SUMMER 2016 To enable all students to succeed in a changing world. BOYERTOWN Area SCHOOL DISTRICT Celebrating Celebrating the Class of 2016 During the 124th Our District commencement ceremony, Living in Pennsyl- 508 graduates walked into vania for the past Bear Stadium to receive five years has helped their diplomas on Tuesday, me to appreciate the June 7. Student speakers beauty and change included valedictorian that accompany Olivia Crocker, each passing sea- Salutatorian Jordan son. As summer Shustack, and senior Class begins, I can’t help president, Jordan Wood. but reflect on our Olivia compared high next set of changes. school to being in a Our students earn fishbowl where her and promotions to the her classmates enjoyed next grade, staff “an air of familiarity and members complete safety; where the water Richard Faidley, Ed.D. June assignments and Superintendent was controlled for acidity prepare for August, and the landmarks rarely and families adjust changed.” She continued Jacob R. Irvin received his diploma from Superintendent Dr. Richard to summer schedules by explaining that this Faidley during the June 7 graduation ceremony. and activities. I thank our students, staff, parents environment encouraged and community members for all their contributions to make the 2015–16 school year very successful. each member of the senior class to take risks and Our students continue to achieve, excel, and grow. explore new things without the threat of serious This newsletter provides details on some impressive failure hinging on their performance. examples of this work. “In our time in the fishbowl, we have each grown The end of the school year also marks a retirement into our own person, and although there are decision for many staff members. It is with great many of us, we are each a “big fish” in our own pride that we honor our retiring staff members each way,” Olivia explained. June. Our students’ success is a direct result of the dedicated service our talented employees provide. In her analogy, walking off stage with their We wish our departing staff members the best with diplomas in hand was their way of officially their future endeavors. exiting the fishbowl and “being flung into the No group experiences greater changes this sum- ocean that is the real world, a world of immense mer than the BASH Class of 2016. Our graduated freedom and an immeasurable amount of seniors have learned lessons at home, in school, and uncertainty.” in our community to help them become successful She closed by reminding her peers that “although adults. In this edition we feature several Class of the world may feel like a big ocean and you a 2016 members, what they did during their educa- tion at Boyertown, and how this work has prepared Continued on page 2 them for their chosen career fields. Valedictorian Olivia J. Crocker addressed her peers during the June 7 graduation ceremony. At the Class of 2016’s commencement ceremony, I was honored to share a few words of advice. I centered my message around four themes: • Prioritize your time to ensure a balance between doing your best work and having fun. State Champions! • Persevere through the challenges and road- blocks. Congratulations to the BASH base- • Promote your best qualities at work, in school, ball team for defeating Plum High and within your friendships. School 4-1 to become the 2016 • Choose a career path that you enjoy and are PIAA AAAA State Champions! truly passionate about. The Bears have set a great example While these words were intended for our students, of sportsmanship, dedication, and I plan to reflect upon them when working each day perseverance throughout their jour- as your Superintendent of Schools. I hope that each ney to the 2016 State Championship of you enjoy some time with friends and family this title. On behalf of the Boyertown summer. I look forward to working with you as we Area School District we would like prepare for our next “season”: the opening of the to extend our congratulations to the 2016–17 school year. A new group of students— dedicated student-athletes, coaches, the Class of 2029—will be entering kindergarten, and fans who all played major roles and the Boyertown Area School District will be in bringing home the 2016 PIAA ready to serve them. AAAA State Championship title! NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE Postal Patron PAID Permit #10030 BOYERTOWN, PA DiStriCt DireCtOry Boyertown Area School District Alumni Spotlight: 911 Montgomery Avenue, Boyertown, PA 19512 610-367-6031 | 610-369-7620 (fax) www.boyertownasd.org CeO Proud of BASD roots Board of School Directors Jill A. Dennin, President Stephen Elsier, Vice-President Three-sport athlete Mr. Peter Madeja, class of Clay D. Breece 1976, looks back fondly on his years as a Boyer- Robert J. Caso town Bear. John C. Landino “As I reflect upon my time as a student in the David P. Lewis Boyertown Area School District, I am often Christine M. Neiman reminded of how profound an impact educators Paul D. Stengle have had on my life,” Mr. Madeja explains. “I have Donna L. Usavage the highest respect for the quality teachers in the District Office Administration District.” Dr. Richard H. Faidley, Superintendent One of the teachers who had the greatest influence Robert L. Scoboria, Assistant Superintendent on his life was his father, Mr. Stanley Madeja, who David A. Szablowski, Chief Financial Officer dedicated 35 years to educating students in the Dr. Melissa L. Woodard, Chief Academic Officer Boyertown Area School District. Even though Mr. Dr. Greg M. Miller, Chief Student Achievement Officer Madeja never had his father as a teacher, he credits Stephen Katch, Chief Human Resources Officer his father for teaching him important lessons that Boyertown Area Senior High School still hold true today. 120 North Monroe Street, Boyertown, PA 19512 As a high school student, Mr. Madeja was not only 610-369-7435 a dedicated academic but also a celebrated athlete. Dr. Brett A. Cooper, Principal To start off the school year, Mr. Madeja was the Dr. E. Wayne Foley, Assistant Principal quarterback on the football team; in the winter he Andrew T. Maoury, Assistant Principal was the point guard on the basketball team; and Kelly B. Mason, Assistant Principal in the spring he played shortstop on the baseball Junior High School, east Center team, earning a total of nine varsity letters. 2020 Big Road, Gilbertsville, PA 19525 Earning the respect of his coaches and teammates, cost containment and disability management 610-754-9550 Mr. Madeja served as captain (co-captain/game services. Following in the footsteps of his grand- Andrew C. Ruppert, Principal captain) of all three teams his senior year. Mr. father, who owned and operated his own business, Stephanie A. Petri, Assistant Principal Madeja credits his high school athletic career for Mr. Madeja has shown dedication and drive that have been crucial to the success of Genex Services. Junior High School, West Center his competitive nature and treasures the memories Genex has annual revenues of more than $425 mil- 380 South Madison Street, Boyertown, PA 19512 he shares with coaches, friends and teammates. lion and employs approximately 3,000 staff. (The 610-369-7471 Over his four years as a Boyertown Bear, Mr. Philadelphia Inquirer recently profiled Genex for Gregory S. Galtere, Principal Madeja competed for the league Ches-Mont their work in addressing the national opioid crisis). TBD, Assistant Principal Championship three times. During his sophomore Genex today is a private company owned by the Boyertown elementary School year, the baseball team defeated Coatesville High management team and a private equity partner. 641 East Second Street, Boyertown, PA 19512 School making them Ches-Mont Champions. “Over the years at Genex I have been very fortu- 610-369-7462 During his senior year, Mr. Madeja made it to the nate to again be surrounded by great teammates,” Craig R. Kehl, Principal Ches-Mont Championships twice. Unfortunately, losing both times: to Coatesville High School in Mr. Madeja states. “There have been many accom- Colebrookdale elementary School basketball and to Downingtown High School in plishments throughout my career involving suc- 1001 Montgomery Avenue, Boyertown, PA 19512 baseball. cessful merger and acquisition activities. Whether 610-369-7427 we were on the buying or selling end, there was an Michael R. Stoudt, Principal After high school, Mr. Madeja attended the Uni- intense amount of work that has led to our growth versity of Pennsylvania, earning his undergraduate and position as an industry leader. However, none earl elementary School degree in history and his Master’s degree in edu- of this could have been accomplished without the 22 Schoolhouse Road, Boyertown, PA 19512 cation across four years while competing in varsity support of senior team colleagues and employees 610-369-7504 football (two years) and baseball (four years). across the organization” TBD, Principal Upon graduation, Mr. Madeja pursued a career Mr. Madeja and his wife, Wynn Madeja, have one Gilbertsville elementary School in business. His first job as a college graduate was daughter, Davis, who will be attending college in 36 Congo Road, Gilbertsville, PA 19525 with the PMA Insurance Group, where he worked the fall. In his free time, Mr. Madeja enjoys run- 610-369-7485 with property and casualty commercial insurance. ning and exercising, and an occasional round of Stephanie L. Landis, Principal After two years, Mr. Madeja was invited to join and golf or game of tennis. become a partner in a small start-up, a position that New Hanover-Upper Frederick elementary School eventually led to his current role at Genex Services. If you know of a Boyertown Area Senior High 2547 Big Road, Frederick, PA 19435 alumnus or alumna who would be a good 610-754-9580 Now, three decades later, Mr.