Souls of Shaler Area

Tom Gray, Social Studies Teacher "My role models would have to be my  grandfathers; they were war heroes. Because I had  a love for history, I was always fascinated by them and  the stories they would tell me."

Scott Heller, English Teacher “Growing up, I wanted to be a writer for a comedy show. That didn't work out, and eventually I became a teacher at Shaler Area Middle School where I’m working with great teachers and youth.”

Diana Butler, Reading Teacher "I would consider my life to be a very happy one.  I was always a good kid: helpful at home, did well at school, even helped my younger brother and sister.  It brings me joy knowing that I achieved having a happy family.  Now as I get older, seeing my kids start to enter adulthood, I found that the best and longest lasting advice is to stay positive if things don't go your way and make the best of your current situation. "

Tracey Lafayette, Physical Education/Health Teacher “To have a successful life, you must have self-acceptance and you must be  happy.  I decided to go to college to become a physical therapist.  After the first year, I realized I really  didn't   enjoy it and did not want every day of my life to be unhappy.  I went back to school to become a health/physical education teacher. So far I feel that my life has been successful.”

Donel Slonka, Special Education Teacher “When I first became a teacher 13 years ago, I would hear students say the word "retard".  It was casually thrown around and I didn’t make a big deal about it.  The next year I worked with a classroom aide who had a son with significant disabilities. I remember at the time the “R” word or “retard” was in my vocabulary outside of the classroom and I think I would use it casually, similarly to how people would say, “Oh, that's stupid; it's so gay,” or “This traffic is so retarded.” I didn't realize the impact that one small word could have on people until I started working with this aide who was adamant that the kids didn't use the “R” word in ANY context.  Since then, I have always enforced that kids not use that word in my classroom.  I don’t just enforce the rule but I explain to them why that word can be so hurtful.   I feel like I’ve carried that message on to my friends, family and even strangers and I l...

Michael LaGamba, STEAM teacher “When I was younger, my friends and I always met up and played sports.  There were always some kids to play either baseball, basketball, or soccer. As I got older, my friends and I could drive, so we would go down to a sand volleyball court nearby and played there a lot. I wanted to be a Major League Baseball Player, but that dream soon turned into an architect, then to a school teacher.” 

Jeannine Vittorino, Reading Teacher “I met my husband, Mike, during college.  We both went to Duquesne University and when I met him I knew he was the one. We had our wedding in the university chapel.  The people in charge did a wonderful job with the ceremony. My husband was amazing when it came to planning our wedding; he let me do whatever I wanted and didn't argue with any of my decisions.  Now we have a son, Luke, who means the world to me and I'd do anything for the both of them. My son loves to play baseball and when I watch him I am so proud that that's my son out there.”

Sharon Isherwood, French Teacher "When I was 26, my mother was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor.  From one day to the next, I moved back to Pittsburgh from Paris and helped care for her until her passing four years later.  I have since lost my father to leukemia and have to say that I am still dealing with the loss of both of my parents.  Thanks to time, friendships and the love and support of my husband, I try to focus more on the joys of life rather than the sorrows."

Thank you to my students who have tried to build a bridge to our community by interviewing the many people of Shaler Area and putting their stories online for all to enjoy.  The purpose of this activity is to showcase the human interest story in all of us, similar to HumansofNewYork.com.  Students had to interview a person with pre-selected questions and then determine which small segment of that interview would end up on the site as a quote to give insight into our common human condition.  We hope you enjoy perusing Souls of Shaler Area.