Although most students will return for yet another couple years as North Allegheny Tigers, two important people who are a part of our NAI family will be closing the “school chapter” in their lives — Ms. Dulemba and Mrs. Traversari. On behalf of NAI, the newspaper would like to thank both Ms. Dulemba and Mrs. Traversari for their hard work and all the time they have put into working to make this school a great place to be. We asked them a few questions about their journey with us… here’s a little glance back on their legacies at NAI.

1. How many years have you been working at schools?

Ms. Dulemba:

I have been teaching for 34 years.  From the day I graduated from Duquesne I have been at NA. My first few years I traveled between NAI and Carson and then was permanently assigned here.  Over my career I coached cheerleading advised Student Activities and Student Council and was the Vice-President and then President of the teachers’ union.

Mrs. Traversari:

I have been working at NA for 25 years and at NAI for 17 years.

2. What will you miss the most? What will you not miss the most?

Ms. Dulemba:

I will miss the people the most – both the students and the staff.  I really have loved my job, every single year. I have made some lifelong friends and I am sure I will see them but there will be people that I have gotten to know that I know I will only see at events.  I love teaching this age level; the kids make me laugh. We always say this building is a big family and that is definitely a cliché but in this case I believe it is true. We go through a lot of things together; events both happy and sad, and support each other through it all.  I will not miss snowy roads and 5:00 wake ups!

Mrs. Traversari:

The staff, the students, the administrators but most of all the Counselors that I work with.  They are an awesome group! I will not miss getting up at 4:45 A.M.

3. Advice all students should know?

Ms. Dulemba:

To the students, the possibilities are endless.  The world changes so fast, take advantage of all of the things that come your way.  Enjoy school!, be a teenager, go to the dance, the game, the event. Be kind to your family, your friends, your teachers, the kid at the next desk.  Be the person everyone wants to sit with. Play hard and study hard. Do your homework :).

Mrs. Traversari:

Do your best and do NOT STRESS.  Stress does not help any situation!

4. Advice all teachers/staff should know?

Ms. Dulemba:

To my colleagues, enjoy this career.  Don’t wish your life away. Have fun with the kids.  And don’t take yourself too seriously.

Mrs. Traversari:

Keep your sense of humor!

5. The funniest thing to ever happen in your time at NAI?

Ms. Dulemba:

Those are really hard to come up with – something happens every day that makes me laugh or makes me proud.  All I can say is, in 34 years, no two days have ever been alike. Ever.

Mrs. Traversari:

Too many to pick one!!

6. Future plans?

Ms. Dulemba:

I have been a Red Cross volunteer for 21 years and I plan to become more involved with that.  We help people, both locally and all over the country, who have experienced disasters like fires, flood, tornados and hurricanes.  I am also very active in my church and have already picked up a few extra things there to “fill my time”. I plan to travel, I am going to visit family across the country and I have a big trip coming up to Eastern Europe.  I also want to go back to my happy place – Disney!

Mrs. Traversari:

In the immediate future I plan to do what I want to do when I want to do it (such a luxury!!).  Also – I have two granddaughters (soon to be three) in Raleigh that I plan to visit. After that – maybe find another job!!

7. Proudest moment?

Ms. Dulemba:

As I retire everyone asks me about the funniest thing or the proudest moment while I have been teaching.  Those are really hard to come up with – something happens every day that makes me laugh or makes me proud.  

Mrs. Traversari:

When you know you have helped a student.

8. Biggest lesson learned as a teacher?

Ms. Dulemba:

My students help me as much as I help them.  

Mrs. Traversari:

When you are really busy – keep your head down and continue to work and it will get done (and don’t be afraid to ask for help)

9. Most rewarding part about being a part of NA?

Ms. Dulemba: When the lightbulb goes off and you know you have helped someone.

Mrs. Traversari: Helping the students

Thank you for your time here at NA, you will be missed! Enjoy retirement!