SALISBURY TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT

Catching up with Salisbury graduate Rob Ford What is your full name? Robert Anthony Ford, Jr When did you graduate from Salisbury? 1981 Tell us about your life since high school. I graduated from LaSalle University in 1985 with a Computer Science Degree. I roomed with Robert Bauer (also from Salisbury H.S) for all four years. I worked in computer sales for a few years before moving to California in the fall of 1987. I worked in sales for a few packaging companies in both Southern and Northern California. In San Francisco, I worked as the VP of Sales for Unisource Packaging until March of 2000. At that time, I left to become a Partner/President of a 20 employee insurance company, Ames Grenz Insurance, in Sacramento, CA. I am still with Ames Grenz Insurance and just celebrated my 20th year. I have been married for nearly 29 years to my beautiful wife Dana. Dana is a high school tennis coach as well as being a great stay at home mom. We have three daughters. Sydney, 24 graduated University of Delaware last spring and is working in San Francisco for Levi Strauss in their corporate office. Our middle daughter, Meredith, just finished her Junior year at Sonoma State. Our youngest, Molly, just finished her junior year at high school in Sacramento. I played basketball up until this past year because of some lingering knee problems. I also play golf and I like to bike. Sacramento has great year round weather to do many outdoor activities. I also have chaired some local charities such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Sacramento and the Sheriff’s Community Impact Program. I also have coached many years of girls sports including soccer and basketball. I did get a chance to vacation shortly this past March with close friends Dave Deeb and Bud Peiffer and his wife Geri in Florida to watch some college baseball. Bud’s son plays for Widener University. How has the pandemic impacted you and what have you learned from it? Our business is significantly down this year because of COVID. Many of our clients had to lay off or furlough their employees. This directly affects our income. My company has been able to keep all of our employees. One employee left because of some medical issues and we did not replace her, but all others are with us. We are hoping to continue to push forward and have the best year we can with hopefully some business growth in the second half of the year. Many companies in Northern California are suffering because of the closures and we hope they will survive. What are your summer plans? The only thing we are planning on doing is a trip back east with our youngest daughter to see some colleges. She wants to look at schools in Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, DC. We are also hoping to see my mom and sister in Allentown and my sister in Delaware. I also hope to catch up with some high school and college friends while I am on the east coast. We will also probably spend some time in Lake Tahoe. What was your favorite high school memory? I really enjoyed playing basketball my junior and senior year. I was only at Salisbury for 2 years, but I really value the friendships I made there. I did not have a track team at Allentown Central Catholic, so I only had a short one season on track at Salisbury. It was a funny story. Our two high jumpers were injured and I was recruited for the last few meets of the season. My good friend, Denise McAloose (and Senior Prom date and Prom Queen) taught me how to high jump. We spent a few afternoons learning the technique. She was a great teacher. The following week, I took 3rd in a regional event and 1st in the only track meet I could participate in. I qualified for districts and took second place. Jim McDonnell and Bob Meely made me run the 400 and the 1600 relay so I could letter (I took 3rd in individual and 1st in the relay because of their speed). That was my only track season, short but fun! What is your favorite movie or TV show and why? My favorite movie is Unforgiven with Clint Eastwood. I am not exactly sure why but there is something about an aging Clint, a “bad guy” in this movie. Supposedly a murder. He puts his life on the line to stand up for a town and especially some of their women. It is about injustice and his courage. I can watch it over and over again. How is your family doing? My family is great. We have a blessed life in Sacramento with family and friends. My sisters and brothers are scattered all over the US. Christine is still in Allentown, near my mom. Bill and Colleen are in Texas (Austin area). Charmaine is in Delaware near the beach. Jeff is in Roanoke, Virginia. Leslie is in the Seattle area. Unfortunately my dad passed away a few years back. It is hard to get everyone together, but there have been a few occasions in the past years. It is great to see them and all of their children! If you could meet anyone (alive or dead), who would you choose and why? I would love to meet Steven King! I have read everything that he writes. I wonder what goes on in his head to come up with the things he writes. I did get to meet my basketball hero, Julius Erving, at the Basketball Hall of Fame with my dad. He was awesome. We spoke for about 15 minutes at an induction ceremony. He could not have been more accommodating and gave me plenty of time. Who is your role model and why? My dad, Bob Ford. He worked his whole career for Black and Decker. He was very successful in business and in life. He had many friends and family and loved life! He lost his first wife when I was very young. She died suddenly and he was left with four young children. He and my grandmother raised us until he remarried my mom, Mary Elaine. He took on the responsibility of raising and taking care of seven children. Both he and my mom never complained they just made a great life for us. One of my regrets is that he and I did not have enough time together. I would have loved to play some more golf with him before he was unable. He was a wonderful man! #yoursalisbury

Catching up with Salisbury graduate McKenna Bast What is your full name? McKenna Flannigan Bast When did you graduate from Salisbury? 2011 Tell us about your life since high school. It’s been busy! Completed my B.A at Muhlenberg College in 2015 and went on for my M.S. in School Counseling/LPC at Kutztown University. After finishing my master’s in 2018 I began working in the Student Assistance Program in the Lehigh County school districts. I am now working as a clinician in a school-based outpatient program to obtain hours for my professional counseling licensure. Last year I bought a house and traveled the country for a few weeks, living out of my SUV. Both experiences have led to so much personal growth. What are your summer plans? I had plans to complete the Half Dome Hike in Yosemite National Park. However, I think this will end up being rescheduled to next year. I have a few house projects I’m looking to complete so hopefully I can knock a few of those out this summer! What have you learned through this pandemic? I could write a book on this topic, especially from working in mental health and the school districts. Personally though, I’ve learned to appreciate the small things. It’s easy to focus on all that we couldn't do during this time but I’ve tried to flip it to realize that now I have the opportunity to focus on activities I wouldn't ordinarily have the time for or prioritize. What was your favorite high school memory? Sports. I loved my time playing for Salisbury. We had phenomenal coaches and players. I’ve played for a few teams since but nothing has ever compared to the bond we all had at Salisbury. What is your favorite movie or TV show and why? It’s so hard to choose just one! Jurassic Park has always been an old favorite of mine, I love dinosaurs and the score of that movie is beautiful. I also love the Marvel/Avengers movies. I remember going to see Iron Man in 2008 and have watched every movie since. They have a strong message, character development and great humor. How is your family doing? They’re doing well! I swear they don’t age. My Dad has been retired from the district for a while now and helps me all the time in redoing things in our house. My Mom is looking forward to her retirement as well; she loves to travel and will definitely use her free time to see the world. If you could meet anyone (alive or dead), who would you choose and why? Steve Irwin. He was always my favorite growing up and sparked my passion for conservation, adventure, and appreciation for animals. He loved every living creature and had such a pure heart. I love watching his kids carry on his legacy and mission. Who is your role model and why? My parents, 100%. They worked incredibly hard all their life to be able to support me in everything I did. They taught me perseverance, resilience, and always fostered creativity, academics, athletics, etc. I wouldn't have been able to accomplish the things I have without their help and guidance. #yoursalisbury

Jacob S. Congratulations on earning a Falcon Proud Slip!

The Rizvi family enjoyed a fun filled last day of school celebration... usually, if the kids were in school the last day of there school year will be filed with fun activities..... being homeschool they wanted to make the day memorable too. So they celebrated the last day of school with a picnic and fishing.... the kids loved it.

Reagan enjoying a beautiful day for a picnic!

Liam D. in Mrs. Reinhard's 1st grade class had a great field day! Here are some pics from our activities including make it take it and an obstacle course.

Picnic picture of 5th gr. Mason M. It looks like it was a beautiful day for a picnic!

WSE has another read-a-loud for you. Mrs. DeOliveira reading "Miss Nelson Has a Field Day" by Harry Allard and James Marshall: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgxwHNgcbHHrmhnqLJvzqWDfhgmXw?projector=1

Congratulations to KRISTY WIED'S CLASSROOM for being adopted by M.H. and receiving $95 toward her flexible seating project!! Wonderful news!! #adoptaclassroom.org

Catching up with Salisbury graduate Kory Reinsmith What is your full name? Kory Alan Reinsmith When did you graduate from Salisbury? 2002 Tell us about your life since high school. I’ll try and keep it to the cliff notes. I moved to Charlotte, NC after graduating from James Madison and have been here ever since. I’ve held numerous jobs including working for the Charlotte Hornets and TPC Golf Network early in my career. The past eight years, however, have been focused within the financial services industry at several large banks. I’m currently working in Data Analytics & Intelligence at Wells Fargo. I travel as much as possible whether through work or leisure. I really enjoy getting lost in different places, learning about cultures, and quenching my passion for 35mm film photography. How has the pandemic impacted you and what have you learned from it? There are several takeaways that I’ve personally felt and think we should all be cognizant of including being patient, grateful, and better to one another and our planet. We are all connected more closely than ever before. On the macro scale, globalization can sometimes negatively impact economies. In times of extreme challenge we as humans working together are capable of adapting and advancing society through innovation and science. Within chaos there is always opportunity. What are your summer plans? I’m continuing to recover from ALIF or spinal fusion aka the ‘Tiger Woods’ surgery earlier this year so my plans include getting back on the golf course and hoping to begin traveling again once things return to a more stable and healthy environment here and abroad. I’ll spend my free time at Lake Norman with friends and family or down in Charleston and Atlanta. What was your favorite high school memory? It’s tough to pick just one - representing the Falcons in whichever sporting event I had at the time were always my fondest moments. What is your favorite movie or TV show and why? Candidly I’m not a big TV or movie guy but I do enjoy several netflix shows like Narcos and Ozark. I find the political aspects and history of countries as well as criminal organization dynamics very interesting. How is your family doing? Family is good. Siblings are a bit spread out but my parents are in the area so it’s nice to have them close by. If you could meet anyone (alive or dead), who would you choose and why? My grandfather - he was a true inspiration. His positive attitude and witty humor came through his life experiences including his time served in the US Navy and being a great family man. Only now through my own life experiences can I fully understand and often think about being able to share that with him. Who is your role model and why? While extraordinarily brilliant, Stephen Hawking had a lot of unique challenges in his life. His body fought ALS but it could never slow his mind. He also had an innate ability to simplify extremely complex ideas which is something that I’ve found to be very important from a business sense in my professional life. His perseverance, curiosity of the unknown, and hunger for knowledge are traits I admire the most. #yoursalisbury

WFMZ shout out to Salisbury senior Shane Artis! https://www.wfmz.com/sports/senior-spotlight-salisburys-artis/article_61bf3a6c-a47a-11ea-8ed5-5f08ec2d63f5.html #yoursalisbury

Salisbury swimming had its end-of-season zoom party Monday afternoon! Great to see you Falcons! 🏊‍♀️ 🏊‍♂️ #yoursalisbury

WSE Leadership Gathering Pictures - Students Carly and Weston watch the last leadership gathering for the year.

Last day of school for WSE students Logan, Payton and Makenna! Have a great summer, kids!

WSE students Payton, Logan and Makenna watching their last gathering for Western.

WSE AMERICAN HERO WAX MUSEUM PICTURES! Here are a few more pictures from Mr. Somishka's class.

WSE GIFTED SHOWCASE - ONE LAST SHOWCASE!! Please use this link to view the video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cKLhpnDozmSLlsNkVQg7hgU2VNE3aEDt/view?usp=sharing

The Downtown Allentown business community – led by PPL Corporation and City Center Investment Corp.– will be lighting Allentown’s skyline in school colors nearly every day in June to honor L.V. HS graduating seniors. Look for Salisbury blue on June 18! #yoursalisbury

Catching up with Salisbury graduate Beth Fritzinger What is your full name? Beth Anne Fritzinger When did you graduate from Salisbury? 2011 (Wow, I can’t believe it’s been almost 10 years!) Tell us about your life since high school. I attended Syracuse University to pursue a degree in public relations, which quickly morphed into graphic design. I worked for the university’s independent student-run newspaper, The Daily Orange—this experience, coupled with my time spent as a student employee in the Office of Marketing and Communications changed the trajectory of my career. After graduation, I became a full-time employee at SU in a digital content strategy role and worked on the team that launched the brand new (at the time) Syracuse.edu website. There was A LOT of learning on the job! A little more than a year ago, I moved back to the Lehigh Valley where I accepted a role as the Content Marketing Manager at Moravian College. Go Hounds! I write content for admissions marketing materials, email campaigns, the website, and more. The best part? I get to bring my dog, Emmett, to work with me every day, so it’s basically a dream come true. I hope to see some Salisbury graduates on campus this fall! How has the pandemic impacted you and what have you learned from it? Luckily, I’m able to work from home and stay connected with my teammates over Zoom, but it has been quite a transition. I always thought I would enjoy working remotely, but the lack of social connection and the presence of home distractions is ultimately not my desired work style. On the plus side, I’m getting to spend a lot of quality time with my pets—two cats and two dogs—and my mom. I’ve learned that everyone needs to spend a lot more time washing their hands! What are your summer plans? Originally, I had planned to visit Switzerland with my best friend from high school (shout out to Julie Creveling!), but that trip was unfortunately canceled due to the pandemic. Instead, I’m planning to embrace the outdoors. I recently bought a movie projector and screen so we can have outdoor movie nights and I’m hoping to spend a lot of time on my kayak with my pup. What was your favorite high school memory? What makes this question great, but also tough, is that there are so many good memories to choose from! I loved planning prom during my senior year, hosting the Mr. Salisbury Pageant, participating in the plays and musicals, spending time in the library with Ms. H, working on the IP project, traveling to the British Isles with Ms. Brinson...the list goes on and on. Speaking at graduation was especially memorable; I still have a copy of my speech floating around somewhere. That was a great culmination of my time in high school. Ultimately though, I think my fondest memories are of the teachers—I look back on so many lessons, classes, and experiences with a smile on my face because of them. What is your favorite movie or TV show and why? Brooklyn 99 is my favorite TV show at the moment. I could watch it over and over again and still laugh at every episode! How is your family doing? Great! My brother recently finished school and now lives and works in Philadelphia. Based on how often he comes home, I’d say he really likes it there! I currently live with my mom—she’s a great roommate, dog grandma, and travel partner. If you could meet anyone (alive or dead), who would you choose and why? I would love to meet Michelle McNamara, true crime writer and author of I’ll Be Gone In the Dark. Michelle unexpectedly passed away before she could finish her book, but her husband Patton Oswalt and her team finished the book. I’ve read the book maybe three or four times already—it’s about Michelle’s obsessive search for the Golden State Killer, a serial killer active in California in the ’70s and ’80s. What’s crazy is, the case was unsolved until 2018. GSK was caught just a few days after I finished reading the book. It was unreal and all thanks to Michelle’s persistence and advances in DNA technology. I would love to pick her brain about her writing and research process and hear her reaction to the case finally being solved. Who is your role model and why? I’m not sure I have just one, but for the sake of this profile, I’ll say my old neighbor Charlotte Mann is my role model. Charlotte recently passed away; she was 98 years old. She had hoped to live to 100 and if it weren’t for cancer, I know she would have. Charlotte was one of the most active, selfless, and adventurous people I ever knew. She truly exemplified “living life to the fullest.” I can only hope to leave a legacy as great as hers. #yoursalisbury

Congratulations on earning a Falcon Proud Slip!