CLASS 2024
Rosa Mae Willis Alford was born February 1, 1912, in Clarksdale, MS. She studied at Tuskegee University, graduating in 1947 with a B.S. degree in Home Economics and worked her way through college as a repairwoman on the training of airplanes used by the famed Tuskegee Airmen. She was among the students privileged to attend Tuskegee when Booker T. Washington was President and Dr. George Washington Carver, the great scientist and inventor, was professor.
After graduation, she taught in Tuscaloosa, AL and later taught in Easton, MD, where she met her late husband, William J. Alford, of New Brighton. After marriage, her first job in Beaver County was with the Lighthouse for the Blind. During the late 1950s, she was hired as the first African American Home Economics teacher at New Brighton High School.
She returned to college at Michigan State University in the 1960s, receiving her Master degree in Guidance Counseling and was hired as the first African American Guidance Counselor at Beaver Falls High School, where she remained until retirement. During her career, she also taught at The Christian School, Beaver Falls.
Marta Karwoski’s extensive career in education spans various roles and responsibilities, beginning with her graduation from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a major in English. She earned a Master’s Degree from the University of Pittsburgh and pursued additional credits beyond that.
Starting her teaching career in 1966, Marta taught multiple subjects in West Virginia, including coaching extracurricular activities and tutoring university athletes. In 1970, she settled in Rochester, where she taught English and Journalism for thirty-one years, earning respect for her leadership and curriculum development.
Outside the classroom, Marta held leadership positions in educational associations, such as the Rochester Area Educational Association and National Council of Teachers of English. After retiring in 2001, she continued her involvement in education by serving as a consultant for PA Cyber Charter School and assuming roles in the governance of Community College of Beaver County.
Despite facing health challenges, Marta remains dedicated to her commitments, including her current role as Vice President of the Baden Academy Charter School Board. She finds joy in family and hobbies, reflecting on her impactful career in education. Marta’s contributions have left a lasting impression, earning her a place in the Beaver County Educational Trust Hall of Fame.
F. Ann Paton, born in New Castle, Pennsylvania in 1928, excelled academically, graduating as valedictorian from Geneva College in 1950 with majors in mathematics and English. She continued her studies, earning an M.Litt. degree from the University of Pittsburgh and later a PhD in Medieval Literature from the University of Colorado, focusing on the 14th-century manuscript The Honors of Arthur. Dr. Paton’s dedication to scholarship was recognized with an award that facilitated her research at prestigious libraries in Oxford and Lincoln.
Her teaching career began at Mount Jackson High School, where she inspired students through her English classes and extracurricular involvement. Moving to Geneva College in 1958, she became known for her rigorous yet engaging teaching style, earning the Excellence in Teaching Award in 1984. Dr. Paton’s influence extended beyond the classroom, as her mentorship led former students to pursue teaching careers worldwide.
Dr. Paton’s impact on education extended to program development and faculty advocacy at Geneva College. She played a key role in establishing the institution’s Core curriculum, emphasizing the integration of humanities across historical eras. Upon retirement, she received the College’s Lifetime G Award for her service and continued her ministry in the Episcopal diocese of Pittsburgh until her retirement in 2018.
Dr. Schaughency’s dedication to Beaver Area School District spans 48 years, during which she held various roles including teacher, counselor, assistant superintendent, and district superintendent. Her extensive experience, coupled with personal skills as a pianist and basketball player, uniquely positioned her for leadership.
Under Dr. Schaughency’s guidance, Beaver Schools embraced technological advancement, becoming pioneers in the region with the installation of the first WIFI system and the initiation of the iPad initiative. These initiatives garnered statewide recognition and served as models for other Pennsylvania schools.
Dr. Schaughency’s commitment to education reform and training programs, collaborating with renowned experts, contributed to Beaver Area School District’s academic excellence, ranking among the top schools in Western Pennsylvania. Her prudent financial management ensured BASD operated with the lowest costs in the county while maintaining high academic standards. Furthermore, her advocacy for the arts led to the expansion of programs such as the string orchestra and partnerships with cultural foundations, earning BASD prestigious awards like the Kennedy Center Arts Award in 1998.
CLASS 2023
James “Jim” Johnson was the founding director of the aviation program at the Community College of Beaver County. An instructor, mentor, and coach, Jim Johnson had impacted more than 3000 aviation alumni from the School of Aviation Sciences named in his honor in 2019 by the CCBC Board of Trustees. Mr. Johnson was awarded posthumously having passed in 2010.
Jean Macaluso has impacted education in Beaver County for over 40 years having served as a classroom teacher, guidance counselor, assistant principal, director of pupil personnel services, and assistant superintendent. Jean also taught at CCBC and Geneva College. Jean continues to be involved in various community organizations.
Dr. Dan Matsook has 47 years of education experience in various roles. Mr. Matsook has served as an English teacher, assistant principal, high school principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. He helped establish the Central Valley School District, which is the first and only voluntary school merger in Pennsylvania. Mr. Matsook continues to work as an education consultant and as a professional training facilitator for the PA Department of Education.
Paulette Miller is the former Executive Director of Beaver County Rehabilitation Center. Ms. Miller spent 30 of her 47 years of service with BCRC as Executive Director and guided BCRC, which has state and national recognition, to ensuring all individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or mental health diagnosis have the educational and vocational opportunities to prepare them to thrive both personally and professionally. Ms. Miller retired in 2022.
