Greater Latrobe Partners in Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to encouraging community-wide participation and philanthropy to enrich the opportunities of Greater Latrobe school students, is pleased to announce that Lester R. Sutton has joined its Board of Directors.

“We are extremely pleased to have Lester join the GLPIEF board to help us meet the growing challenges facing our school system and to ensure that our high level of educational excellence continues now and well into the future,” said President, Maryann White. “He is a respected alumnus and member of the business community and committed to the cause of providing our youth with the opportunities to realize their full potentials. As the Foundation continues to work with its A+ Campaign and developing future programs, we are confident that his leadership and positive direction will be valuable additions to our already influential board.”

Mr. Sutton is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Aggressive Grinding Services in Latrobe, PA. Suttons joins the volunteer board of directors comprised of parents, alumni, and civic and business leaders committed to effectively governing the Greater Latrobe Partners in Education Foundation. The board includes Luigi G. DiIanni; Heidi T. Kozar; Raymond W. Mt. Joy; James R. Okonak, secretary; Michael J. Rossi, vice-president; Bradley E.Smith, Esq.; Judith A. Swigart; Keith M. Visconti, treasurer and Maryann White, president.

“My commitment to this Foundation starts with the same belief many of us share and that is a burning desire to make this world a better place. For the next generation to strive to achieve this dream or ideal we need to provide them with an environment that is creative, visionary and beyond what is normally expected of a school district. Using private funds and donations allows us to dream and envision, and then create that environment for the children in our community,” said Sutton.

The Greater Latrobe Partners in Education Foundation’s mission is to ensure the highest level of education innovation supporting GLSD students, faculty and staff with community involvement in a partnership of lifetime learning through philanthropic and volunteer opportunities. Its first project is the A+ Campaign which is a major, comprehensive capital campaign to seek philanthropic support for the 3 A’s: Academics, Arts and Athletics. The three strategic goals of the A+ Campaign include the following: (1) Comprehensive cutting-edge technology integration in all classrooms K to 12. (2) Assisting with the development of an up-to-date Athletic and Wellness Complex at the Senior/Junior High Schools. (3) The renovation of the Junior High School entrance leading to the main building corridor which will provide a flexible space for the Junior High art collection modeled after the existing unique collection that we have developed at the Senior High School and three Elementary Schools, the Center for Student Creativity and courtyard.