No new Plum High School distinguished alumni class due to covid restrictions

An annual tradition of recognizing Plum High School graduates who have made their mark in the world has been postponed due to the covid-19 pandemic.

There will be no 2021 class of distinguished alumni, committee president Margie Evans announced.

Reasons for not inducting a new class include travel and indoor gathering restrictions, as well as the inability for honorees to interact with students.

“It is very important to our purpose that inductees are able to visit the high school, interact with students and address parents and students at the National Honor Society Spring induction ceremony,” Evans said. “Inductees serve as role models to our students and the community demonstrating that hard work and dedication lead to success.”

The program was established by retired Plum teacher Bob Ford in 2006 as a way of recognizing grads who have distinguished themselves in various fields of excellence or have made a major contribution to society.

Previous honorees included a biology instructor, a leader in the hospitality industry, a veterinarian, a glass sculptor and one of Pittsburgh’s first paramedics.

“Student ambassadors, selected from the National Honor Society, meet with inductees and are an integral component of the program,” Evans said. “We celebrate our inductees at a banquet at Oakmont Country Club with family and friends. Many of our inductees are from a variety of locations.

“The Class of 2020 included an inductee from North Carolina and an inductee from Texas. The covid-19 pandemic prohibited travel, banquets of a large number, and meetings with school students. Our committee didn’t want to compromise the goals of our mission. We hope to be in full operation during the next school year.”

School board President Mike Devine said he understands the committee’s decision not to induct a class this year, and hopes 2022 will provide an opportunity for students to mingle with successful graduates.

“The dinner and ceremony, which (are) nice recognitions for these incoming members, are not able to be had,” Devine said. “So to hold off a year makes sense so that the next class can have the full experience.”

More information about the program, as well as a look at previous inducted classes, is available at plumdistinguishedalumni.com.