Class of 2021 - Class of 2025
Class of 2025
Reverend Kevin R. Haley – Class of 1978
During his years at Mercer, Kevin played trombone for the concert, jazz, and marching bands. He was elected to the Student Council, inducted into the National Honor Society, and participated in high school plays. In seventh grade, he was introduced to the speech and debate team, where he went on to participate and compete both at the state and national levels. Upon graduation, Kevin attended Grove City College, receiving a bachelor’s degree in communications in 1982 with an emphasis in theater and speech. After meeting Amy, the love of his life at college, they married right after graduation. Kevin then pursued his calling to become an ordained United Methodist minister by attending United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, where he received a Master of Divinity degree in 1985. Kevin served churches in Beavercreek (Ohio), Wilkinsburg, Dunlo and Mineral Point (rural Johnstown), New Stanton, North Huntingdon, Warren, Clarion, and Greensburg. During the forty years of his career, Kevin worked with street gangs, led youth and men’s outreach groups, and served as a missionary on the island of Jamaica (building homes and working at orphanages). Kevin took active roles by participating in community groups like Habitat for Humanity, Rotary International, and local ministeriums. He served in Christian camping by serving as a counselor in horse camps for 12 years, as a dean of a creative arts camp for 18 years, and on the board of directors. In 2022, as part of the celebration of Hugh Ringer’s 50TH anniversary as head coach of speech, Kevin shared on a video of speech alumni that he still uses his honed speech skills by writing a piece of original oratory every Sunday—where he reported he was still judged over the years! Upon his retirement in February 2025, Kevin changed his credentials to serve in the Global Methodist Church. Kevin cherishes the memories of his years at Mercer, and credits the efforts of teachers like Hugh Ringer, Jim Sankey, and Hendley Hoge, for shaping not only his academic but his personal life.
Michael I. Dudek – Class of 1998
Michael I. Dudek graduated from Mercer High School in 1998 with a true passion for science and mathematics, a calling that has established him as a word-leader in Nuclear Engineering and as an expert for licensing new nuclear reactor technologies. Michael earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Engineering Mechanics from the Pennsylvania State University in 2002. Immediately upon his graduation, Michael began a 21-year professional career as a public servant with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in 2003 where he held a variety of progressively more responsible positions including: General Engineer, Resident Inspector, Emergency Response Coordinator, Senior Program Manager, and then served for over 10 years as a first-level supervisor. Of note during Michael’s time at the NRC was his efforts in October 2012 when he was directed to serve as the Federal Liaison to USAID and the Department of Defense during the U.S.’s response efforts to Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear accent in which he was awarded a Meritorious Service Award for his outstanding collaboration efforts between government agencies in response to the associated nuclear disaster relief efforts. Additionally, in 2020, Michael represented the U.S. as a liaison to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in developing guidance for the improvement of international licensing and harmonization for new nuclear reactor technologies via the Nuclear Harmonization and Standards Initiative (NHSI). In 2023, Michael began the next stage of his professional career by joining X-energy, a private U.S. nuclear reactor and fuel design engineering company that is working to deliver the next generation of carbon-free energy by reinventing nuclear power. While at X-energy, Michael was hired as the Licensing Manger for the XENITH microreactor where he provided technical, regulatory, and schedule oversight for the development of X-energy’s novel state-of-the-art microreactor technology. Since then, Michael has quickly progressed in his career and now functions as Licensing Manager for Business Development and International Engagements. In this role, Michael develops and maintains the licensing collaboration necessary for X-energy’s business relationships within the continental U.S. and abroad. Michael currently resides in Myrtle Beach, SC, with his wife, Jennifer, and is the proud parent of two children, Kazmir and Lincoln. Michael continues to demonstrate the value of giving back to his community with helping with neighborhood activities, acting as a coach for sports such as basketball and baseball, and actively participating with his children in the sport karate community. Michael is also an involved member of the Carolina Forest Community Church. At the time of his induction, Michael remains a valued employee of X-energy and actively pursues his passions of collecting sports memorabilia and performing home renovation projects on his house.
Class of 2024
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Janice DeAugustino Langdon – Class of 1967. There are few individuals who have a greater association and connection to the Mercer Area School District than Janice DeAugustino Langdon, Class of 1967. Janice graduated from Clarion University with a degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Library Science and also earned a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education from Slippery Rock University. Janice was a teacher in the North Allegheny School District from 1971-1976. In 1977, she joined the faculty at the Mercer Area School District. For the past forty-seven years, Mrs. Langdon has taught Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades, and spending the last nineteen years as the elementary school librarian. She was the lead teacher for the United Way of Mercer County Success by Six program from 2004-2019. The Mercer Reads program was established by Mrs. Langdon in 2005. This unique Mercer community program challenges all Mercer students, parents, faculty members, residents, and businesses to read a selected book annually. She has been recognized by Laurel Technical Institute as Teacher of the Year in 2017. The United Way selected Mrs. Langdon as the recipient of the Educational Service Award in 2018. Janice is a heavily involved member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and an active member of the Mercer community. At the time of her induction, Janice resides in Mercer with her husband, David, and is the proud parent of three children, grandparent of nine, and great-grandparent of two.
Class of 2023
Amy Orsinger Whitehead – Class of 1986. Amy Orsinger Whitehead has played flute in the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra since 1997, where she has been featured as a soloist and has represented the orchestra in many recordings. She began playing flute in fourth grade band and continued to participate in the Mercer band program through graduation. Amy earned a B.M. in Flute Performance from Duquesne University in 1990 and an M.F.A. and a Performer’s Certificate in Chamber Music Performance from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Institute of Chamber Music in 1993. As an avid chamber musician, she regularly performs small ensemble concerts throughout the Carolinas and across the southeastern United States. In addition to her performing schedule, Amy is a passionate music educator, maintaining an active private teaching studio, as well as mentoring music students in schools. Amy coaches the woodwind section of the Youth Orchestras of Charlotte Preparatory Orchestra and also coaches chamber music at the Northwest School of the Arts. She has taught flute at Spelman College, Wingate University, Queens University, and is currently on faculty at Davidson College. Amy lives in Charlotte with her husband, Geoffrey, who is also a professional musician.
Mark Brown – Class of 1964. Mark Brown is the first Mercer graduate to be recognized as both an individual member of the Athletic Hall of Fame and honoree of the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. Mark attended John Carroll University and graduated from Grove City College with a degree in Mathematics and Education. He was a faculty member of the Sharpsville Area School District for 33 years and served as their Middle School basketball coach for 9 years. A dedication to service in the Mercer community has been a staple of his life. Along with his wife, Linda, Mark initiated and ran the Mercer Memorial Day 500 for a decade, which continues to be an event that strengthens our community. Mark has served on the Board of Directors for the Mercer County Historical Society for 50 years, during which time he served an 8-year term as President where he oversaw construction of the Anderson House. Mark continues to serve as secretary of the organization, a post which he has held for the past 25 years. Additionally, Mark has been an active member of the Mercer Area Rotary for 15 years, serving as the chapter secretary for two of those years. To this day, Mark volunteers to deliver Meals on Wheels to residents in the Mercer area. As a lifelong resident of Jefferson Township and the Mercer Borough, Mark Brown continues to demonstrate the value of giving back to his community.
Class of 2022
Erna Craig-Rea – Class of 1976. Upon graduation from Mercer High School in 1976, Erna Craig-Rea pursued initial career pathways through studies at ITT Technical Institute (Youngstown, OH) and LaRoche College (Pittsburgh, PA). In 1981, she became the first female corrections officer in the history of Mercer County Prison. This was the first of many blazed trails that were to be established by Erna throughout her successful career. She received her certifications from the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and the National Institution of Corrections (Longmont, CO). She then became the first female officer to earn the rank of Captain in 1990. In 2005, she became the first female Deputy Warden in Mercer County. In 2013, Erna became the first female Warden in Mercer County’s history. Recognized by the Mercer Jaycees as Officer of the Year in 1995 and the Mercer Optimist Club Officer of the Year in 1997, Erna has achieved community recognition for her dedication to service. When the new Mercer County Prison was constructed between 2003 and 2005, Erna led as the Transition Team Coordinator, serving as the logistical leader and operations manager during the massive construction project. Throughout her storied career, she created a female work program within the Mercer County Prison where all female inmates learned a craft and received compensation to support families and pay obligations. Dedicated to providing assistance to those in need, Erna worked tirelessly to provide additional resources for inmates and also those incarcerated with special needs, mental health needs, and the mentally ill. After serving the County of Mercer for more than forty years and leading as the Warden for the past nine years, Erna Craig-Rea will retire from service in June 2022.
Thomas Zimmerman – Class of 1968. Tom Zimmerman graduated from Mercer High School in 1968 with a true passion for the outdoors, a calling that has led him across the globe over a storied career. Tom earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry from the University of Montana, a Master of Science Degree in Fire Ecology from the University of Idaho, and a Ph.D in Forestry and Fire Ecology from Colorado State University. Across the nation, he is regarded as one of the preeminent leaders in the field of Wildland Fire Science. Through his work with the United States Forest Service and National Park Service, Tom served as Program Manager of the Wildland Fire Management Research, Development, and Application Program in Boise, ID. He also served as the Regional Director of Fire and Aviation in Albuquerque, NM and Denver, CO. While employed with the Bureau of Land Management, he worked as a Fire Planning Specialist, Fire Management Officer, Crew Supervisor, Forester and Fire Control Coordinator. Tom has served as the National Incident Commander and Area Commander for numerous wildland fire incidents, six hurricane responses, disease outbreak response, an international visit by the Pope, political visits to National Parks, and National Covid-19 pandemic strategic preparation for wildland fire response. Professionally, Tom has served as the President and Chairman of the Board of the International Association of Wildland Fire. He has served as a Senior Wildland Fire Consultant for organizations such as the Department of Defense, NASA, USDA, US Forest Service, and the Joint Fire Science Program. He has provided training and served as a guest lecturer across the globe, sharing his knowledge of his craft at Northern Arizona University, Boise State University, University of Idaho, University of Montana, and Colorado State domestically, as well as China, Canada, India, South Africa, Spain, Italy, and Cyprus internationally. Tom has served on many other committees, panels, and command teams both during his career and retirement. Distinguished awards for Tom Zimmerman are both prestigious and numerous. He has eighty-nine total research papers, conference papers, articles, and book chapters throughout his career. He received the Distinguished Service Award from the International Association of Wildland Fire, the National Technology Transfer Award from the Federal Laboratory Consortium, the United Forest Service Chief’s Honor Award for Excellence in Science and Technology, Special Achievement Awards from the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management. Although Tom Zimmerman officially retired from active service in January 2012, his accolades and professional opportunities continue to expand through the current day. At the time of induction to the Mercer Hall of Fame, Tom resided in Kuna, Idaho.
Class of 2021
Thomas A. Sampson Jr. – Class of 1939. The journey of Thomas A. Sampson Jr. began in Mercer in 1921. After graduating from Mercer High School in 1939, Mr. Sampson completed his undergraduate studies at Princeton University from 1939 to 1943. Immediately upon his graduation from Princeton, Mr. Sampson enlisted for active military service with the Army Air Corps. After completing cadet training, he was awarded his pilot wings and received a commission as a second lieutenant. While serving his country during the Second World War, Mr. Sampson flew 35 missions in the B-17 Flying Fortress with the 381st Bomb Group in the 8th Air Force. Before his discharge as a first lieutenant, he was awarded the Air Medal with five oak clusters. After the war, Thomas earned his law degree at Dickinson School of Law in 1948 and returned to the Mercer community. Mr. Sampson then worked with his father and his own private law practice in Mercer from 1948 to 1962. He then maintained a sole practice in Mercer from 1962 to 1977, when he was joined by Ross E. Cardas as a partner in the firm of Sampson and Cardas. He actively practiced law until his retirement in 1983. Additional career accolades include his experiences as solicitor of Mercer County for six years and member of the Board of Viewers. Mr. Sampson was a member of the Mercer County Bar Association and even served as the president of the organization. Additionally, Mr. Sampson was an involved member of the community, with membership in Bethany Unity Presbyterian Church for more than 50 years. His active participation in the community was also demonstrated as a director of the former First National Bank of Mercer, lifetime membership with American Legion Post 159, and directorship of the Mercer County Historical Society. Married in 1945, Thomas and his wife, Betty, had two sons. Prior to receiving this recognition, Mr. Thomas A. Sampson Jr. passed away on March 20, 2019 in Naples, Florida.