Everyday Hero program at Highlands renamed to honor late Brackenridge chief

District Judge Carolyn Bengel imparted a wise bit of advice to Highlands fifth graders during a school assembly Friday afternoon.

“Dance like no one’s watching,” she told the group of preteens at the Harrison middle school.

What that means, she said, is don’t seek recognition for being their best selves.

“Be the person who follows the rules and makes other people feel good, even if no one notices,” Bengel said.

The magistrate is host of the district’s Everyday Hero program, sponsored by the Optimist Club of Allegheny Valley. In its 28th year, the event honors one boy and girl from each of the district’s seven fifth grade classrooms for being respectful, responsible and kind.

The honorees are voted on by their peers.

This year, the Optimist Club voted to change the name of the program to reflect someone Bengel called a model citizen: the late Brackenridge police Chief Justin McIntire, who was killed Jan. 2 in the line of duty.

“We can honor the chief by being the best person we can be all the time,” Bengel said.

McIntire is recalled by many for getting out of his police car and playing with kids, chatting with residents and not seeking the limelight.

His widow, Ashley, was on hand to congratulate the students for their honor. Brackenridge police Sgt. Mike Duffy also was there to recognize his late friend and boss.

Principal Rebecca Bragan said honoring the chief exemplifies the core values of the program and gives the students admirable qualities to strive for.

“I think it’s great that at fifth grade, they recognize the good qualities in each other and support one another,” she said. “We’re honored to be a part of this.”

School leaders noted that the awards are driven by student votes, not those of teachers or administrators.

The honorees

• The recognized students are Nora McCorkle and Elijah Irvine, from Shawn Bennis’ homeroom;

• Kymberlie Nguyen and Timothy Connelly, from Scott Cale’s homeroom;

• Kaliyah Walker-Linnen and Sam Kuhn, from Amanda Coulter and Bridgette Jodon’s homeroom;

• Sha’niyah Castro and Emmett Johnson, from Jennifer Hartle’s homeroom;

• Rylie Fox and Remy Carnahan, from Kevin Mason’s homeroom;

• Faith Yonkoske and Mason Shaffer, from Kylie Shield’s homeroom;

•and Isabelle Richards and Luca Chiusano, from Jaime Zolinas’ homeroom.

Bengel asked the audience to shout out the qualities of the students they honored with their selections.

They answered with “pays attention,” “follows the rules,” “has good manners” and “does all their work.”

“You sure didn’t pick a bully, or someone who’s unkind, did you?” Bengel asked.

“You picked someone who makes you feel good and someone you would want to be stuck on a deserted island with.”