Avonworth School DistrictHall of DistinctionClass of 2019
The Avonworth School District is pleased to announce the inaugural class for the Avonworth Hall of Distinction. The inaugural class included five deserving individuals who were selected from a total of thirty candidates. Congratulations to Mr. James Knox (deceased), Mr. John Lenzner, Mr. Charles Lenzner, Dr. Bruno Raso, and Mr. Robert Schulz.
The purpose of the Avonworth Hall of Distinction is to recognize Avonworth High School alumni, community members, and employees of the Avonworth School District who have made outstanding accomplishments and/or achievements in their careers or in service to the school district community. The inaugural Avonworth Hall of Distinction class was recognized during halftime at the August 30, 2019 home football game, and a dinner was held August 31, 2019 to celebrate and officially induct the inaugural class into the Avonworth Hall of Distinction.
Mr. James Knox
Mr. James Knox was a lifelong resident of Emsworth and a graduate of Bellevue High School. Mr. Knox had a very distinguished career in public service in Western Pennsylvania, serving as County Controller, chairman of the Nationality Council, and head of the Intercultural Educational Exchange Fund. One of Mr. Knox’s fondest accomplishments was helping to establish the Irish Room as part of the Nationality Rooms at the University of Pittsburgh. Mr. Knox also served our country as a commanding officer in the US Navy.
Dr. Bruno Rasso
Dr. Bruno Raso was an Avonworth School District employee for 35 years, from 1963 to 1997. After playing one year of professional football with the Buffalo Bills, Dr. Raso served our country in the Army. Upon returning home, Dr. Raso began his career at Avonworth School District. During Dr. Raso’s career at Avonworth, he held the positions of teacher, football coach, elementary principal, and superintendent. Dr. Raso was recognized as the Allegheny County Elementary Principal of the Year and the Allegheny County Outstanding Superintendent. He also served as Chairman of the YMCA Board in Bellevue. Dr. Raso was known to his students, players, and colleagues as a kind-hearted, loyal, helpful, understanding, and dedicated educator.
Mr. Robert Shulz
Mr. Robert Schulz is a graduate of Avonworth High School, as well as a former employee of the Avonworth School District. During his time as an Avonworth student, Mr. Schulz was a multi-year letterman in both basketball and baseball. While employed by the school district, Mr. Schulz was a Health and Physical Education teacher, boys and girls basketball coach, and served as Athletic Director for 18 years. Mr. Schulz’s greatest passion was the game of basketball and there is no questioning his success as a coach. While coaching basketball at Avonworth, Mr. Schulz compiled a record of 533 wins and 233 losses, earned one WPIAL Class AA Gold Championship, one WPIAL Class A Silver, eight Section Championships, and received the Don Barth Annual Coaches’ Recognition Award.
Mr. John Lenzner and Mr. Charles Lenzner
Mr. John Lenzner and Mr. Charles Lenzner have been lifelong residents of Ohio Township. John graduated from North Catholic HIgh School and Charles from Avonworth High School. The Lenzners’ family-owned business, Lenzner Coach Lines, was established over 70 years ago in Ohio Township. The Lenzners have been integral partners and benefactors to the Avonworth School District, sponsoring the Lenzner Family Awards Scholarship and donating funds to upgrade and improve the athletic field which now bears their name. Charles also serves on the board of the University of Pittsburgh’s Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence. John has held many distinguished positions associated with busing and transportation and received the Western Pennsylvania Family Business of the Year award in 1998.