The Uniontown Area High School Academics, Arts and Athletics Hall of Fame will showcase its Class of 2026 during the Red Raiders football opener on Sept. 4 at Bill Power Stadium, with the official induction ceremony scheduled for the next day at the high school.
Class of 2025 Induction Details
On Friday, Sept. 5, Uniontown will host Brownsville at Bill Power Stadium. Before kickoff, a pre‑game ceremony will recognize the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025. The formal induction will follow in the high school auditorium after a brunch in the cafeteria that begins at 9:45 a.m.
Tickets for the brunch and induction ceremony cost $30 and can be purchased by contacting Hall of Fame Board Chairman Tony Mercadante at 301‑643‑1499 or via email at [email protected]. Attendees may also buy tickets at the door.
2025 Inductees
Athletics
- Terrance Vaughns – standout guard who led the Red Raiders to a 92‑20 record and multiple state‑level appearances.
- Darrin McLee – former Red Raiders star who later served in the U.S. Navy and built a career with CBRE in Los Angeles.
- Dr. Dana N. Perno – multi‑sport athlete who became a successful dentist in Phoenix.
Academics
- Dr. Gene L. Theodori – rural sociologist whose research on energy development has earned national recognition.
- Matt Hartley – cybersecurity professional and Naval Academy graduate who now leads innovative initiatives in the tech sector.
- Brandy L. King – distinguished scholar noted for contributions to education.
Arts
- Laura Frankhouser – celebrated visual artist.
- Mary Ann Petro Grossman – recognized for contributions to performing arts.
- Rev. Dr. LindaJo McKim – minister and cultural leader.
Vocational Technology
- Josilyn M. Burnsworth – honored for achievements in technical education.
Special Recognition
- Erik L. Friend – acknowledged for extraordinary community service.
Highlights from Selected Inductees
Darrin McLee grew up in Uniontown’s East End, honing his basketball skills on neighborhood playgrounds before becoming a key contributor to the Red Raiders. As a senior in 1983‑84 he scored 513 points, finishing his high‑school career with 1,060 points. After a brief stint at California University of Pennsylvania, he served four years in the U.S. Navy, playing on the USS New Jersey’s basketball team, then earned engineering and master’s degrees and a successful career with CBRE.
Dr. Dana Perno excelled in both football and basketball in the mid‑1970s, leading Uniontown to a 27‑1 season and a state playoff berth. He continued his basketball career at West Virginia University, graduating magna cum laude with a biology degree. After earning his DDS in 1983, he established a dental practice in Phoenix, Arizona, where he lives with his wife and two daughters.
Terrance Vaughns was a four‑year varsity starter who helped the Red Raiders achieve a 92‑20 record, a WPIAL championship and two state championship appearances. He later starred at Clarion University, scoring 1,320 career points, and served as a coach before becoming a vice president at W.W. Grainger.
Community Impact
The Hall of Fame ceremony underscores Uniontown’s commitment to honoring individuals who have excelled in athletics, academics, the arts and vocational fields. By celebrating these role models, the event reinforces the values of hard work, leadership and service that families in the community hold dear.
Local residents are invited to attend the football game, the pre‑game ceremony and the brunch‑style induction. The event offers a chance for alumni, current students and families to gather, reflect on shared heritage, and inspire the next generation of Red Raiders.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.