Baldwin-Whitehall official selected for fellowship
Dr. Janeen Peretin, Baldwin-Whitehall School District assistant to the superintendent, was selected as a 2026 EDSAFE Women in AI Fellow.
The Women in AI Fellowship is a yearlong global fellowship designed for educators, industry professionals, school administrators, policymakers and community advocates who want to take an active role in shaping the future of AI in education.
It allows professionals to learn about the tools, knowledge and support required to lead the development of AI policies.
Through hands-on experience, participants collaborate, receive mentorship from AI and education experts, and develop actionable strategies that align with the SAFE (Safety, Accountability, Fairness, Efficacy) framework.
Whether focused on AI literacy in the classroom, data privacy or addressing the needs of underserved students, the Women in AI Fellowship empowers participants to be leaders in ensuring AI technology benefits all learners.
Senior softball league seeks new players
Registration is open for the South Hills Senior Softball League, which organizes games for players 55 and older.
Interested people can get information on how to register by emailing SHSSLeague@yahoo.com. Registration forms should be turned in by March 30.
The league, formed more than three decades ago, attracts more than 150 players each year. Games are typically played at fields in South Park, Pleasant Hills, Baldwin, Brentwood, Bethel Park and Pittsburgh.
One division of the league plays on weekday evenings. Another set of teams plays on weekday mornings. Teams in both divisions normally play twice a week. Tryouts and a draft are held in April, on dates to be announced to registered players later.
“Our players get a chance not only to rediscover a game they love, but also to join a strong community of friends,” said Ron Sullivan, commissioner of the league.
Kindergarten registration opens
Kindergarten registration for the 2026-27 school year is open for future Baldwin-Whitehall students.
Registration opened Feb. 23 and continues through April 24. Families can visit bwschools.net/our-district/kindergarten-registration for step-by-step registration information, helpful links and resources.
2026 Distinguished Highlanders announced
The 2026 Distinguished Highlanders list has been announced. The awardees will be honored March 21 at the Distinguished Highlander Alumni Hall of Fame & Awards Gala at South Hills Country Club.
The award winners include the Alumni Hall of Fame Class of 2026: graduates of Baldwin High School whose personal accomplishments, professional achievements and service to others inspire current and future students.
They are Scott Chapman, Class of 1977, distinguished professor, Sam Houston State University; Walter D’Alessio (1934-2024), Class of 1951, urban developer; Guy Junker, Class of 1974, (Ret.) sports journalism and media; Timothy Knavish, Class of 1983, chairman and CEO, PPG; Susan Orsega, Class of 1986, deputy assistant secretary of war for Health Services, Policy and Oversight, Department of War; and John Slater, Class of 1971, (Ret.) supervisor, Slater Funeral Homes, Inc.
Winners of the Highlander Compass Award, given to Baldwin-Whitehall School District personnel who guide students toward brighter futures, are Heather Bianchi, faculty, presented by J. E. Harrison Middle School; Theanita Hampsay, confidential administrative assistant/board secretary, presented by Baldwin-Whitehall School District Administration; Kristen Homer, faculty, presented by McAnnulty Elementary School; Mark Kelly, custodian, presented by Baldwin High School; Katie Olds, faculty, presented by R. A. Lutz Elementary School; Alan Pilarski, custodian, presented by Whitehall Elementary School; and Chris Reilsono, faculty, Baldwin High School, presented by Baldwin-Whitehall Educational Foundation.
The Above and Beyond Awardees, given to parents, residents and individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the district through volunteerism, are Courtney Brown, vice president, PTO, presented by McAnnulty Elementary School; Nicole Healy, PTSA, presented by J. E. Harrison Middle School; Chris McCoy, Special Olympics Volunteer, presented by Baldwin High School; Mary Odato, Community Ambassador, presented by Baldwin-Whitehall Educational Foundation; C. Robert Schafer, executive vice president, HHSDR Architects & Engineers, presented by Baldwin-Whitehall School District Administration; Michelle Staude, Handler for Lilly Belle (BWSD Therapy Dog), presented by Whitehall Elementary School; and Jennifer Wechter, president, PTO, presented by R. A. Lutz Elementary School.
AUP inviting singles 50 to join
The Association of University People invites singles 50 , who are four-year college graduates, to join them for activities and to meet new people.
Activities include happy hours, brunches, lunches, dinners, meet-ups at music venues, a non-traditional book group, day trips and Scrabble.
Those interested can attend three activities as guests before joining.
To obtain more information about AUP, the activities or to become an AUP member, email Group AUPSingles@gmail.com.
3-day home show free to attend
The South Hills Home Show is set for Feb. 27 to March 1 at the Cool Springs Sports Complex, 3001 Cool Springs Drive, Bethel Park.
Hours are 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
The show will feature more than 250 local home improvement experts, exhibits, demonstrations and how-to clinics.
Guest speakers include home remodeling aficionado Andy Amrhein at 2 p.m. Saturday and gardening guru Doug Oster discussing successful organic gardening at 2 p.m. Sunday.
Admission is free courtesy of show sponsors Pool City, Valley Pool & Spa, Evey True Value Hardware, Local Handyman Pittsburgh, Just Pay Half and Everlast Aluminum Products.
For details, visit southhillshomeshow.com.
AARP tax aide
Tax help is available at St. Elizabeth/Pius X Hall through April 9 by appointment. To schedule an appointment, call 412-760-6903 and leave a message with your name and phone number.
Whitehall Borough Historical Society program
Join the Whitehall Borough Historical Society and Whitehall Public Library at 7 p.m. Feb. 26 for a lecture by author Brian Butko and regional historian Sue Morris on their book, “Bettis: Where Pittsburgh Aviation Took Off.”
Register online at whitehallpubliclibrary.org.
South Hills Women’s Club
After not having meeting in January and February, the South Hills Women’s Club is scheduled to meet on March 9.
Whitehall Borough Historical Society
The Whitehall Borough Historical Society, in conjunction with the Baldwin Whitehall School District and the Borough of Whitehall, will present a program April 9 celebrating America’s 250th anniversary at The Regis V. Shalley Performing Arts Center at Baldwin High School.
The program is set for 7 p.m., with a theme of “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
The emcee for the program is political expert, Jon Delano. Other speakers will include Dr Edda Fields-Black, a Pulitzer prize winner and CMU professor; Brandon McGinley, author, editor and columnist; Joseph Mistick, a former deputy mayor of Pittsburgh, columnist and current law professor at the Duquesne University Law School; and Monica Ruiz, executive director at Casa San Jose.
The program includes a town crier and musical performances by the Baldwin Music Department. There will also be a round table discussion led by Delano, including a question-and-answer session.
Reservations are being received by the Whitehall Borough Library, whitehallpubliclibrary.org.
Science Bowl champs
The Brentwood Middle School team of Ella McCormick and Zainab Ismael captured first place in the Allegheny Intermediate Unit Middle School Science Bowl.
More than 60 teams competed at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Ella and Zainab, both eighth graders, won the grades 6-8 division.
Students in grades 4-8 completed a series of challenges using information from the Natural History Museum’s exhibits.
South Park’s class of ‘76 to gather
South Park High School’s class of 1976 will celebrate its 50th reunion Aug. 21 at the South Park Fairgrounds.
The festivities will start at noon at The Cottage, near the “clock building.”
The cost is $25 per person, and guests are welcome.
The reunion committee will provide food and cake. Attendees should bring their own beverages, snacks and sides.
Reservations are due by Aug. 1 and can be sent to Lou Ruzzi, 1616 Conor Drive, South Park, PA 15129.
For more information, call Lou at 412-759-7411 or Lynn at 412-552-9843.