Elite status
A look at Uniontown Academics, Arts and Athletics HOF Class of 2026
The Uniontown Area High School Academics, Arts and Athletics Hall of Fame will put its Class of 2026 on display during the Red Raiders football opener on Sept. 4 at Bill Power Stadium and the group will be officially inducted early the next day at the high school.
This year’s team is the 2002 Uniontown boys golf squad which went 14-0. Individual inductees will be Terrance Vaughns, Darrin McLee and Dr. Dana N. Perno under Athletics, Dr. Gene L. Theodori, Matt Hartley and Brandy L. King under Academics, Laura Frankhouser, Mary Ann Petro Grossman and Rev. Dr. LindaJo McKim under Arts, Josilyn M. Burnsworth under Vocational Technology, and Erik L. Friend under Special Recognition.
The Class of 2025 will be recognized on Friday, Sept. 5 when the Red Raiders host Brownsville at Bill Power Stadium in a pregame ceremony, and will be officially inducted at the high school auditorium the following morning after a brunch in the cafeteria beginning at 9:45 a.m.
Tickets are $30 for the brunch, which begins at 9 a.m., and the induction ceremony, which follows, and can be purchased by contacting Hall of Fame Board Chairman Tony Mercadante at 301-643-1499 or via email at acmerc@msn.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.
Following are capsules on the Class of 2025 as provided by the Hall of Fame:
ATHLETICS
DARRIN MCLEE: UNIONTOWN STANDOUT BUILT A LEGACY ON AND OFF THE COURT
Basketball excellence runs deep in the McLee family and Darrin McLee proudly added his name to that legacy with an outstanding career at Uniontown High School and a successful life beyond athletics.
Growing up in Uniontown’s East End, McLee developed his game on neighborhood playgrounds before focusing solely on basketball in high school. A key contributor for the Red Raiders, he helped lead Uniontown to multiple WPIAL and PIAA playoff appearances under legendary coach Lash Nesser. As a senior in 1983-84, McLee scored 513 points, finishing his career with 1,060 points despite playing before the three-point line. He earned All-Section honors twice and was named to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Terrific 20 team.
McLee fondly recalls playing in Uniontown’s aggressive “Jet Set” defense alongside Darwin Ramsey and Mike Belt, as well as the fierce rivalry with Laurel Highlands. He credits his coaches and his mother, Lavata, for instilling discipline, respect, and a strong work ethic.
After a brief stop at California University of Pennsylvania, McLee joined the U.S. Navy, where he served four years and played basketball aboard the USS New Jersey. He later earned engineering and master’s degrees and built a successful career with CBRE in Los Angeles.
Reflecting on his journey, McLee says he simply “made the most of my opportunities,” a philosophy that has defined his athletic achievements and professional success.
DANA PERNO: CHAMPION ATHLETE, SCHOLAR, AND ACCOMPLISHED DENTIST
Dana Perno’s remarkable journey from Uniontown High School standout to successful dentist is a testament to excellence in athletics, academics, and professional achievement.
Raised in Uniontown’s Pea Ridge neighborhood, Perno starred in both football and basketball during the mid-1970s. As quarterback under Hall of Fame coach Jim Render, he helped revive the Uniontown-Laurel Highlands rivalry with a memorable 56-7 victory. On the basketball court, he led Coach Abe Everhart’s Red Raiders to a 27-1 season, WPIAL championship, and a berth in the PIAA state playoffs. Averaging 19.5 points per game, Perno earned All-State honors and was selected to play in the prestigious Dapper Dan Roundball Classic.
Pernon continued his basketball career at West Virginia University, serving as team captain during his senior season while averaging 12.5 points per game. A two-time Eastern Eight Player of the Week, he also excelled academically, graduating magna cum laude with a biology degree, earning Student of the Year honors, and receiving Honorable Mention Academic All-America recognition.
He went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from WVU in 1983 and established a successful dental practice in Phoenix, Arizona. Today, Perno enjoys life with his wife, their two daughters, and remains an avid outdoorsman whose accomplishments continue to reflect the values of hard work, leadership, and lifelong learning.
TERRANCE VAUGHNS: A CHAMPION ON THE COURT, A LEADER FOR LIFE
Terrance Vaughns cemented his place among Uniontown High School’s greatest athletes through a career defined by leadership, clutch performances, and a relentless commitment to winning. A four-year varsity starter, Vaughns helped lead the Red Raiders to a remarkable 92-20 record, a WPIAL championship, two state championship appearances, and four WPIAL playoff berths.
Known as one of Pennsylvania’s premier guards, Vaughns delivered some of the most memorable moments in Uniontown basketball history. He sank the game-winning free throws to upset top-ranked Schenley in the 2000 state playoffs, scored a career-high 36 points against Bethel Park, and shot an incredible 93 percent from the free-throw line during his senior season. He earned every major honor available, including WPIAL Player of the Year, Fayette County Player of the Year, First Team All-State, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Fab Five, and Tribune-Review Terrific 10.
Vaughns carried that success to Clarion University, where he became one of the school’s most decorated players, scoring 1,320 career points while earning multiple All-PSAC honors. He later coached at California University of Pennsylvania before building a successful career as a vice president with W.W. Grainger.
Remembered for his humility as much as his accomplishments, Vaughns credits his family, coaches, and teammates for his success. His lasting legacy of excellence, leadership, and character continues to inspire generations of Red Raiders.
ACADEMICS
DR. GENE THEODORI: HONORED FOR NATIONAL IMPACT IN RURAL SOCIOLOGY
Uniontown native Dr. Gene L. Theodori has built an internationally recognized career as a scholar, educator, and administrator whose research has transformed the understanding of rural communities and energy development.
A 1990 graduate of Uniontown Area High School, Theodori earned degrees from California University of Pennsylvania, Texas A&M University, and Penn State before embarking on a distinguished academic career. Now Associate Provost for Academic and Research Administration and Chief Research Officer at Lamar University, he previously held tenured faculty positions at Texas A&M and Sam Houston State University.
Theodori has secured more than $2.5 million in research funding, authored 95 peer-reviewed publications, presented more than 140 conference papers, and mentored countless students. His pioneering work examining the social impacts of shale energy development earned him a leadership role on the Texas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, Science and Technology Shale Task Force.
In 2019, he received theDistinguished Rural Sociologist Award, the highest honor presented by the Rural Sociological Society. His scholarly influence has placed him among the top two percent of scientists worldwide in citations.
Throughout his career, Theodori has remained committed to improving rural communities through research, education, and public service, bringing national distinction to both his profession and his hometown of Uniontown.
MATT HARTLEY: UNIONTOWN NATIVE LEADS THROUGH SERVICE AND INNOVATION
Matt Hartley has built a career defined by leadership, service, and innovation, carrying the values he learned in Uniontown from military service to the forefront of the cybersecurity industry.
A 1993 Uniontown Area High School graduate, Hartley earned an appointment to the United States Naval Academy, where he graduated in 1997 with a degree in mathematics and a Navy commission. He served as an engineering officer aboard the USS Cole before transferring shortly before the tragic 2000 terrorist attack. Hartley later commanded a Mark V Special operations craft detachment with Special Boat Unit 20, completing five years of distinguished military service.
After earning an MBA from the University of Maryland, Hartley transitioned into the private sector, becoming a respected leader in cybersecurity. Over the past two decades, he has hold executive positions with BMC Software, MobileIron, Optio Labs, ForeScourt Technologies, iBoss, and HYPR. Today, he serves as Chief Revenue Officer for Horizon3.ai, helping drive innovation in autonomous cybersecurity while mentoring future business leaders.
Hartley credits the discipline, teamwork, and sense of purpose instilled in Uniontown and the Naval Academy for his success. He and his wife, Anita, reside in Northern Virginia with their twin daughters, where he continues to balance family life, professional leadership, and a lifelong commitment to service and excellence.
BRANDY L. KING: ENGINEERING SUCCESS THROUGH EXCELLENCE AND SERVICE
Brandy L. King has combined academic excellence, engineering innovation, and a commitment to faith and family to build an inspiring career in STEM.
Raised in Uniontown, King excelled from an early age, attending St. John Byzantine Catholic School, Lafayette School, and Uniontown High School. At UHS, she was a standout student, cross country runner, softball player, cheerleader, and science competitor. Graduating first in her class and earning the prestigious Teacher’s Choice Award, she credits her teachers and coaches with instilling the work ethic that shaped her future.
King continued her education at Cornell University, earning a degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering while participating in research, internships, and numerous campus activities. After graduation, she joined Greene, Tweed, where she developed expertise in advanced materials and product development. Today, she serves as a Development Engineer III, helping solve complex engineering challenges in demanding environments. Her achievements earned her the national STEP Ahead “Emerging Leader” Award, recognizing outstanding women in manufacturing.
Outside the workplace, King is dedicated to mentoring young people through STEM outreach and volunteering at her church. She and her husband, Aaron, are raising three children while balancing family and professional life.
King credits her success to the unwavering support of her family, strong faith, and the educational foundation she received in Uniontown. She hopes to inspire future generations – especially women – to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
ARTS
LAURA FRANKHOUSER: FASHION LEADER WITH UNIONTOWN ROOTS
Laura Frankhouser has transformed a lifelong passion for creativity into an accomplished career as a fashion designer, creative director, and merchandising executive while remaining deeply connected to the values she learned growing up in Uniontown.
After graduating from Uniontown Area High School, Frankhouser earned degrees in Fashion Design from Ursuline College and the Fashion Institute of Technology. Early in her career, she received the prestigious Josie Natori Critics Choice Award, launching more than three decades of leadership in the fashion industry.
Frankhouser has held executive roles with several leading apparel companies and currently serves as Creative Director and Merchandiser for the Ruby & Lace division of American Exchange Group. Throughout her career, she has led product development, trend forecasting, and global sourcing while creating successful collections for major retailers including Walmart, Macy’s, TJ Maxx, Ross, Burlington, Forever 21, and Rue21.
Beyond her professional success, Frankhouser is dedicated to giving back. She volunteers with New York City organizations including God’s Love We Deliver and Washington Square Park Mutual Aid while mentoring young professionals entering the fashion industry.
She credits her family, teachers, and the Uniontown community for instilling the perseverance, creativity, compassion, and work ethic that have guided her career. Her induction into the Uniontown Area High School Hall of Fame recognizes not only her achievements in fashion, but also her leadership, generosity, and commitment to inspiring future generations.
MARY ANN PETRO GROOSMAN: A LIFETIME OF LEADERSHIP, SERVICE, AND HEALING
Mary Ann Petro Grossman has built an extraordinary career spanning international affairs, corporate leadership, nonprofit development, and mental health counseling, all rooted in the educational foundation she received in Uniontown.
A 1967 graduate of Uniontown Area High School, Grossman earned degrees from the University of Pittsburgh and Columbia University, where she studied international affairs and participated in the prestigious United Nations Graduate Student Intern Program. Her early career included work with the United Nations Development Programme before moving into leadership roles in financial services with CitGroup, Reuters, CNBC/Dow Jones, and Standard & Poor’s.
Following the events of Sept. 11, 2002, Grossman devoted her career to nonprofit organizations, leading major fundraising and community initiatives for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, Forestdale Children and Family Services, UC Berkeley, and several other organizations. In 2023, she began a new chapter, earning a master’s degree in counseling psychology and becoming an Associated Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Clinical Counselor, helping individuals recover from trauma, mental illness, and substance use disorders.
A lifelong learner, musician, and published author, Grossman credits Uniontown’s academic and music programs for inspiring her success. Her remarkable career reflects a steadfast commitment to service, compassion, and empowering others, making her a deserving member of the Uniontown Area High School Hall of Fame.
DR. LINDAJO MCKIM: A LIFETIME OF FAITH, MUSIC, AND LEADERSHIP
Dr. LindaJo McKim has dedicated her life to music, ministry, education, and scholarship, earning national recognition while remaining proud of her Uniontown roots.
A 1964 graduate of Uniontown High School, McKim discovered her passion for music early, earning a bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University, where she was the University’s Young Artist Competition winner and a four-year recipient of the Board of Governors Scholarship in Voice. After teaching music and performing with opera companies, she earned advanced degrees from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and theUniversity of Dubuque, becoming an ordained Presbyterian minister.
Throughout a distinguished career spanning more than four decades, McKim served as pastor, seminary professor, editor, and national church leader. She chaired the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s Standing Committee on Church Polity, taught at several universities and seminaries, and became a nationally respected consultant on worship, hymnody, Christian education, and spirituality.
An accomplished author and editor, McKim edited the Presbyterian Hymnal and wrote the Presbyterian Hymnal Companion along with numerous articles and educational resources that have influenced churches across the country.
Now residing in Knoxville, Tennessee, with her husband, the Rev. Donald K. McKim, she continues to enjoy writing, music, and community service. Her remarkable career reflects a lifelong commitment to faith, education, and the arts, making her a deserving member of the Uniontown Area High School Hall of Fame.
VOCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY
JOSILYN BURNSWORTH: A JOURNEY OF COMPASSION, PERSEVERANCE, AND LIFELONG LEARNING
Josilyn Burnsworth’s life is a remarkable example of resilience, determination, and a steadfast commitment to serving others. A 1999 graduate of Uniontown Area High School, she has built an inspiring career in nursing while overcoming challenges that have strengthened both her character and her dedication to her profession.
While at Uniontown, Burnsworth graduated with highest honors, was a member of the National Honor Society, and excelled in the Fayette County Vo-Tech Health Occupations Program. Her passion for healthcare was recognized early when she earned certification as a nursing assistant and was named the program’s Outstanding Student of the Year in 1997.
As a young mother of two shortly after graduation, Burnsworth faced the demanding responsibility of raising a family while pursuing her educational goals. Despite putting her studies on hold to care for her children, she never lost sight of her dream. In 2006, she earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from Westmoreland County Community College and began her career as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit.
Throughout her nursing career, Burnsworth has distinguished herself through compassionate patient care and exceptional leadership. She has served in numerous leadership roles, including charge nurse, nursing supervisor, trauma outreach coordinator, and mentor to new nurses. Her commitment to excellence extended beyond the bedside as she participated in hospital and community initiatives focused on improving patient care and healthcare outcomes.
Dedicated to lifelong learning Burnsworth earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2016 and was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor of Society of Nursing. Continuing to advance education while raising a family of four, she completed her Master of Science in Nursing as an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner from Walden University, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2024. Today, she provides specialized care of patients recovering from severe neurological injuries and diseases in a neurocritical care unit.
Burnsworth credits her success to the unwavering support of her family, teachers, mentors, and friends, whose encouragement gave her the confidence to persevere through life’s challenges. Her story is one of faith, gratitude, and determination, demonstrating that obstacles can become opportunities through hard work and resilience.
Josilyn Burnsworth’s outstanding professional accomplishments, unwavering commitment to compassionate healthcare, and inspiring example of lifelong learning make her a deserving inductee into the Uniontown Area High School Hall of Fame.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
ERIK FRIEND: A CAREER OF COURAGE, SERVICE, AND LEADERSHIP
Erik Friend has devoted his life to protecting others through an exceptional career in law enforcement marked by courage, integrity, and unwavering service to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
A 1994 graduate of Uniontown Area High School, Friend earned a bachelor’s degree in Gerontology from California University of Pennsylvania before entering the Pennsylvania State Police Academy in 1999. During his distinguished 25-year career with the Pennsylvania State Police, he served in patrol, criminal investigations, forensic services, intelligence, vice, and undercover operations, earning numerous commendations for outstanding performance and dedication.
Among his many achievements, Friend was named 2002 Trooper of the Year for Troop B Uniontown after apprehending a bank robbery suspect and solving numerous major criminal cases. He later spent 18 years in specialized undercover and intelligence assignments, where his leadership helped dismantle major narcotics trafficking organizations, solve homicide and overdose investigations, and seize millions of dollars in illegal drugs, firearms, and criminal proceeds. His work earned recognition from the Pennsylvania State Police, RBI, DEA, and numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
In 2022, Friend was selected to serve with the FBI as a Federal Task Force Officer and later as co-unit supervisor of a violent gang task force, receiving one of the RBI’s highest awards presented to outside law enforcement officers. Throughout his career, he also participated in several high-profile security assignments, including the presidential motorcade for former President Bill Clinton, Flight 93 security operations, the Republican National Convention, and the G-20 Summit.
Following her retirement from the Pennsylvania State Police in 2024, Friend returned to his alma mater as one of the Chiefs of Police for the Uniontown Area School District, continuing his lifelong commitment to serving and protecting his community.
Erik Friend’s extraordinary record of leadership, professionalism, and public service reflects the very best of Uniontown and makes him a truly deserving inductee into the Uniontown Area High School Hall of Fame.
TEAM
2002 BOYS GOLF: A CHAMPIONSHIP LEGACY
The 2002 Uniontown Area High School Golf Team established itself as one of the finest teams in school history, completing an undefeated season and capturing the Section Championship with a perfect 14-0 record. Their remarkable achievement capped an extraordinary three-year run in which the team lost only two matches, a testament to their talent, consistency, and dedication.
Coached by Aaron Scott, the team featured an exceptional blend of veteran leadership and young talent. Seniors Bobby Umbel, Ryan Hutnick, and Jon Latsnic provided experience, while juniors Greg Franko, Zach Rockwell, Jarrod Bartok, Scott Bell, Trey Mallicone, Luke Dvorchak, Fred Meucci, Cameron Kopek, and Jonathan Yezior, along with sophomore Jim Kish, formed one of the deepest lineups in the WPIAL.
Playing their home matches at Duck Hollow Golf Course, Uniontown routinely posted outstanding scores, averaging an impressive 189.6 in team competition. Several golfers consistently averaged near or below 40 for nine holds, led by Greg Franko (35.4) and Zach Rockwell (35.9), making Uniontown one of the strongest teams in Western Pennsylvania.
The Red Raiders’ greatest challenge came from longtime rival Laurel Highlands, another powerhouse program loaded with talent. Uniontown rose to the occasion, defeating Laurel Highlands twice during the season and proving themselves the premier team in the section.
The team’s success extended from beyond the regular season. Uniontown finished fourth in the WPIAL Team Semifinals, while Greg Franko, Zach Rockwell, and Jarrod Bartok qualified individually for the WPIAL semifinals. Franko advanced to the PIAA Golf Championships, representing Uniontown on the state stage. The team also etched its name into the record books by setting a school scoring record with a six-over-par 181 against Laurel Highlands during the previous season.
Beyond the wins and championships, the 2002 team was remembered for its camaraderie, sportsmanship, and pride in representing Uniontown during one of the school’s greatest athletic years. Alongside successful football and WPIAL championship basketball teams, the golf team helped define an era of excellence in Red Raider athletics.
The accomplishments of the 2002 Uniontown Golf Team remain a lasting source of pride for the school and community, making them truly deserving of induction into the Uniontown Area High School Hall of Fame.