Alumni speak to students
Alumni share stories at Education Foundation induction ceremony
The Oley Valley Community Educational Foundation inducted six new members Sept. 30 into their Alumni Recognition Program to honor their service and commitment to the community.
The six new inductees were: Karen Shearer, Todd Kegerise, William Lutz, Gary and Linda Reinert, and Mark Brumbach. The ceremony took place at Oley Valley High School during a student assembly.
Karen Shearer was accepted for her outstanding service. Shearer served as a coordinator of human resources at the BCIU for 15 years, and also worked for the Oley Valley Middle School.
“Service builds self esteem and makes a positive impact on the community,” said Shearer.
Todd Kegerise has served with the Oley Valley Fire Company for 30 years, in addition to being a certified paramedic for 22 years. Kegerise told students to follow their dreams like he followed his to become a paramedic.
“Study hard, and take your edu-
cation seriously,” said Kegerise to students.
The third inductee was William Lutz, a Vietnam veteran. Lutz graduated in the Oley Valley High School Class of 1969.
Lutz remembered having a very military-style gym teacher who used to make students march and do push-ups, and then months later he was drafted to Vietnam. He was very involved with American Legion Post 870 and was also a certified forklift driver
“What you learn at Oley Valley High School will not come to haunt you- it will come to help you,” said Lutz.
Gary and Linda Reinert were both inducted, and have been married for 45 years. They were Oley High School sweethearts, and grew up to serve and educate their community.
Linda, like her husband, has spent much time with the Oley Valley Youth League. She helped coach a boys’ baseball team as well as a girls’ field hockey team. She also enjoys baking, working, and cleaning up at the Oley Valley Fair.
Gary was a veteran of the Pennsylvania National Guard, being drafted during Vietnam.
Since, Gary has been coaching baseball for 23 years. Now coaching with the American Legion, he used to coach for the Oley Valley Youth League, and also assistant coached at Oley High School.
Both Gary and Linda helped out at their sons’ Boy Scout Troop. Gary was an Assistant Scoutmaster for 10 years and also trained other scout leaders for their district.
“I didn’t do anything with the expectation of receiving an award,” said Gary, “I did it because I enjoyed doing it.”
Mark Brumbach has been a music educator for 28 years, serving most of them at Oley Valley High School.
He told his story to show students how life can be very unpredictable. After his father died at a young age, Brumbach continued to pursue his dream as a music educator.
After receiving an unexpected full ride to Arizona State University, Brumbach has tried out for the U.S. Marine Corps Band, as well as teaching at various music camps.
His three words of advice for students were discipline, honesty, and respect.
“Discipline and respect are two of the highest qualities you can have as a person,” said Brumbach, “When you go through life, you always tell the truth, always do what’s right, and be honest.”