3 to join Allegheny Valley School District's Alumni Hall of Fame

Three people have been selected this year to be inducted into the Allegheny Valley School District’s Alumni Hall of Fame.

New inductees will join more than 60 alumni already part of the Hall of Fame. An induction ceremony open to the public will be held April 13 at the high school. A private dinner will be held before the ceremony for invited guests only.

The program was created in 2001 to “recognize, celebrate and honor those alumni who have distinguished themselves through public service, academic achievement and professional contributions, which serve to enhance the prestige and excellence” of the district.

Five judges made the following selections:

Donald Grinder (attended 1968-1981) — Grinder graduated from Springdale High School in 1981 and earned a degree in criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He began his career with the Arlington County (Virginia) Police Department. Grinder also worked with the Department of Homeland Security, assisted the Secret Service in the protection of the president, provided services for the State Department to protect international dignitaries and was invited to help arrange security preparation for the 2018 Seoul Winter Olympics. He was a first responder to the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001, and helped to establish a group that created SWAT training schools. Grinder has served as an instructor for the Arlington Citizens Police Academy. Grinder was awarded medals for heroism and bravery in the line of duty including the Medal of Valor, Meritorious Service and Purple Heart from the Arlington Police Department.

Jeannine Hurley McCutcheon (attended 1971-1984) — McCutcheon graduated from Springdale High School in 1984 as Salutatorian and May Queen. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh. McCutcheon left her job as a teacher with Deer Lakes School District to raise her family, but continued teaching by tutoring students in math and science. She has created a newsletter that reaches hundreds of people each week and provides readers with prayer requests, devotionals and volunteer opportunities. McCutcheon also is the co-founder and director of Fun and Freedom Youth Sports Springdale Day Camp. She hosts breakfast each month in her home for 30 to 50 high school students for conversation and fellowship.

Emilio Saldari (attended 1940-1943) — Saldari attended Springdale High School and was drafted to serve in WWII in 1943. He was dispatched to France, traveling to the Ardennes Forest and the Rhineland, and fought in four major battles, including the Battle of the Bulge. He returned home to Springdale Township and worked at Edgewater Steel and the Harmar and Harwick mines. He took a leadership role with his endeavors, working as a representative with the United Mine Workers union and serving as president of the Local 4426, fighting for benefits for miners and their families. He also has volunteered with the Springdale Township Volunteer Fire Department, Little League and Our Lady of Victory Church. Saldari has been honored with four Bronze Stars, campaign medals and — at the age of 90 — the Chevalier Award from the French government, making him the equivalent of a British knight.