IN Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall Winter 2017

GET TO KN BWSD Alumni W 5 Things You Should Know about BHS Alumnus John F. Slater As the head of the John F. Slater Funeral Home, a family business that has served our community with grace for over a century, Baldwin alumnus John F. Slater ('71) has touched the lives of generations of South Hills residents. To commemorate the 40th anniversary of Slater’s commitment to our region (he earned his funeral director’s license in 1977), we thought you might enjoy learning more about one of our District’s most dedicated alumni. 1. His high school experience was very musical. “At Baldwin High School, I was active in the concert band, marching band, Highlander Choir (serving one year as vice-president), Baldwinaries, Chess, and Math Club,” recalls Slater. “As a member of the Choir, I went to District and Regional choir in my junior and senior years. I was also active in the youth group, and I was a deacon at Brentwood Presbyterian Church.” 2. His favorite lessons from high school have also remained relevant throughout his life. “As I think about it,” says Slater, “three lessons come to mind: Concert Band with Mr. McIlroy, and the challenge of becoming disciplined enough to master something (in this case, the clarinet); Highlander Choir with Dr. Regis Shalley, and the idea of working in and with a group to achieve a common goal; and AP English with Ms. Pamela Livingston. I’ll never forget how she illustrated and discussed the importance of looking at anything from different angles and GET TO KN the District Team W 6 Things You Should Know about Physical Education Teacher, Katie Glies Paynter Elementary’s Katie Glies comes from a family of educators. Her parents were both teachers, and her father taught elementary school in BWSD for 34 years. Katie has been BWSD Alumni teaching in our district for thirteen years, so she’s well on her way to matching her father’s streak. Katie has gotten to know hundreds of students during her years at Paynter Elementary and Harrison Middle School, but here are five things you may not know about her. 1. Some of her favorite physical education activities are those she learned when she was her students’ age. I had an amazing elementary physical education teacher at Park Elementary School in the Steel Valley School District. Her name was Mrs. Burger. I still play some of the games I remember her teaching us. 2. Katie loves to give her math skills a workout too. She worked at Kennywood Park for fifteen years in their accounting office. 3. Katie’s favorite part of her job is the kids’ contagious energy. “I am surrounded everyday by children who are learning, but also having so much fun doing it,” she says. “The kids are so excited to tell you about their day or what they learned, it’s amazing!” GET TO KN 76 Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall W perspectives—a project, a decision, an objective, even life— before arriving at a solution or course of action.” 3. His other speciality is organizing community fundraisers all year round. “I’m active in several civic associations,” says Slater, who is currently a member of the Brentwood Baldwin- Whitehall Chamber of Commerce, the Brentwood Business Owners Association (BBOA), and Economic Development South (EDS). Among these organizations, Slater has helped create and coordinate several annual events, including: a Pirates tailgate party in June, a street fair on Brownsville Road every July 3rd, a float in the Brentwood July 4th Parade, a Brownsville Road street fair for Oktoberfest, and Light-Up Night. In addition, the September golf outing he’s organized for the last 14 years has become the largest fund-raising event for the three organizations—even surpassing The Polar Plunge, held on January 1st at the Mon Wharf in Pittsburgh. (“I can’t understand why more people don’t want to jump into the Monongahela River on January 1st,” Slater jokes.) 4. What aspect of his career has he found to be the most rewarding? “I sincerely appreciate being able to be involved at a pivotal time in people’s lives. It is rewarding to hear a thank- you, and to know that we have been able to ease (as much as is possible) someone through a major transition in their life.” 5. What advice does he have for other business owners who also serve their local communities? Slater believes the key is volunteerism. “Stay involved,” he says. “It feeds your soul.” 4. What’s the most important lesson she ever learned? “Kindness is free,” says Glies. “My parents always taught us the importance of accepting everyone and being kind to them. You truly never know someone else’s story, but being kind to them shows your own character. I feel like I have always lived this way, and I hope my children can do the same. Being kind is something everyone can do, and it makes such a large difference.” 5. If she HAD to win a game of dodgeball, what would be her expert strategy? “The best dodgeball players are the ones that can catch anything,” she advises. “That way you can knock out your opponent's best players and bring back members of your own team!” 6. What’s her biggest advice for parents who want to help their kids develop healthy habits? “I think the most important thing we can do as parents is lead by example,” says Glies. “Teach children to be active, whether it’s by joining team sports in the community, taking a walk after dinner, or jumping on the trampoline as a family. Also, make good food choices and incorporate fruits and vegetables into each meal. Our children want to be like us, so by making good choices as adults, we positively impact our children.”

IN Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall Winter 2017 | Page 78