North Allegheny Foundation recognizes Butler superintendent
WEXFORD, ALLEGHENY COUNTY — Brian White, superintendent of Butler Area School District, has received several honors over his career, but the one he received Thursday, Jan. 25, was particularly humbling, he said.
White was a 2024 Distinguished Alumni honoree by the North Allegheny Foundation, a recognition he received, he said, because he believes every student in the Butler Area School District matters.
“I believe everyone matters, and I hope that I’m a reflection of those I have worked with and get to work with,” White said. “I am grateful for all those who had an impact on my life and hopefully I’m having the same impact on the students I serve.”
White is a 1992 graduate of North Allegheny High School, has a doctorate of education from the University of Pittsburgh, and has been recognized as a Distinguished Educator by the Tri-State Study Council and a 40 Under 40 honoree by Pittsburgh Magazine.
Since 2018, the North Allegheny Foundation has sponsored the Distinguished Alumni Awards to honor graduates of North Allegheny High School who have made significant contributions to society or outstanding professional accomplishments. Recognition areas include arts, business, community service, education, government, law, medicine, science and alumni younger than 40 years old. The foundation also added the “Spirit of N.A.” award this year.
Alice Beckett-Rumberger, chairwoman of the North Allegheny Foundation, said the awards committee takes nominations from the community, and members of the foundation and other North Allegheny alumni select the honorees from the pool of nominees. White was one of 10 alumni of North Allegheny High School to be honored by the foundation this year.
In addition to his family, several administrators of Butler Area School District and a school board member also attended the gala. White also thanked them in his speech, saying their direction and support helps him to make good decisions for the students.
“My colleagues from Butler who are with me today, I am blessed with people who believe everyone matters,” White said, “and they work, and work hard because everyone matters.”
The sentiment that every student matters is shared by many staff members and volunteers in Butler Area School District, White said, a lesson he learned from his high school band director.
“Butler school district isn’t blessed with the same finances as North Allegheny — about half of our students live in poverty,” White said. “We have volunteers here tonight who every Thursday pack 450 backpacks full of food for the weekend because everyone matters.”
