INTERBORO ALUMNI
David Dunleavy
“Interboro Class of 1988”
David Dunleavy, an American artist, painter, muralist, designer, graphic artist and sculptor, is considered in his mechanical virtuosity and immense diversity to be an influential figure in conservation contemporary art. He is widely recognized as one of the most celebrated endangered species artists. To date, David has painted 54 life-sized and larger than life murals along the Eastern Seaboard from Atlantic City, to the Florida Keys, and the Bahamas Islands. The largest environmental awareness mural is located at the Melbourne Aquarium in Australia, and the endangered species mural painted in Cape May is a historic landmark. David has dedicated his talent for the preservation of our fragile ocean planet, raising awareness and inspiring people to come together to take action and become part of the solution to face the challenges of protecting the earth. He supports many marine conservation organizations by donating original art for auctions.
William W. Walls, Jr.
“Prospect Park Class of 1950”
After serving in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, William Walls graduated from Swarthmore College with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He joined the Boeing Company’s Helicopter Division in Philadelphia in 1959 holding various positions until becoming a Boeing vice president in 1988. In 1992, he became Vice President of Research and Engineering where he remained until his retirement in 1996. He received the Honorary Fellow award for outstanding achievement from the American Helicopter Society in 1991. The highest honor the American Helicopter Society bestows on an individual for notable achievement in advancing the field of vertical aeronautics is the Dr. Alexander Klemin Award. Mr. Walls was the recipient of this internationally recognized award in 1997 for “an outstanding aeronautical engineer, for his advancement of the rotorcraft industry through ground breaking research and devotion to education.”
Francis R. Hoffman
“Staff”
Francis R. Hoffman graduated from East Stroudsburg State Teacher’s College and began his coaching career at Northampton High School in New Jersey in 1931. He won his first championship in 1933. His winning record for 5 different sports over the next 40 years was 80.5%. In 1940, his Glen-Nor Indians were undefeated, untied and unscored upon – a truly unbelievable accomplishment. The following year (1941) Glen-Nor was undefeated and untied. He was named Man of the Year at Maplewood High School in 1951. Coach Hoffman was the recipient of the Essex County chapter of the National Football Hall of Fame Distinguished Coach Award in 1991 at Columbia High School in South Orange, NJ. In that same year, Coach Hoffman received a congratulatory letter from President George Bush recognizing Glen-Nor’s two outstanding seasons. At that time this accomplishment had been unequaled in 77 years of Delaware County record keeping.
Michael J. Pladus
“Staff Member”
Dr. Michael Pladus, a three sport athlete, scholar-athlete and president of his class at Shenandoah Valley High School, earned his Bachelor’s degree from Kutztown State College, Master’s degrees from both Temple University and the University of Scranton, and a Doctoral degree from the Teachers College of Columbia University. His awards and honors include induction in the Little League Hall of Excellence in Williamsport, the Pennsylvania District XI Wrestling Coach of the Year Award, induction in the Northwestern Lehigh and the Schuylkill County Wrestling Hall of Fame, and the Kutztown University Wrestling 1970’s Hall of Fame and All Decade Team. As principal of Interboro High School for seven years, and Superintendent of the district for two, Michael Pladus was a tireless advocate for students and learning. In 1999, Interboro High School earned the distinction of being named a Pennsylvania Blue Ribbon School, and Dr. Pladus was named Pennsylvania High School Principal of the Year and the National High School Principal of the Year, the only principal from Pennsylvania to have received this honor.
Jack and Verne Bixby
“Staff” and “Community Members”
Mr. and Mrs. Bixby served in almost every capacity of community service. The Bixby’s are known to be beacons for the “right thing to do.” Their hallmark of fairness is the way they respected others and their opinions. They dedicated their lives in service to their church and community by being involved. He as a coach, scoutmaster, President of Norwood Borough Council, a member of the Norwood Recreation Board and a board member of the Norwood Boys Club. She as the epitome of the perfect teacher – wise, patient, sharing from the heart and never giving less than her very best. Mr. Bixby served as vice principal, principal and then as assistant superintendent for the Interboro School District, retiring in 1984. Mrs. Bixby taught at Norwood Elementary School, retiring with 22 years of service.