Local Museum Invests in Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers

AASD 1992 Welcomes Fourth Foreign Exchange Student

Habitat for Humanity Planning to Build in Austin, Pennsylvania

Potter County Redevelopment Director Joe Pagana (left) and Habitat for Humanity President Dick Myers were in Austin Wednesday , December 17, 2014 to discuss building one and possibly two new homes in the borough.

The article above appeared in the Saturday, December 20, 2014 issue of the Endeavor News.  The Endeavor News is owned and operated by Robert and Britta Hooftallen of Austin, Pennsylvania.  Their business address is 29 East Fourth Street, Emporium, PA 15834. Their online address is: www.endeavornews.com.

AASD 1991 Welcomes Third Foreign Exchange Student

AASD is at the Forefront of STEM Education

While the number of jobs in science, technology, engineering and math — or STEM — outpaces overall job growth, just 16 percent of American high school seniors are proficient in math and interested in a STEM career. The educational community alone cannot overcome this challenge; Secretary Perez said in his keynote remarks on Jan. 8 at Discovery Communications, Inc.'s Silver Spring, Md., headquarters. Perez discussed "a four P" approach to addressing the challenge: partnerships that bring diverse stakeholders to the table, pipelines of skilled talent that help employers grow, practical experience to enhance classroom training, and tangible possibilities that a STEM education can offer. After Perez's remarks, local TV news anchor Aaron Gilchrist moderated a panel discussion on the importance of math and science education. The panel included Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Portia Wu and actress Danica McKellar who, after her breakout role in TV's "The Wonder Years," majored in math at UCLA and wrote four best-selling books to help young women break down preconceived notions about math. Before the event began, Perez toured Discovery's on-site child care and wellness facilities, two employee services that helped the company earn its "Best Places to Work" status fromWorking Mother magazine and others.

Note:  Austin Area School District, Austin, Pennsylvania, the smallest public school in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was one of the first schools in the area to adopt STEM.

AASD 1990 Welcomes Second Foreign Exchange Student

AASD Grad Master Sergeant - USMC - Retired - David Warden

David Worden

David Worden graduated from the Austin Area School District, Austin, Pennsylvania, in 1971.

Having a desire to see the world, he joined the United States Marine Corps after graduation.  He served  24 years, seven months, and 14 days attaining the rank of Master Sergeant.  During that period of time David visited many states including Hawaii, North Carolina, California, and Massachusetts.

During his time in the service, David performed work in a variety of occupations, in various locations, excelling at each and every one.  For example, he began his career in the U.S. Marine Corps as a truck driver and when the opportunity came made a lateral move to machinist. Although his specialty was mechanics, as he moved up in rank, he performed the duties of Drill Instructor and Inspector Instructor. and retired as an Ordnance Chief.  David earned his "sea legs" having served twice onboard two (2) U.S. Navy ships.

The most dangerous job David performed in the Marine Corps  was instructing and training Colombian Army Troops in the use, cleaning, service and maintenance of weaponry.  When his team landed in Colombia, they were picked up and driven to the Colombian Army Base in an armored vehicle and warned to keep a low profile during their stay.

One of Master Sergeant Worden's most rewarding experiences was leading the Toys For Tots Program while stationed in Massachusetts.  I could sense the pride in David's voice as he detailed to me the success he had developing relationships with Fisher Price and other organizations in seeking donations for children which the U.S. Marne Corps is noted for each year at Christmas time.  David said their would be tractor trailers delivering donations for this noteworthy endeavor.

Master Sergeant Worden is a Vietnam Era Veteran.  During his service in the U.S. Marine Corps he was awarded the following medals:

• National Defense Service Medal with one (1) Star
• Navy Achievement Medal
• Good Conduct Medal with seven (7) Stars
• Navy Commendation Medal with one (1) Star
• Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal with one (1) Star; and
• Deployment Medal with two (2) Stars

While on active duty David earned a B.S. degree from Cal State in Machine Technology.

On June 21, 1975, David married his wife Leslie.  They have one daughter, Michelle.

David and his wife Leslie

David's daughter Michelle and her husband Pietro

David's granddaughter Gabriella

Michelle, Leslie, Gabriella, and Leslie's mother Jackie

David's hobby is Classic Cars. Pictured above with a First Place Trophy he won.

David returned to the area in 2011 to attend his Austin Area School District Class 40th Annual Reunion hosted by Bob Burgett.

David and Leslie currently reside in Twentynine Palms, California.