Debbie Newhouse, a proud 1981 Graduate of Derry Area High School, retired in 2021 following a distinguished 36-year career in special education, leaving a legacy of academic excellence, innovative teaching, and unwavering advocacy for her students. She earned both her bachelor's and master's Degrees from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and remained committed to lifelong learning, continually embracing new strategies to better serve her students. 

As a visionary in special education at Derry Area Middle School, Debbie played an instrumental role in developing and strengthening the Learning Support and Life Skills programs, helping create the foundation that continues to serve students today. Gifted with the rare ability to teach students with a wide range of exceptionalities, she transformed traditional instruction into engaging, individualized learning experiences that inspired academic achievement, personal growth, and independence. Her creativity, compassionate mentorship, and steadfast advocacy ensured her students felt valued, capable, and empowered to reach their fullest potential. 

Debbie believed a student's education did not begin and end with the ringing of the school bell. As Director of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) after-school program, she transformed after-school hours into opportunities for academic enrichment, personal growth, and meaningful connection. Whether in the classroom, after school, during the summer, or wherever students needed her most, Debbie met them where they were, ensuring every child had the support, encouragement, and opportunity to succeed. 

Debbie's extraordinary dedication earned local, regional, and national recognition. Her accolades include, but are not limited to, multiple Teacher of Excellence Awards throughout Pennsylvania's Western Region, recognition in Metropolitan's Who's Who, the nationally recognized Disney Hand Teacher Award, and the rare distinction of being selected for inclusion in Who's Who Among America's Teachers for four consecutive years—an achievement attained by only a select group of educators nationwide. 

While her accomplishments are remarkable, Debbie's greatest legacy is found in the enduring relationships she built with her students and their families. Long after leaving her classroom, former students continue to seek her guidance, celebrate life's milestones with her, and remain connected through the genuine bonds she cultivated. Her passion for education also inspired her sister and both of her sons to pursue careers in education, extending her influence well beyond her own classroom.  

Her legacy is measured not by the programs she helped build or the honors she received, but by the students whose lives were changed through her compassion, advocacy, and unwavering commitment. 

EDUCATOR - ADVOCATE - STEWARD

LTC Scott Dunlap is a 1997 graduate of Derry Area High School. In November 1996, during his senior year, he joined the Army Reserve as a military police officer. He remained in the Army Reserve until graduating from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he was commissioned into the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in August 2002 and entered full-time Active Guard Reserve (AGR) service. 

After graduation, LTC Dunlap attended Army flight school at Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he qualified to fly the AH-64 Apache helicopter. From June 2006 through December 2007, he deployed to Kosovo, which was then a province of Serbia seeking independence. While serving as a platoon leader, he logged more than 300 Imminent Danger flight hours in support of a safe and secure environment in Kosovo. Most of these flights directly supported ground units conducting intelligence-gathering operations. Kosovo declared its independence in February 2008 following the efforts of LTC Dunlap's unit and other supporting forces. 

Following this deployment, LTC Dunlap qualified as an instructor pilot in both the AH-64A Apache and the AH-64D Longbow Apache. He later qualified as a standardization instructor pilot in the AH-64D Longbow, a role in which he trained and evaluated Army instructor pilots. LTC Dunlap trained hundreds of Army aviators and prepared them for future missions. Most notably, aviators applied the skills gained through his instruction during combat deployments to Afghanistan in 2012-2013 and 2017-2018. Throughout his Army aviation career, LTC Dunlap logged more than 3,000 flight hours. 

In 2016, LTC Dunlap deployed again to Kosovo, this time in a different capacity. Assigned to the 28th Multinational Infantry Brigade as an operations officer, he directed and planned missions for more than 1,200 multinational soldiers. One of his primary responsibilities was educating the leadership of the Kosovo Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). This initiative was designed to help the Kosovo Army teach and train its soldiers in a manner similar to the U.S. military and to establish a force capable of defending the country. During this deployment, LTC Dunlap was also asked to establish specific aviation security measures for the U.S. Embassy in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). He received recognition from both the FYROM and Kosovo embassies. 

While stateside, LTC Dunlap helped the Pennsylvania Army National Guard prepare, train, and respond to humanitarian missions. As a commander, operations officer, and instructor pilot, he was extensively involved in these efforts. While stateside, he supported nearly every major hurricane-relief mission involving the Pennsylvania Army National Guard since 2010. His responsibilities included training pilots, planning relief missions, and executing support operations. Notable missions involved Hurricanes Irene, Ida, and Sandy, which affected Pennsylvania. Numerous relief and rescue operations were planned and executed, helping save lives throughout the Commonwealth.

Some rescues were conducted with the Pennsylvania Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team (HART), a program established with LTC Dunlap's assistance. HART uses civilian swift-water rescue swimmers transported by Army aircraft. The swimmers are lowered by hoist into areas inaccessible from the ground, including deeply wooded locations and fast-moving waterways.

After retiring from the military in 2022, LTC Dunlap worked for Air Methods, a medical helicopter transport company. He was assigned to MEDSTAR 1 in Somerset, Pennsylvania, which is affiliated with Conemaugh Memorial Hospital. He is currently employed by STAT MedEvac, a UPMC medical aviation company. LTC Dunlap has completed more than 300 lifesaving flights, including responses to vehicle crashes, workplace accidents, and fires; time-sensitive hospital transfers; and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) transports. 

Military Assignments 

1996-2002: Specialist and military police officer 

2002-2006: Battalion S-1 (administration) and Apache pilot 

2006-2007: Platoon leader and battle captain; Kosovo deployment

2007-2010: Apache company commander and instructor pilot 

2011-2013: Assistant S-3 (operations) and instructor pilot supervisor 

2014-2016: Infantry brigade aviation officer and instructor pilot supervisor 

2016-2017: Operations officer; Kosovo deployment 

2017-2019: Army Aviation Flight Facility operations officer 

2020-2022: Army Aviation Flight Facility commander 

Awards and Honors

LTC Dunlap's military awards include two Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, four Army Reserve Components Achievement Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, the Kosovo Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M" Device and Hourglass, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal for Service with NATO in Relation to Kosovo, and the Senior Army Aviator Badge.

His Pennsylvania awards include the Major Octavius V. Catto Medal, Pennsylvania Service Ribbon, Major General Thomas R. White Jr. Medal, and General Thomas J. Stewart Medal. 

Family and Derry Area Athletics

LTC Dunlap lives in Johnstown with his wife, Erin, whom he married in 2002, and their children, Haley, Aubrey, and Wesley.

While attending Derry Area High School, Dunlap was a three-year golf letterman and a two-year track letterman. He set the school's 4 x 400-meter relay record with classmates Justin Hill, Tim Lentz, and Ian Trask. 

Achievements and Accolades

Service to Those in Need 

• Completed multiple deployments to Kosovo 

• Provided instruction to the Kosovo military 

• Organizes an annual golf outing for wounded service members that raises more than $10,000 each year, with all proceeds directly supporting service members 

Direct Involvement in Rescue and Lifesaving Efforts 

• Completed more than 300 medical helicopter transports 

• Supported multiple military disaster-relief missions 

• Served as a helicopter instructor pilot 

Preparation for and Response to Natural Disasters and Emergencies 

• Supported multiple disaster-relief missions 

• Helped establish the Pennsylvania HART program 

• Developed an embassy aviation security response plan 

Judge Christopher A. Feliciani is a 1977 graduate of Derry Area Senior High School and a 1988 graduate of Ohio Northern University, Pettit College of Law, where he served as editor of the Law Review and Administrative Chief Justice of the Moot Court program.

Admitted to practice law in Ohio in 1988 and Pennsylvania in 1989, Judge Feliciani practiced law for more than a decade, including service as an Assistant Public Defender in Westmoreland County and as a partner with Berk, Whitehead, Kerr, Feliciani & Turin, P.C. His practice included family, criminal, municipal, and civil law, and he argued significant constitutional matters before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

In November 2003, Judge Feliciani was elected to the Court of Common Pleas of Westmoreland County, where he served in the Family, Civil, and Criminal Divisions. During his tenure in Family Court, he served as Administrative Judge of the Westmoreland County Children’s Bureau and was instrumental in advancing permanency and child welfare initiatives. He founded CASA of Westmoreland, Inc., and created the Accelerated Permanency Treatment Program, a Family Drug Court dedicated to helping families overcome addiction and reunite children with their parents.

Following his transfer to the Criminal Division, Judge Feliciani established the Criminal Drug Treatment Court, providing individuals struggling with substance use an opportunity for treatment, accountability, and rehabilitation.

In January 2022, Judge Feliciani was unanimously elected by his colleagues to serve as President Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Westmoreland County.

Through more than two decades on the bench, Judge Feliciani has distinguished himself through his commitment to justice, family, rehabilitation, and the people of Westmoreland County.

A distinguished jurist, devoted public servant, and proud son of the Derry community.

Terri Ridilla's lifelong love of music began at age seven when her parents purchased a used grand piano, opening the door to a lifetime of performance, teaching, and service. She credits that simple gift with shaping her life's purpose and believes that the gift of music is one of God's greatest blessings. 

A graduate of Derry Area High School, Terri studied piano, organ, and voice before earning a Bachelor of Music Education from Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Duquesne University. She continued advanced study at Carnegie Mellon University and the Music Academy of the West, studying with Claudia Pinza, Lee Cass, and Natale Bodanya.

As a performer, Terri appeared in leading operatic roles at Baldwin Wallace Conservatory, Duquesne University and with the Pennsylvania Opera Festival. She received the Pittsburgh Concert Society Award and had the unique opportunity to assist Luciano Pavarotti during his first visit to Pittsburgh for the Ezio Pinza Memorial Scholarship Competition.  

Terri's greatest legacy, however, has been in music education. Throughout her career, she built thriving music programs from the ground up, believing every student deserved the opportunity to experience the joy and discipline of music. At Laguna Blanca School in Santa Barbara, California, Terri transformed the music program from K–6 into a comprehensive K–12 program. She developed choirs, advanced music courses, musical productions, and opportunities for students to perform throughout the community. Under her leadership, students participated in major theatre performances and community events, including appearances connected with the Santa Barbara and UCSB arts communities. She also collaborated with Bodo Igesz, Metropolitan Opera stage director, and produced A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which earned her the ING National Education Honor, selected from more than 100,000 applicants, enabling her to produce another full-scale opera, Hansel and Gretel, with Bodo Igesz. 

Terri later brought her passion and vision to La Quinta High School in the Coachella Valley, where she once again built a music program from the ground up. Beginning with only one music class in a school of approximately 3,400 students, she developed multiple choirs, International Baccalaureate Music courses, music theory programs, and innovative performance opportunities. She created the beloved “Blackhawks on Broadway” productions, original musicals that allowed students of all abilities to participate as singers, dancers, musicians, actors, and costume designers. These productions became a source of pride and community for generations of students. 

A defining quality of Terri’s teaching was her ability to create a sense of belonging. Her students often described their ensembles as a “choir family”—a place where they supported one another, grew in confidence, and discovered talents they did not know they possessed. Her former students and colleagues frequently expressed that Terri taught much more than music; she taught perseverance, kindness, curiosity, and the importance of believing in oneself. 

Her impact was beautifully captured by a former principal who wrote that Terri “not only teaches music, she teaches life,” noting that her students became better students and better citizens because of their experiences in her classroom. Years after graduation, former students continue to reach out to share the lasting influence she had on their lives.

Beyond the classroom, Terri’s commitment to music and faith has remained central to her life. She has served as a church musician, vocalist, organist, conductor, and music director for many years. At Our Lady of Solitude Catholic Church in Palm Springs, she continues to share her musical gifts through worship and community service. She composed Missa di Gioia (“Mass of Joy”), also known as Grado Mass, inspired during her time in Italy. The work continues to be sung in churches and schools bringing her own music to the masses. 

Terri’s many honors include recognition as an Outstanding Teacher, induction into the Laguna Blanca School’s Walk of Fame, the ING National Education Honor, and the St. Bernardine Award presented by the Bishop of the Diocese of San Bernardino. 

Terri believes music is more than an art form—it is a force greater than ourselves, one that accompanies life’s most meaningful moments. She considers her greatest accomplishment to be the many lives that she has touched along the way.  

Guided by gratitude and the belief that “God’s Time Is the Best Time,” Terri Ridilla’s life in music reflects a remarkable journey of talent, hard work, dedication, faith, and generosity. From a little girl receiving a used piano to becoming a teacher inspiring thousands of students, she has spent her life giving away the very gift that first changed her own. 

We have the honor of recognizing Anthony “Norm” Basciano, who dedicated a large part of his life to Derry Area and to the students, athletes, and families in this community.

Norm graduated from Derry Area High School in 1962, where he was involved in both basketball and track. Derry Area did not have a baseball program at that time, but Norm did play baseball for the Latrobe Legion. After high school, he attended Indiana Teachers College (IUP) and later served two years in the Army during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Germany.

In 1969, Norm began his career at Derry Area. He started as a social studies teacher and basketball coach at the junior high school, where he taught until 1988. He then became a guidance counselor at Derry Area Senior High and continued in that role until his retirement in 2002.

Teaching and counseling were only part of Norm’s impact on Derry Area. During his career, he coached a remarkable 45 seasons in various sports. He spent 20 years coaching baseball, 16 years coaching football, and 9 years coaching basketball, giving countless hours to Derry Area’s athletic programs.

In football, Norm was on the coaching staff of the winning 1983 Keystone Conference Championship team. One of his biggest accomplishments came when he started Derry Area’s high school baseball program in 1978 alongside his great friend, Ned Cecchini.

In baseball, he led his team to their first section title in 1982, only four seasons after starting the program. The team’s next section title came in 1984, when they also won the WPIAL title just six years after starting the program. They also captured section titles in 1987, 1990, and 1992. In all, Norm earned more than 200 career victories during his coaching career.

When you look at Norm’s career, the wins and championships really don’t tell the whole story.

Over the years, so many of his players went on to play baseball at the collegiate and professional levels. Some of those players even came back to Derry to coach alongside him. Although those accomplishments are impressive, what mattered even more to Norm was what happened after those players left the field. They went on to become successful adults, husbands, fathers, and members of their communities.

One of the best things about a coach like Norm was the impact he had on his players. He wasn’t just teaching kids how to play baseball, football, and basketball. He was teaching them about teamwork, responsibility, hard work, and how to be good people.

His influence even continued with his own family. His sons followed in his footsteps, coaching baseball as well. One has led his high school team to many victories, including a state title in 2017, while the other has coached multiple youth baseball teams in the area. It is special to see Norm’s dedication to coaching carried forward by the next generation. 

For more than 50 years, Norm was a teacher, counselor, coach, mentor, and supporter of Derry Area. He gave so much of his time to this community, and the number of people he has impacted is impossible to count.

Travis Shaffer is recognized as one of the most accomplished wrestlers in the proud history of Derry Area wrestling. From 2008 through 2011, Shaffer represented Derry with extraordinary dedication, toughness, and determination, establishing a legacy built on championship excellence and a relentless pursuit of success.

Shaffer’s wrestling achievements began at an early age, when he quickly became recognized as one of Pennsylvania’s premier young competitors. He was a 5-time PJW State Medalist and 2-time PJW State Champion. He earned the prestigious Cliff Keen Nationals Trinity Award, becoming only the second wrestler in Pennsylvania history to receive the honor. Shaffer was also a 3-time member of the Cliff Keen World All-Star Team, representing himself and Derry wrestling among the nation’s elite youth wrestlers.

During his Derry Area High School career (2008-2011), Shaffer compiled an outstanding 147-22 career record and became one of the most decorated wrestlers in school history. Competing at 125 pounds as a freshman, 135 pounds as a sophomore and junior, and 140 pounds as a senior, Shaffer reached the pinnacle of Pennsylvania high school wrestling by capturing the 2011 PIAA State Championship at 140 pounds.

A 4-time PIAA State Medalist, Shaffer earned finishes of 5th, 5th, 4th, and 1st, while also becoming a 3-time WPIAL Champion and 3-time Southwest Regional Champion. His championship success and consistency against the state’s toughest competition cemented his place among Derry Area’s all-time great wrestlers.

Shaffer also made history at the county level, becoming the first 4-time Westmoreland County Champion in Derry wrestling history and only the eighth wrestler in Westmoreland County history to accomplish that remarkable achievement.

His accomplishments extended beyond Pennsylvania as he competed against many of the nation’s best wrestlers. Shaffer was an Ironman Tournament Medalist and a 4-time Powerade Tournament Medalist, earning finishes of 5th, 3rd, 1st, and 4th at one of the country’s premier high school wrestling events.

Representing Team Pennsylvania in the prestigious Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic, Shaffer delivered one of the most memorable performances of his career. He defeated No. 2 nationally ranked Hunter Stieber, 7-2, and was named Outstanding Wrestler after helping Team Pennsylvania defeat Team USA by a score of 27-18.

Following his outstanding high school career, Shaffer continued wrestling at the collegiate level, competing for the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. In four years of collegiate competition, he compiled a 61-42 career record and became a 2-time Eastern Wrestling League (EWL) placer.

Travis Shaffer’s career represents the highest standards of Derry Area wrestling — commitment, perseverance, toughness, and championship excellence. His accomplishments have left an enduring mark on the program and have secured his place among the greatest wrestlers in Derry Area history.

Jimmy Gulibon’s wrestling career is defined by excellence, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of greatness. His accomplishments at every level of the sport have established him as one of the most decorated wrestlers in Pennsylvania history.

Gulibon began building his legacy at the youth and junior high levels, becoming a 7-time Area III Champion and a 5-time PJW State Champion. Those early achievements laid the foundation for a remarkable career at Derry Area High School.

During his high school career (2008-2012), Gulibon compiled an extraordinary 136-4 record and became one of the most accomplished wrestlers in Derry Area history. Competing at 106 pounds as a freshman, 112 pounds as a sophomore, 119 pounds as a junior, and 126 pounds as a senior, Gulibon captured four PIAA State Championships (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012), winning titles in both Class AA and Class AAA.

His high school accomplishments include being a 4-time Section Champion, 4-time WPIAL Champion, and 4-time Regional Champion. He was also a member of Derry Area team that won the PA Southwest Class AAA Regional Individual Championship in 2009, helping establish one of the most successful eras in program history.

Gulibon’s dominance extended beyond Pennsylvania as he became one of only a handful of wrestlers to win four Powerade Christmas Tournament championships. He was also a 2-time WCCA Champion, a 3-time Ironman Tournament place winner, including an Ironman Championship, and the recipient of the prestigious Dapper Dan Outstanding Wrestler Award.

Continuing his career at Penn State University, Gulibon competed among the nation’s elite wrestlers. A four-year varsity starter, he earned NCAA Division I All-American honors with a 5th-place finish, was a Big Ten Conference Runner-Up, a member of three Big Ten Championship teams, and competed on four NCAA National Championship teams.

Jimmy Gulibon’s impact on wrestling extends far beyond his championship accomplishments. Through his leadership, passion, and dedication to the sport, he has inspired future generations of wrestlers. His contributions to the growth of wrestling, including helping advance the Neutral Danger Rule, demonstrate his continued commitment to the sport he has represented with distinction.

Jimmy Gulibon’s legacy is one of championships, perseverance, and excellence — an enduring example of what it means to be a Hall of Fame wrestler.

The 1930 Derry Township Football Team stands as one of the greatest teams in the proud history of Derry football. Representing excellence, determination, discipline, and teamwork, this remarkable group of student-athletes established a championship legacy that continues to inspire generations.

The 1930 squad completed a perfect 12-0 season, becoming the only undefeated and untied team in more than 100 years of Derry Township, Derry Borough, and Derry Area football history. The team dominated its competition, outscoring opponents 318-40 while demonstrating the preparation, toughness, and unity of a true championship program.

The Golden Eagles opened the season with a dominant (44-0) victory over Nanty Glo.  They followed with wins over Lily (26-0), Franklin (18-12), and Youngwood (19-0). A narrow shutout (6-0) against Mount Pleasant began the second half of the season.  The Eagles would then go on to defeat Derry Borough (44-0), Greensburg (26-15), and Ligonier (31-7). They closed out the regular season with three straight shutouts beating Trafford (28-0), New Florence (37-0), and Hurst (20-0).

With no WPIAL championship contested during the 1930 season, the WPIAL committee awarded Derry Township the Class B championship trophy in recognition of its outstanding achievement. The team’s perfect season remains unmatched in program history.

The only other undefeated season in Derry football history came in 1939, when Derry Township finished 8-0-1. While that team achieved an outstanding unbeaten record, the 1930 squad remains the only team to complete a perfect undefeated and untied season.

Since that historic championship, two other Derry teams have advanced to the WPIAL Championship Game. The 1945 Derry Township team fell to Dormont (30-19), and the 2018 Derry Area team lost to Aliquippa (42-19), leaving the 1930 Derry Township team as the program’s only WPIAL Football Champion at the time of this induction.  

A notable member of the 1930 team was Harry “Sticks” Johnson. In 1934, while playing football for Saint Vincent College, he was named an Associated Press All American. In 1967, he was elected to the second Athletic Hall of Fame class at SVC. Mr. Johnson also held the Derry Area broad jump record for over 60 years.  

The 1930 Derry Township football team set the standard for generations to follow.