about Alumnus Bill Eber
1. He is an entrepreneur.
Eber worked in insurance and learned the trade. He started his own company, Eber and Associates, in 2001. His days are full and he enjoys the variety of tasks that his role involves. He explains,“ I sell and manage my personal clients, as well as managing 3 locations and 20 employees. My day includes meetings, account management, and collaboration with staff on existing accounts and new business.”
2. He explored numerous opportunities before finding his field.
After graduating from BHS is 1986, Eber attended Penn State, McKeesport, for a year. He then left college to join the workforce. He worked in the steel mills for Park Corporation for a number of years. When he was 25, a friend asked if he’ d be interested in insurance. Insurance was a natural fit for his skills. He encourages students to be focused and tenacious:” set goals and don’ t let anything stop you.”
3. He played baseball for BHS.
Bill Eber was a pitcher for the Fighting Highlanders. Under coach Kane it was a strong team, just missing a chance at the playoffs. 4. He is deeply connected to the community. Eber grew up in the area and now he and his wife, Brenda, are raising their two sons in Jefferson Park. He notes that his time in the District gave him a solid foundation in education and began connections that last to this day,“ my Baldwin-Whitehall School District experience helped me build friendships that continue strong today, especially since I live and work in the local community.” 5. He loves helping people. Insurance is an industry that meets people at major and minor life events. Eber enjoys forming long-term relationships with people to help them through these events, whether it’ s buying their first home or adding their newly licensed child to their car insurance. He shares,“ I enjoy working with people and helping them plan, evaluate, and solve their insurance needs.” aldwin-Whitehall BALDWIN-WHITEHALL SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
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1. She is a licensed pilot.
Koch originally trained to be a pilot. She shares,“ I became interested in education, especially teaching, during flight school in college, when I started teaching Wa few flight classes to local elementary students. I would visit as a guest speaker and connect math, science, and social studies to complete thematic units with the children. I enjoyed my experiences so much that teaching became my new path.” She still holds a private and commercial license for small planes.
2. She works for holistic education through the Melting Pot program.
The District meets students wherever they are and gives them the tools to succeed. One of the ways it does this is through the Melting Pot after-school program. Koch explains,“ Melting Pot is an after-school program that provides services to children in Bethel Park, South Park, and the Baldwin-Whitehall School Districts. During the program, children receive help with their homework, as well as academic tutoring. Counseling in small groups and social-skill development are also addressed. Online programs are utilized to remediate in reading and math, and free play-time is part of the schedule. Participants make friends and build relationships with student-leaders and adults. A wonderful, hot dinner is provided every day and creates a family atmosphere, as students help with setting the table, cooking, and clean-up. Finally, the program also provides field trips and wellness activities for the children. Regular events are planned for families to attend together to have fun and strengthen relationships. It is not uncommon for Melting Pot to help with basic necessities such as transportation, college visits, applications and doctor appointments.”
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5 Things You Should Know about Math Teacher Kima Koch
3. She was named one of Baldwin-Whitehall School District ' s 2015 Champions of Character.
Harrison Middle School Principal, Jill Fleming-Salopek, notes that this was well deserved and speaks to the myriad of ways she contributes to the District. Mrs. Koch has been a team leader for many years, serves on the Google team for the Math department, has mentored other teachers, and has been instrumental in developing and aligning the math curriculum. Fleming-Salopek expressed,“ Mrs. Koch is such a vital member of our staff. She is one of the most unselfish people I know. She goes above and beyond, both in her professional and private life, to help students, their families, and her colleagues. It has been a joy to work with her, learn from her, and call her a friend.” 4. She was inspired by one of her own teachers. The best thing about teaching is the opportunity to work with youth everyday. It is a wonderful thing to know you are doing something meaningful everyday by pouring your energy into the next generation.” 5. She believes in following your passion. Koch reflects,“ Funny, I really thought I wanted to be a pilot. My training and school were very expensive when I decided to take a risk and do something I was really passionate about. We all need to encourage children to do just that. Koch shares,“ I went back to school for several years to pursue a teaching career which has been my passion ever since. I decided to teach math in middle school because of an amazing math teacher that I had during sixth grade. They should know that with hard work and perseverance, things work out wonderfully.”