PR Honors Memory of 1987 RHS Graduate Nov. 10

PR-TV Segment of Memorial

KDKA Story

Pine-Richland honored the memory of 1987 Richland High School graduate on Nov. 10, 2009, during a special ceremony outside Pine-Richland High School in Gibsonia.

Warrant Officer 4 Michael Slebodnik, an Army helicopter pilot, was killed in combat in Afghanistan on Sept. 11, 2008 - the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 hijackings.

The American Legion and Slebodnik's family were on hand at the ceremony, along with Pine-Richland parent and community member Col. Dwight Pearson, who presented two flags he had flown over Army Headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq on May 8, 2009. He donated those flags in memory of Slebodnik to be placed at the high school and middle school.

The district purchased and unveiled a plaque in memory of Slebodnik. Pat and Willie Sleobodnik and their daughter Jodie Deems were on hand.

PR-TV's William Clack caught some of the emotional program on video. Click here to view.

A PRHS small band ensemble, under the direction of Band Director Brian Scott, participated in the cereomony.

Pine-Richland High School students Daniel Green, Hunter McCabe, Joseph McKeon, Ross Orler and Peter Pearson and eighth graders Patrick Pearson and William Misback, under the direction of PRMS teacher Joseph Bailey, raised the flag with the help of the American Legion's Jerry Gogolin.

Slebodnik joined the Army after graduation and served mainly as a helicopter pilot for most of his enlistment.

Slebodnik was assigned to Fort Campbell, Ky., and lived in Clarksville, Tenn. with his family.

In 1994, PRHS replaced a plaque that was originally dedicated in 1967 in memory of Marine Private Neil Riley, the first Richland High School student to lose his life in Vietnam. At that time an additional plaque was placed in memory and recognition of all Pine-Richland residents who served and died for their country.

Graduates who have lost their lives serving our country include:

Gary Johnston - Class of 1964
Neil Riley - Class of 1965
Herb Weltz - Class of 1966
Richard Smyth - Class of 1971
Michael "Mickey" Slebodnik - Class of 1987

School Board President Stephen Hawbaker and director Aafke Loney were on hand. Superintendent Dr. Mary Bucci and Director of Communications Rachel Hathhorn welcomed the community.

For more information on the program, please contact Communications Director Rachel Hathhorn at 724-625-7773, ext. 6202 or via email at rhathhorn@pinerichland.org.