SV All-Star Club

End of an era

Chief Terry Seilhamer to retire from Jackson Township PD after 50 years of service

Jackson Township Police Chief Terry Seilhamer is a “stats whiz.”

And not just his police department stats, but when it comes to Seneca Valley sports team stats, “he’s better than any Google search,” according to Mr. Jason Young, SV Safety and Security Director.

Chief Seilhamer, who is retiring in August after 13 years with the Jackson Township Police Department (JTPD) and 50 years (yes, 50, another amazing statistic!) in law enforcement, plans to hang up the uniform, but not his love for SV. 

“More often than not, he would show up early to basketball games to talk to Ms. Heather Lewis, SV Athletics Director, about this year’s varsity boys’ and girls’ teams,” shared Mr. Young.

However, he wasn’t early just for the game, but to ensure the area was a secure environment. It was common to see the Chief on the secondary campus walking the stadium plaza with his officers, providing traffic control to move cars on and off the campus, and stepping in whenever and wherever needed.

Naturally, we couldn’t let him go without a proper thank you.

At the Monday, June 10, Seneca Valley School Board meeting, the Board and Administration named Chief Seilhamer the SV All-Star Award Winner for June 2024. The SV All-Star Club was developed to officially recognize and show appreciation to individuals who are often the unsung heroes of our school community. In the spirit of security, District officials were delighted to recognize Chief Seilhamer. And while it’s bittersweet, it is also very deserving for his years of dedicated service.

“You have always recognized and beautifully handled the delicate balance of chain of command, leading a police staff and understanding that we have to work together to make our schools safe,” said Dr. Tracy Vitale, Superintendent of Schools. “You have the respect of everyone in this School District and we will miss you dearly.”

The recognition included – and we would like to thank for their participation – JTPD officers, including our secondary campus school resource officers, neighboring department chiefs and township officials. Chief Seilhamer was appreciative, as well.

“Working to provide a safe and secure learning environment for the students and staff of the Seneca Valley School District has truly been a pleasure,” said Chief Seilhamer. “The years have flown by, and I have enjoyed them immensely, primarily because of the people with whom I interacted.”

Our hat’s off to you, Chief! Enjoy retirement and we’ll see you in the stands!

Why the #12 Jersey?

Municipal police officers in the state of Pennsylvania are required to be certified through the Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission (MOPEC).

Chief Seilhamer was a municipal officer prior to joining the state police and was one of the first classes to be certified through MOPEC, which requires all municipal officers to have a certification number that is used to write citations, criminal complaints and attend trainings. For most law enforcement officials, that’s a five-digit number today.

At a training session a few years ago, a sign-in sheet was passed around and every officer was tasked with filling out his/her name, department name and MOPEC number. During a break on the first day, the instructor asks for Chief Seilhamer to please revisit the sign-in sheet and complete his MOPEC number. The chief looks at the page, then up at the instructor and tells him, simply, “That is my number.”  The instructor, looking puzzled, asks surprisingly, “Your number is 12?” The chief, humored, smiled and responded, “Yes, it is.” 

This was a regular occurrence over the past few years, especially when he filled out paperwork.

So, we decided it was only fitting to forever commemorate that number with Chief Seilhamer’s very own SV #12 jersey.

For May we are pleased to announce the newest member inducted into the SV All-Star Club, Mr. Chris Hoch, security guard at Haine Middle School. 

The SV All-Star Club is an awards program developed by the District to express our gratitude to Seneca Valley classified employees (administrative assistants, paraprofessionals, maintenance, cafeteria), bus drivers and security guards who are often the unsung heroes of our schools. We recognize a new member of this elite all-star club each month. 

“Chris is the Haine Middle School security guard with a heart of gold,” said Dr. Erin Wilcher, Principal of Haine Middle School. “Beyond his duty of ensuring safety, he is the ray of sunshine that greets everyone as they come into our building setting a positive tone for the day ahead. With a friendly wave, he welcomes each student as they enter our building.”  

Dr. Wilcher added, “His acts of compassion truly set him apart. This past week, we hosted an English as a Second Language (ESL) family game night on one of the stormy nights. Chris spotted a family with a handicap child getting out of their car and into a wheelchair. Without a second thought, he went outside shielding them with his umbrella and assisted them into the building. With Chris, it isn’t just about keeping our school safe, but it’s about extending a helping hand to those in need, embodying the true spirit of Seneca Valley.”

Pictured from L-R: Dr. Tracy Vitale, Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Chris Hoch, Mr. Jeff Widdowson, Board Vice President, Dr. Erin Wilcher, Principal of Haine Middle School and Mr. John Hickman, Acting Assistant Principal of Haine Middle School

For the month of April, we are pleased to announce the newest member inducted into the SV All-Star Club, Ms. Karen Greenawalt, Administrative Assistant at Seneca Valley Senior High School. 

The SV All-Star Club is an awards program developed by the District to express our gratitude to Seneca Valley classified employees (administrative assistants, paraprofessionals, maintenance, cafeteria), bus drivers and security guards who are often the unsung heroes of our schools. We recognize a new member of this elite all-star club each month. 

Ms. Greenawalt has been the administrative assistant in the high school for several years and has demonstrated unwavering dedication to enhancing the experience for all who enter the building.  

“Her commitment to efficiently organizing and supporting both large-scale events and daily operations has fostered a positive environment for both students, staff and visitors,” said Mr. Bob Ceh, Principal of Seneca Valley Senior High School. “Beyond her valuable skills, Karen's warm and welcoming personality has been instrumental in creating a friendly atmosphere within our school community.” 

Ms. Greenawalt is very deserving of this recognition and is a remarkable asset. She always goes above and beyond in her role and makes everyone feel welcome.

Pictured from L-R: Ms. Natalie Green, Acting Assistant Principal of Seneca Valley High School, Ms. Megan Lizewski, Assistant Principal of Seneca Valley High School, Mr. Eric DiTullio, Board President, Ms. Karen Greenawalt, Dr. Tracy Vitale, Superintendent of Schools and Mr. Bob Ceh, Principal of Seneca Valley High School

For the month of March we are pleased to announce the newest member inducted into the SV All-Star Club, Ms. Kelly Bommer, Cafeteria Manager at Haine Elementary/Middle School. 

The SV All-Star Club is an awards program developed by the District to express our gratitude to Seneca Valley classified employees (administrative assistants, paraprofessionals, maintenance, cafeteria), bus drivers and security guards who are often the unsung heroes of our schools. We recognize a new member of this elite all-star club each month. 

“We’re very fortunate to have team full of hard working, caring individuals, but Kelly routinely goes above and beyond for her team, colleagues and the students and staff at Haine,” said Mr. Nolen Fetchko, Director of Food Services. 

This is Ms. Bommer’s 19th year with Seneca Valley. To help illustrate how she always goes the extra mile, Mr. Fetchko shared a story about Ms. Bommer working with one of her team members who was studying for the American citizenship exam. “Kelly took it upon herself to print out all 100 civics quizzed questions and answers and left several of them in her team member’s workspace every day in an effort to help her study for the test,” added Mr.  Fetchko.

“She has been a mainstay in our school district, and I love this award because it really highlights all the extra people that really make the school shine,” said Ms. Leslie Bredl, School Board member.

“I want to thank you because you do help every student and every member of our staff with what you do, day in and day out,” said Mr. Eric DiTullio, Board President. “You are the unsung heroes and we do appreciate everything that you do.”

“Working in the cafeteria has been very rewarding in countless ways,” said Ms. Bommer. “I’ve worked in four of the seven buildings but have had the opportunity to sub in all the schools. You really develop a work family in our kitchens. All of my fellow employees have made the job a good experience, and I’m lucky to have worked with so many special people.”

“The fact that every administrator is here from your building speaks loudly,” said Dr. Tracy Vitale, Superintendent of Schools. “It is a building that when we walk into, we feel welcome. She reminds me of my own cafeteria ladies growing up and how much they meant to me.”

Pictured from L-R: Mr. Jeremy Womer, Assistant Principal of Haine Middle School, Mr. Tom McKelvey, Assistant Principal of Haine Elementary School, Mr. John Hickman, Acting Assistant Principal of Haine Elementary School, Dr. Tracy Vitale, Superintendent of Schools, Ms. Kelly Bommer, Mr. Eric DiTullio, Board President, Dr. Kristen White, Principal of Haine Elementary School, Mr. Nolen Fetchko, Director of Food Services and Dr. Erin Wilcher, Principal of Haine Middle School.

For the month of February, we are pleased to announce the newest member inducted into the SV All-Star Club, Ms. Diane Taylor, District Maintenance Team Member. 

The SV All-Star Club is an awards program developed by the District to express our gratitude to Seneca Valley classified employees (administrative assistants, paraprofessionals, maintenance, cafeteria), bus drivers and security guards who are often the unsung heroes of our schools. We recognize a new member of this elite all-star club each month. 

Mr. Randy Miller, Director of Buildings and Grounds shared, “I am very proud and honored to have joined with Ms. Heather Lewis, Athletics & Activities Director, in nominating Ms. Diane Taylor for the SV Allstar Club Award winner for February.” 

Ms. Taylor has been with the District since January of 2020 where she began as a sub-custodian. In March of 2020 she was hired to a full-time position with the District. 

“Diane is a such reliable, hard-working member of our staff that always maintains a positive attitude and willingness to help others at any time and always with a smile,” said Mr. Miller. “Diane can often be heard beautifully singing while she works her way through the senior high school.”

Ms. Taylor currently works in the senior high school where is an integral part of the buildings & grounds staff but also is invaluable in assisting the Athletics & Activities Department by supporting the many events that occur in the evenings.  Ms. Taylor sets up equipment for various athletics events in the gym as well as meetings occurring throughout the high school.

“There’s absolutely no way the Athletics & Activities Department could do what we do, particularly in this building, without having a great team and Diane is an invaluable and, in my mind, irreplaceable team member to assist myself, Mr. Sowa-Doku and Mr. Kurtz,” said Ms. Lewis. “The best thing about it is that Diane does it with a smile and a sense of humor that I truly appreciate; it helps us get through the nights and I just want to say thank you for that.” 

Ms. Lewis added, “She is a tremendous artist with crafts and baking, and I’ve truly enjoyed getting to know and sharing the pictures of what you do for your kids and grandkids. In all seriousness, we can’t do what we do without you. I appreciate that all we have to do is ask, and I know we work all as a team together. It goes without saying that you are an invaluable team member and an absolute wonderful teammate to have and, I speak for all of us in Athletics & Activities, that we appreciate you and we value you.” 

Pictured top row from L - R: Mr. Eric DiTullio, Board President and Mr. Randy Miller, SV Buildings and Grounds Director
Bottom row from L - R: Dr. Tracy Vitale, Superintendent of Schools, Ms. Diane Taylor and Ms. Heather Lewis, Athletics Director