The following story will appear in the Wednesday, Nov. 14 edition of the Pine Creek Journal.

Hampton Township School District

The two incumbents held onto their seat and welcomed three new members onto the Hampton Township School Board.

The list was topped by Mary Alice Hennessey (2,880 votes). She was followed by Pam Lamagna (2,805), Larry Vasko (2,608), Alma Kolkman (2,054) and Bob Shages (1,999). Vasko is the current board treasurer and Shages is the current board president.

Hennessey says she’s excited to get started on the school board.

“I’m very excited,” Hennessey says. “I’m very humbled that everyone had the confidence to elect me.”

She hopes to make a positive impact on the district and maintain a presence, as her oldest daughter is a graduating senior this year.

"I want to help give students the best education possible at the best price,” she says.

Lamagna is equally as excited for her turn on the board.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge,” Lamagna says. “I can’t wait to get started.”

She says she is pleased with the five residents who were elected.

"I think we’ll have a good team of directors,” she says.

Vasko has been on the board for six years, and is happy to add another four.

“I’m happy that the voters reinstated me for another four years,” Vasko says.

Shages has been on the board since 2003 and president of the board since 2004. Kolkman will be serving her third term on the board. She previously served from 1980-1985 and 1987-1991.

Shaler Township

Bill Cross defeated challenger Shannon Connery in the only contested race in Shaler Township. Cross won the Ward 7 seat 458-385.

Cross was confident about the victory last night.

“Being in a small community allows one to go to each poll place and check in,” Cross says.

As he was circulating the township, he says the responses from voters were positive.

“I could tell people were happy with the service I provided,” he says.

Cross has served 12 years as a commissioner. This will be his fourth term.

Incumbent Shaler Township commissioners who held onto their seats in uncontested races are Edward Duss (Ward 1), David Shutter (Ward 3) and Susan Fisher (Ward 5).