The Fleetwood Area School District and the FASD Foundation are very pleased to announce the selection of two individuals as Distinguished Alumni of Fleetwood Area High School. The induction ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 14th during the high school’s Band and Orchestra Spring Concert.
The honorees earned recognition through their outstanding service to the country or to the Fleetwood community.
Esther Schlegel, Class of 1920, will be honored for her service to the community. She served as an elementary teacher for the Fleetwood Joint Schools for 44 years. Ms. Schlegel also served on the Berks Visiting Nurse Association Board for 50 years. She was a very active community member, including being a volunteer for the Fleetwood Historical Society. She devoted a great deal of time to the Society’s Centennial and Golden Jubilee celebrations. She also served as a Sunday School Teacher. Mrs. Schlegel died at the age of 97 in 2000.
Lieutenant Colonel Richard Becker, Class of 1944, will be honored for his service to our country. He had a lifetime career in the United States Air Force. During World War II, he served in the European African Mid-East Campaign. During the Korean War, he earned the recognition of being the first American Jet Ace, flying the F-86A Jet Fighter. He was also the first American Jet vs. Jet Ace. A pilot must shoot down five enemy jets in air combat in order to earn this recognition. He was awarded the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Purple Heart. Mr. Becker passed away in January of this year at the age of 88 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC. His family now resides in Michigan.
It is a privilege to recognize these two outstanding individuals for their service to our community and our country. Each will be honored with a plaque that will be displayed on the wall opposite the high school auditorium. Individuals wishing to make a nomination for next year may do so through the district’s web site at www.fleetwoodasd.org. Click on the Parents and Community tab, then click on the Fleetwood Foundation, and look for the Nomination form.
Upcoming Events in the Fleetwood Area School District
May 7 – HS Jazz and Choral Spring Concert, 7:00 p.m. HS Auditorium
May 7 – Willow Creek Elementary Night of the Arts / Open House and 1st and 2nd Grade Concerts 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
May 11 – Middle School Advanced Spring Concert, 7:00 p.m. HS Auditorium
May 14 – HS Band and Orchestra Spring Concert, 7:00 p.m. HS Auditorium
May 14 – Andrew Maier Elementary Open House, Art Show, and 1st and 2nd Grade Concerts 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
May 21 – HS Underclassmen Awards, 7:00 p.m. HS Auditorium
May 21 – Richmond Elementary Open House, Art Show, and 1st and 2nd Grade Concerts 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
May 25 – Memorial Day, No School
May 27 – HS Athletic Awards Program – 6:00 p.m. HS Auditorium
May 28 – Senior Recognition Night – 7:00 p.m. HS Auditorium
May 29 – Music Banquet – 6:00 p.m. HS Cafeteria
The Board of School Directors will hold its business meeting on May 12th at 7:00 p.m. in the high school board room.
