Michael Mackey, South Fayette School District director of bands, was included in an article in the December issue of School Band and Orchestra magazine.

He was chosen to represent Pennsylvania in the 11th annual feature, "50 Directors Who Make a Difference."

The article, in part, read, "Music educators occupy a unique position in our school systems. In addition to being teachers in the traditional sense, they must also be coaches and mentors. Often under-funded and stationed in secluded and remote rehearsal areas, band and orchestra directors are charged with the perfunctory task of teaching music. ...

"It is fitting that the 50 directors honored in this report represent each facet of the wide spectrum of schools. They are unified by the positive impact they have on the lives of their students."

n The birth of Shiley Lynn Lombardo on Dec. 13 marked an opportunity for a family gathering of five generations.

Assembling in Freedom at the home of great-great grandfather William Mapleone week after Shiley's birth were great-grandmother Judy Runk, of Elkhart, Ind., grandmother Linda Handick,of Clinton, mother Amanda Lombardo, of Clinton, and baby Shiley.

n Students from the National Technical Honor Society at Parkway West Career and Technology Center attended the first Career and Technical Honor Student Recognition Day held at Penn State University's main campus in November. Society members statewide participated in activities and listened to speakers.

The purpose of the conference was to bring together society members from across the state for the first time to give them an opportunity to network with fellow members and to highlight opportunities for teaching in career and technical education settings.

n Parkway West Career and Technology Center welcomed Swedish journalist Louise Ribbing in October. She contacted the school to arrange a visit to observe and interview students and staff in the Automotive Technology and Auto Body programs.

Louise writes for a magazine published by the Vocational Training Board of the Swedish Motor Trade, titled "Bilproffs.se," which is distributed to students in related vocational programs in Sweden.

Louise interviewed Parkway instructors Todd Kieffer and Dave Pallerino to learn how career and technology schools prepare students in the United States.

She also interviewed Dave Chajkowski, a senior in the Automotive Technology Program from Keystone Oaks, and Rachel Lovely, also a Keystone Oaks senior in the program, about their experiences.

As a result, Rachel was featured on the cover of the issue. "There is a shortage of qualified auto technicians," Mr. Kieffer told Louise, pointing out that some of Parkway's graduates from the Automotive Technology Program are women who have secured successful jobs in the industry.

n Bill Leger, a senior at South Fayette High School earned his Eagle Scout award Dec. 9. The rank is the highest award a Scout can earn.

His Eagle project involved building a set of steps on the South Fayette Wetlands Trail and a podium for the outdoor class room amphitheater behind the South Fayette High School.

He is the son of Barbara & Bill Leger of South Fayette.