Ralston Place was closed to traffic for the event. The Mt. Lebanon High School Marching Band and cheerleaders greeted attendees out front, filling the air with energy and school spirit and setting the tone for a special afternoon.

The milestone celebration opened with remarks from Principal Ron Kitsko, followed by Mt. Lebanon School District Superintendent Melissa Friez and special guest Roberta Campbell, daughter of Lincoln’s first principal. A citation from state Rep. Jennifer Mazzocco and a tree dedication led by Kim Yetter, a Lincoln parent and Mt. Lebanon Nature Conservancy board member, followed. The welcome concluded with a spirited Lincoln School song singalong led by music director Rebecca Showalter before the doors officially opened.

Indoors, the celebration continued with thoughtful nods to both past and present. Visitors explored a historical classroom display and a current-day classroom, offering a glimpse into how learning at Lincoln has evolved over the years. The library was open, and the main-floor hallways showcased alumni photos paired with their elementary school pictures and a brief look at where life has taken them.

In the gymnasium, a video loop featured interviews conducted by current students with former Lincoln students — bridging generations in a meaningful way. Along the downstairs hallway, a timeline highlighted key moments in Lincoln’s history, including the arrival of the district’s first male teacher, Eugene Holmes Schaffer, in 1949, and its designation as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2001, 2003 and 2013.

There were also beloved milestones, such as the founding of the Frosty Shop in 1973 by Betty Lou Snyder and other PTA parents — a tradition that has delighted generations of Lincoln students and continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many.

Guests were treated to an elementary school staple — milk cartons and cookies — along with Lincoln School merchandise for purchase, adding a nostalgic touch.

Outside on the back playground, ideal weather set the stage for a festive afternoon as old friends reconnected and new memories were made. A DJ kept the energy up while families enjoyed face painting, a balloon artist, a photo booth, temporary tattoos and Kona Ice. A Mt. Lebanon Fire Department truck and a Medical Rescue Team South Authority vehicle were also on hand, giving children and adults a chance to explore up close.

As the celebration unfolded, the spirit of Lincoln’s past and present was felt not only in the festivities, but also in the words etched into the building itself.

“I do not think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday,” Abraham Lincoln wrote.

It is a reminder that growth is ongoing — shaped by experience, reflection and the people who influence us along the way. Looking back, it is often the small, steady moments that teach the most, quietly shaping who we become. Each day offers the chance to carry a little more wisdom forward than the day before.

The following snapshots offer just a glimpse of the more than 40,000 students who have walked the halls of Lincoln Elementary.

GPS locked in: Lincoln School … just 1,750 miles to go.

The Aikin family moved from rural Fayette County to Mt. Lebanon in 1956, drawn by the strong reputation of the school district. Their two sons, Kent (Lincoln Class of 1964) and Blaine (Lincoln Class of 1966), both attended Lincoln School.

Kent, who earned his medical degree in 1977 and went on to provide care across the United States, has been enjoying retirement in Dolores, Colorado, since 2022. For the centennial, he and his wife made the 1,750-mile journey back to Mt. Lebanon.

Blaine, a 1966 Lincoln graduate, has come full circle, now watching a second generation of his family walk those same halls. He takes great joy in seeing new memories unfold with his grandsons Benjamin, a 2022 Lincoln graduate, and Thomas, currently a fifth grader.

Most meaningful of all was being interviewed by his grandson Thomas as part of the centennial project — a moment that brought their shared legacy to life. 

Leading the way: Lincoln’s first female safety patrol captain

By fifth grade, Ann Aldisert Becker (Class of 1979) was already stepping into leadership, though she may not have realized how historic it would be. As a safety patrol member, she was asked to shadow then-sixth-grade captain Greg Katshir in preparation for a day when the sixth graders would be off-site touring Jefferson Junior High. When that day came, Ann stepped in as captain.

The following year, she was officially named captain of the safety patrol, becoming the first female to hold the role at Lincoln School.

Ann took the job seriously, assigning posts, ensuring coverage and keeping things running smoothly. At the time, Nancy Kemmerer was the only adult assisting students, leaving safety patrol members responsible for key crossings such as North Meadowcroft, Ralston and Bower Hill.

Ann recalls the job was not without challenges — including pulling distracted students off the playground to ensure they made it to their posts on time. She handled it with determination and a strong sense of duty.

In doing so, she did not just lead — she paved the way. 

A friendship too good to split

Krissy Donahoe Opferman — my lifelong best friend — was my classmate at Lincoln. As the youngest of six and the only Donahoe child not to attend St. Bernard, her parents chose Lincoln so we could stay together — a decision that shaped our lives.

Our friendship began long before kindergarten, in July 1968, when our families became neighbors. Born one day apart, we grew up side-by-side. Our mothers were best friends, and though they are no longer with us, their bond lives on through us.

In every sense, Lincoln’s centennial celebration was a success. From reunions and shared stories to laughter echoing through familiar halls, the day was a reminder of what makes Lincoln special. Generations came together not only to reflect, but to celebrate a legacy that continues to grow. 

Volunteers behind the Lincoln Centennial

The event was made possible by the dedication of the Lincoln Centennial Planning Committee and numerous volunteers whose contributions were deeply appreciated.

Lincoln Centennial Planning Committee

Kim Allera, Current Lincoln Parent

Caryn Bevins, Current Lincoln Parent

Kristin Catasso, Current Lincoln Parent

Dana DiDonato, Current Lincoln Parent

Dyan Dolfi-Offutt, Current Lincoln Parent

Brieta Doughtery-Brill, Current Lincoln Parent

Abbie Hediger, Current Lincoln Parent

Ron Kitsko, Lincoln Principal

Lisa LoVerde, Lincoln Teacher

Lorraine May, Current Lincoln Parent

Rebecca Showalter, Lincoln Teacher

Brandi Smith, MTLSD Director of Communications

Jackie Smith, Current Lincoln Parent

Maureen Staub, Lincoln Librarian

Mary Ullman, Current Lincoln Parent

Tricia Warren, Current Lincoln Parent

Alana Zanetta, Current Lincoln Parent