Who We Are
The Shikellamy Braves Foundation board consists of 16 members. One is the district superintendent, two are Shikellamy school board members, and the remaining 12 are volunteers from the community.
Below we have a little more information about each one of them.
Front Row: Lori Garman, Wendy Wiest, Gretchen Walter, Brenda Reichenbach, Connie Kistler, Fran Zartman, Dr. Tom Hepner
Back Row: Jeff Balestrini, Bill Zeigler, Brad Slack, Dave Ritchie, Dr. Jason Bendle, Philip Campbell, Steve Engle
Not Pictured: Cory Fasold, Ron Marshall
Steve Engle - Chairman
Committee: Marketing & Strategic Development
Why I participate: I believe in volunteerism and supporting worthwhile organizations. I saw the Braves Foundation as an opportunity to support educational and extra-curricular activities of the students to ensure they were not deprived of a high quality educational experience due to budget constraints of the district.
David Ritchie - Vice-Chairman
Committee: Fundraising
Why I participate: What better community service is there than to give back to the school district that has done so much for me and my family?
Gretchen Walter - Secretary/Treasurer
Committee: Fundraising
Why I participate: I feel strongly about service and improving the education, activity opportunities and the lives of the students of Shikellamy with the funds from the Braves foundation. I enjoy being surrounded and inspired by passionate Shikellamy graduates.
Dr. Jason Bendle - Superintendent
Committee: Strategic Development
Why I participate: I participate with the Braves Foundation to aid our district and students with programs that go beyond the district budget. I am proud of the organization because every dollar goes back to something that impacts students within the Shikellamy School District.
Jeff Balestrini - Board Member
Committee: Strategic Development
Why I participate: I want to provide additional opportunities to the youth within our School District that may not be available to them otherwise.
Philip Campbell - Board Member
Committee: Marketing
Why I participate: As a graduate of Shikellamy, I want to give back to the district and help to provide support for programs that may not see the light of day.
Cory Fasold - Board Member
Committee: Strategic Development
Why I participate: Shikellamy’s teachers gave me my basic education which has lead to a successful career. I want to “give back” so that an unfilled NEED may be funded that could advance current and future students!
Dr. Thomas Hepner - Board Member
Committee: Strategic Development
Why I participate: I became involved because Shik is a part of all my families’ lives and has been a big part of who we are today. I, my wife, my son and daughter all graduated from Shik. My wife, Mary, currently teaches there. We ALL had great experiences while there and this is a way for me to give a little back.
Connie Kistler - Board Member
Committee: Fundraising
Why I participate: I wanted to work with others in an organization whose purpose is to support and enhance the education of our students.
Brenda Reichenbach - Board Member
Committee: Fundraising
Why I participate: The reason I wanted to be part of the Shikellamy Foundation, is to help make a difference for the students and the school. And I am proud to be a graduate of Shikellamy!
Ron Marshall - Board Member
Committee: Marketing
Why I participate: Want to make a difference with the students both inside and outside of the classroom environment, encourage civic responsibility, chance to give back to the school district I graduated from, gain knowledge of local resources available to help solve community needs and bringing individuals together to build camaraderie and team work for those involved with the Shikellamy School District.
Brad Slack - Board Member
Committee: Marketing
As a member of this community, raising a family in this community, and working in this community, this is just one way I can give back by volunteering my time that may help future students.
Wendy Wiest - School Board Member
Committee: Strategic Development
As a graduate of Shikellamy, and now my daughters are attending Shikellamy, I see the value that the foundation can add to the district.
Fran Zartman - Board Member
Committee: Fundraising
Why I participate: Shikellamy and the communities it encompasses are very dear to my heart. It is vital that they not only succeed but thrive because when they thrive every individual who lives in this valley will reap the rewards of all our efforts. Rewards that will benefit those for generations to come.
William Zeigler - Board Member
Committee: Fundraising
Why I participate: Shikellamy has, and always will be a big part of my life. If I can be part of a program that helps support current and future Shikellamy students, I am “all aboard”.