Edward D. Cope

Connellsville High School – 1964

Edward D. Cope (aka Ed or Eddie) is an award-winning photojournalist and retired chief photographer for the Herald-Standard Newspaper in Uniontown, PA. He started a 50-plus year career as a staff photographer for the Daily Courier in Connellsville in August 1968 and worked there until 1981. He was also staff photographer for the Daily-Sunday Tribune Review in Monroeville, PA. A partner in Edward Cope-Charles Rosendale photography business 1971-1981. Joined Fay-West Tribune Review staff in 1983 and worked in Connellsville for more than 19 years in the Fay-West office later as bureau chief. Hired as photographer at the Uniontown Herald-Standard in 2003. Was named chief photographer there in 2008 and retired in 2011. On December 14, 1994, his photo of a fire rescue in Connellsville won first place spot news awards in local, state, and national recognition. His fire rescue photo was among the top 600 photos for the last century in 2000 by the Associated Press. Ed was a Golden Quill finalist in 2007 for his photo “in Memory of a Marine”. He has won numerous awards for writing and photography over the 50-plus years of his career. He is a lifetime member of the New Haven Hose Company in Connellsville. He is married to the former Susan M Bugosh of Alverton, PA and they have four children and four grandchildren. Ed is the son of the late Donald and Matilda Cope of Pennsville. Ed Cope is a firm believer in “Freedom of the Press” and has spoken on careers in photojournalism throughout his career.

 

James Duncan

Connellsville High School – 1964

Mr. James Linley Duncan Sr. was the first person in the history of the Connellsville Area School District who researched and designed a math program that was recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) as a model program in 1975. This distinction allowed the Connellsville Area School District to be a liaison for the PDE to assist other school districts with the development and implementation of their math programs. During his tenure as the Superintendent of Schools for the Connellsville Area School District (2005 – 2009), he was instrumental in the establishment of the comprehensive Connellsville Area Career and Technical Center. Mr. Duncan earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from California State College in 1968 and a Master of Education Degree from California University of Pennsylvania in 1971. He later completed the requirements for his Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility at California University of Pennsylvania. In addition to serving as the Superintendent of Schools in the Connellsville Area School District, Mr. Duncan gained experience in many other roles during the course of his forty-one (41) years of service to the Connellsville Area School District. He was an elementary school teacher, Supervisor of Remedial Math and Reading Programs, Federal Programs Coordinator, Curriculum Coordinator, and Assistant Superintendent of Schools. In 2013, Mr. Duncan was honored to be elected to serve on the Connellsville Area School District Board of School Directors. Mr. Duncan is a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church, King Solomon Lodge #346, Moose International, and the Connellsville Elks #503, James is an excellent trumpet player and is known to have played with various bands throughout the area. He is also a co-owner of Duncan Service in Mt. Pleasant, PA. Most of all, he loves being a husband, father, and grandfather. “Raise up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it”  Proverbs 22:6

 

Dr. Michael A. Grace

Connellsville Area High School – 1988

Dr. Michael A. Grace is a health care executive who has held prominent positions at both the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) and West Virginia University Health System (WVU Medicine). Current President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Of West Virginia University (WVU) Hospitals and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of West Virginia University Health System (WVUHS). Former CEO of UPMC Mercy Hospital where he planned for and developed the UPMC Mercy Pavilion, a new vision and rehabilitation services facility which literally changed the City of Pittsburgh skyline. Started his career at Excela Health System – Frick Hospital and worked at Highlands Hospital in Connellsville during the affiliation between the two organizations. Doctoral degree in Organizational Change and Leadership – University of Southern California (USC). Master’s degree in Business Administration – California University of Pennsylvania. Bachelor’s Degree in Health Services Administration – Slippery Rock University. Distinguished Alumnus – Slippery Rock University. Award for Career Achievement/ Professional Excellence – California University of Pennsylvania. Board Certification in Healthcare Management – American College of Healthcare Executives. Adjunct Faculty – West Virginia University School of Public Health. Michael prides himself in working hard but also being a compassionate, caring leader to all those he has the privilege to serve.

 

Lt. Colonel James Law

Connellsville Area High School – 1999

Lieutenant Colonel James M. Law felt a calling to serve in the U. S. Air force from a young age and devoted his life to the service of this great nation. Lt. Colonel Law has been proudly serving the U.S. Air Force for 23 year and counting. For the last 10 years, he has been stationed at the 179th Wing, Mansfield Air National Guard base. His most recent position was the Commander of the 179th Operation Group. He was responsible for more than 150 plus aircrew members and the operations of eight assigned C-130H Hercules aircraft for the Wing’s worldwide airlift mission. He graduated from Southern Illinois University in 2003 with a BS in Industrial Technology and then, two years later, graduated from Seton Hill University with an MBA in Management. In 2006, he graduated from AF Officer Training School at Maxwell AFB. He later attended Navigator Flight Training at Randolph AFB, Texas, followed by C-130H training at Little Rock AFB, Arkansas. He received Distinguished Graduate at C-130H Instructor Navigator training at Little Rock AFB. Lt. Colonel Law later obtained the highly specialized aircrew position of Evaluator Navigator and the Chief of Standards and Evaluations. He ended his flying career by achieving the highest aircrew rating of Master Navigator with over 3200 total flight hours on the C-130H Hercules aircraft. Lt. Colonel Law participated in numerous deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Freedom Sentinel, and Inherent Resolve, deploying most recently to Kuwait in 2021. He’s earned numerous distinguished medals and awards for his service, but most noted were the several Air Medals for combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. James is married to his wonderful wife, Elana and has an amazing son Rocco.

 

Kyle Martin, Ph.D.

Connellsville Area High School – 2004

A century club member and captain of the 2004 PIAA State Runner-up Connellsville Wrestling Team. Fueled by parents, Dan and Denise Martin, to be a lifelong learner, Kyle Martin went on to earn two Master’s Degrees, including one in History from Arizona State University. He completed his Ph.D. at the University of the Cumberlands where he conducted the first study of its kind on Coach Education and Coach Learning Styles. Much of his life is devoted to coaching and coach education. He has articles published in multiple magazines and journals, presented research at the Olympic Training Center, and presented at conferences around the country on the topics of coaching and, of course, history. Kyle, along with fellow CASD Hall-of-Fame inductee, Jarrod King, started the first USA Wrestling Regional Training Center in a Pennsylvania Public School. He Is a USA Wrestling Gold Certified Coach who serves as a regular clinician and counselor at USA Wrestling Development and World Team Camps at the Olympic Training Center. As Pennsylvania U16 Director and National Team Head Coach, he has led the state to numerous National Championships. He represents the United States internationally in Panama, Canada, and Italy, coaching Team USA to three Pan American Team Championships as well as the highest finish for Team USA at the Greco Roman World Championships and Freestyle World Championship in Rome, Italy. He has won multiple “Coach of Year Awards” and was a nominee for the USA Wrestling Person of the Year Award Kyle teaches History in the Connellsville Area School District and serves as an adjunct history professor at multiple higher learning institutions.

 

Jamie McPoyle

Connellsville Area School District – Teacher

Jamie McPoyle graduated from Monsignor Bonner High School in Drexel Hill, PA in 1990. Post graduation, he attended and graduated from Williamson Free Trade School where he studied Power Plant Technology. He then went on to graduate from Millersville University in Millersville, PA with a degree in Biology. He also received a Masters Degree in Education from California University of Pennsylvania. Jamie did practice Respiratory Therapy for a few years until moving to Connellsville, PA. Once in Connellsville, he began his teaching career for the Connellsville Area School District. He first taught Integrated Science at Junior High West and then moved to CAHS where he taught Biology. Jamie created a Neuroscience curriculum and taught this as a science elective. Prior to his death, he also started to develop an Endocrinology curriculum. While in Connellsville, Jamie coached for the Connellsville Little League from 2003-2019. He also participated in coaching youth soccer, wrestling, basketball (youth, jr. high and high school), as well as 9th grade baseball. Jamie served in his teacher’s union first as a Building Rep, then as Treasurer, and later as the Union President. It was in this role that he fought tirelessly for all CASD teachers and their contract. Jamie’s other Involvements include orchestrating the rebuild of Austin Park (soon to be renamed Jamie McPoyle Field). He was a counselor at Camp Can Do, which is a camp for children with cancer. He volunteered for WELS (wilderness experience, leadership, service) which is a free youth program designed to expose local 7th and 8th graders to rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, and community service. Jamie had also been involved in the local Saturday Club for a few years which encourages kids to give back to their community. Jamie will be remembered for his larger than life personality, his strong commitment, his faith, and his never ending work ethic. Jamie John McPoyle died after a very long courageous battle with EHE on May 28, 2023.

 

John Nedrow

Connellsville High School – 1951

John played football for the Connellsville Cokers grades 9 – 12. He also competed in track grades 11- 12. He attended George Washington University where he earned a B.S. Degree in Health and Physical Education and graduated in 1955. While at GW, he competed in both football, where he played center and linebacker, and baseball, where he played right field. After college graduation, John returned to the Connellsville Area where he taught health and physical education for 36 years (1956 -1992) on the junior high level. He also coached junior high football and track for 34 years, and served as the junior high athletic director. John is most proud of being a devoted husband for 67 years to his wife Marilyn, as well as raising his three children with Marilyn, and being blessed with the opportunity to love and support all his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is highly respected by everyone who ever knew him, especially those who worked with him and those who were coached and taught by him. John Nedrow faithfully walks in God’s path. He lives a humble life of serving and mentoring while doing his best to make a positive difference in people’s lives. John’s kind heart and the respect he gives to everyone that crosses his path has made our world a better place.

 

Dr. Daniel H. Poole

Connellsville Area High School – 1998

After high school, Daniel attended West Virginia University where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal and Veterinary Science in 2002, and continued his education earning a Master of Science Degree in Reproductive Physiology in 2005. Daniel earned his Doctorate of Philosophy in Animal Science with emphasis in Reproductive Immunology in 2009 at The Ohio State University. Following a Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Center of Reproductive Biology and Health at Penn State University, Daniel continued his academic career at North Carolina State University, where he earned the rank of tenured Professor. Daniel’s efforts have been recognized with numerous teaching awards, and he has been inducted into North Carolina State University’s Academy of Outstanding Teachers. Dr. Poole looks forward to educating future generations of veterinarians, producers and animal scientists to meet the growing needs of animal agriculture and address the challenging Issue of global food security. “Your life persists in the lives of people you taught.” Author unknown

 

Dr. Daniel Shelley

Connellsville High School – 1964

Dr. Daniel J Shelley was raised in Bullskin Township. He attended several one-room schools, including Rice and Crossroads, and was part of the original group of students who attended the newly constructed Bullskin Twp. Elementary School. He graduated from Connellsville High School in 1964. After high school he worked at Screw & Bolt (Modulus) Corporation in Mt. Pleasant. He was drafted into the United States Army in October of 1965 and served in Vietnam. While in Vietnam, he was an infantry demolitions specialist with the 1st Air Calvary. Dr. Shelley began attending Penn State Fayette Campus and, after two years, transferred to the Main Campus where he completed a B.S. in Elementary/ Middle School Education and a Masters in American History. He was hired by Connellsville as a fifth grade teacher and later taught in the gifted program (IMPACT). He completed his Ph D in Education and School Administration at the University of Pittsburgh in 1986. He accepted a professorship at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania I n 1987. He taught there until 2002 and served as Education Department Chair his last six years. He retired from the State System in 2002. In May of 2002, Dr. Shelley accepted a position at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh. He developed the Elementary Education program and helped develop RMU’s first Doctoral Program. He retired from full-time work at RMU in 2020 and continues as a part-time instructor. Dr. Shelley has published over 30 research articles and has presented at numerous national and international conferences. He developed the international education program for education majors and led 11 study abroad groups to Belize. He was recognized for his efforts by being awarded the rank of All University Professor, the highest possible rank in academia. Dr. Shelley’ s work at both Edinboro and Robert Morris Universities was recognized by his being awarded Professor Emeritus at both schools. “Some of my fondest memories of my career in education are from the years in Connellsville. I was fortunate to
work with great teachers and thoroughly enjoyed my students.”

 

William Swink

Connellsville Area High School – 1982

After starting his career at Connellsville Junior High West in 1984, Bill moved to Virginia in 1991 where he continued to coach and teach for the next 30 years. He then returned to Connellsville in 2022 to coach the Falcon wrestling team. He has served as the head wrestling coach at four different high schools with his teams earning a total of 455 victories. His longest tenure was at Colonial Forge High School in Stafford, VA, where his teams won six state championships. Bill was inducted into the National Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame – Virginia Chapter in 2016. He was named Virginia Coach of the Year four times by the National Wrestling Coaches Association and twice National Regional Coach of the Year. He was USA Wrestling’s Southeast region Junior Person of the Year in 2012-2013, USA Wrestling’s State Chairperson of the Year in 2015, and won USA Wrestling’s President’s Award in 2017. Bill is married to Andrea Capella Swink, and they have a daughter Natalie. “If you actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader” John Quincy Adams