The Fleetwood Area School District and the FASD Foundation are very pleased to announce the selection of five individuals as Distinguished Alumni of Fleetwood Area High School. The induction ceremony will be held on Friday, May 16 during the high school’s Spring Concert.
The honorees earned recognition through their outstanding service to the Fleetwood community, or through their outstanding contributions to their professions.
Lester Hoch of the Class of 1930 is being recognized for his outstanding service to the community. He served as the Treasurer for the Borough of Fleetwood for 33 years. He was a Fleetwood Grange volunteer and officer for over 60 years. Mr. Hoch served as the manager of the Fleetwood Cemetery (a voluntary position) for over 40 years. He has been a member of the Patriotic Order Sons of the American Revolution for 84 years. He has also been a member of the American Legion and the Orioles. He is also a retired director of Fleetwood Bank.
The remaining four honorees are all being recognized for their outstanding contributions to their professions.
Richard Kleppinger, M.D. of the Class of 1942 pioneered surgical procedures that improved obstetrical and gynecological practice. He was a pioneer in female sterilization techniques.
He developed surgical devices that are now used throughout the world. He declined the royalties for the sales of the instruments and requested that the funds be applied to reducing the price of the instruments in third world countries. Dr. Kleppinger was a community leader for women’s reproductive health in Berks County. He also served as the director of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Reading Hospital and Medical Center.
Ronald Noll of the Class of 1947 was an Emmy Award Winner for his music on CBS Television. He received the International Broadcasting Award and the Peabody Award for distinguished and meritorious public service. Mr. Noll was also the Music Director and Conductor of the Village Light Opera Company for over fifty years. He served as the music supervisor and manager of the CBS Music Library.
The Honorable Jeffrey K. Sprecher, Class of 1968, was elected Berks County Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in 1992 and continues to serve on the bench. He is the author of a book that highlights the injustice of mandatory minimum sentences. He serves as an adjunct professor at Albright College, Alvernia University, St. Joseph’s University, and Reading Area Community College. Judge Sprecher also provides Scholarships for Fleetwood Area High School graduates and provides lectures on legal issues for high school students.
Last, but certainly not least, Charles Kopicz, Jr., Class of 1988, was awarded NASA’s Distinguished Public Service Medal (NASA’s highest civilian honor). He is also a NASA Space Flight Awareness Launch Honoree STS-125. Mr. Kopicz shares the Guinness World Record for Fastest Air-Breathing Aircraft. (The X-43A achieved Mach 9.68 in November 2004; broke X-43A March 2004 record Mach 6.83.) He is also an American Institute of Astronautics and Aeronautics Associate Fellow.
It is a privilege to recognize these five outstanding individuals for their contributions. Each will be honored with a plaque that will be displayed on the wall opposite the high school auditorium entrance. Individuals wishing to make a nomination for next year may do so through the district’s web site at www.fleetwoodasd.k12.pa.us.
Upcoming Events in the Fleetwood Area School District
May 5 – Elementary-Wide 3rd Grade Concert 7 p.m., High School Auditorium
May 6 – Middle School Intermediate Spring Concert & Art Show 7 p.m., Middle School Auditorium
May 8 – Middle School 5th Gr. Science Fair/Art Show – 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
May 8 – Richmond Elementary Art Show and 1st and 2nd Grade Concerts, 6 p.m.
May 9 – Teacher In-Service, No School For Students
May 12 – Middle School Advanced Spring Concert, 7 p.m., High School Auditorium
May 15 – Willow Creek Elementary Night of the Arts, 6 p.m.
May 16 – High School Spring Concert, 7 p.m.
May 21 – High School Underclassman Awards Ceremony, 7 p.m.
May 22 – Andrew Maier Elementary Art Show/1st and 2nd Grade Concerts, 7 p.m.
May 22 – High School Spring Concert and Art Show, 7 p.m.
May 26 – Memorial Day, Schools Closed
May 29 – High School Senior Recognition Night, 7 p.m.
The Board of School Directors will meet on May 6 and 13 both at 7 p.m.