Service Legacy Recipients

Each recipient has been carefully chosen in recognition of the remarkable and positive influence they have had on our students and schools. Each of these individuals exemplifies the inherent value of Moon Area School District's academic programs and student engagement, embodying the enduring sense of pride shared by both current and former students, staff, and faculty. Their unwavering dedication to go above and beyond in serving our school community and leaving a lasting impact serves as an inspiring example for others to establish their own enduring legacy.

2025 Service Legacy Award Recipients

Lisa Tolliver-Lehman

Lisa is a devoted educator who has proudly served the Moon Area School District for 24 years, currently teaching reading and writing at Moon Area Middle School. A 1994 graduate of Moon Area High School, Lisa’s lifelong connection to the community fuels her passion for supporting students and families. She specializes in special education, providing both pull-out and inclusion support, and has served as Middle School Special Education Chair.

Her dedication extends beyond teaching through leadership roles in extracurricular activities and community initiatives. Lisa is the founder of Club Hope, a peer grief support group at the middle and high school levels, and co-founded the nonprofit Mary and Mike’s Miles, which raises scholarships for graduating seniors pursuing vocational and college education. Over two years, this effort has raised more than $15,000. She has also supported Parent-Teacher Group efforts, secured grant funding for classroom technology, and participated in school events like the English Festival.

Lisa’s impact has been recognized locally and beyond, with features in Allegheny West Magazine, PSEA’s The Voice, and CBS local news. She has also received multiple Teacher Shout Out Awards. Lisa exemplifies a deep spirit of service and leadership rooted in gratitude and care for the Moon Area community.

Milan "Skip" Tatala

Growing up in a family of teachers and athletes, a career in education and sports was a natural path for Skip. A talented multi-sport athlete, he lettered in baseball and basketball in both high school and college. Skip’s father, also his basketball coach, inspired him to excel in basketball. He soon followed his father’s footsteps and became head coach for both the boys and girls basketball teams at Moon Area High School.

Having a lifelong passion for tennis, Skip founded the Moon Area High School tennis team and continues to support the program today. Skip went on to compete in tennis well into his 70s. Highlights included winning the Pennsylvania State 65+ singles title in 2008 and capturing the 65+ doubles bronze medal at the 2009 National Senior Games.

For 40 years, Skip also served as a high school football referee, beginning his career on a crew with his father and concluding alongside his nephew. Skip officiated notable games, including one of the first state finals in 1988 and the last WPIAL final at Three Rivers Stadium.

Beyond sports and teaching, Skip devoted 17 years to the Moon Volunteer Fireman’s Lenten Fish Fry, served his church as a trustee, Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School volunteer, and choir member. Skip proudly claims that his decades-long connection to the Moon Area School District, its staff, and its students has been one of his life’s greatest blessings.

2024

2024 Service Legacy Award Recipients

Mr. Michael Haslett

Mr. Michael Haslett was proud to serve the students and families of the Moon Area School District for his entire professional career. Mr. Haslett started at MASD in 1993 as the District School Psychologist and was promoted to Director of Pupil Services in 2000, a position he held until his retirement in 2023. Mr. Haslett is known for his exceptional leadership and dedication to supporting students with diverse needs. His role involved collaborating with administrators, teachers, and families to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.

Mr. Haslett’s proudest achievements over the years include expanding programming and services in response to the ever-changing needs of the student population. His career is marked by a commitment to educational excellence and a genuine passion for fostering an environment where every student can thrive. His contributions will continue to make a positive impact on students for years to come.

A devoted family man, Mr. Haslett has been married to Lisa for 32 years. Together, they have three daughters—Lindsay, Sarah, and Emily—and three granddaughters—Senna, Aurora, and Siobhan. Mr. Haslett enjoys his greatest role yet as “Pops” and cherishes every moment spent with his family.

Mr. William Moore

Mr. William Moore spent 38 years with the Moon Area School District as a science teacher, coach, and administrator. He was a lead teacher during the development of the Moon Area Middle School program and traveled across the state presenting seminars on how to develop a successful middle school program.

Mr. Moore started Moon’s first wrestling program in 1970. His teams were Midwestern Athletic Conference Champions five times. He coached four WPIAL Champions, five state medalists, and Mark Barrett, Moon’s first wrestling state champion in 1976. He was inducted into the Midwestern Athletic Conference Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2003. Mr. Moore also founded Moon’s first girls’ cross-country team and coached the boys’ and girls’ cross-country teams for seventeen years. His teams qualified for the WPIAL championships in fourteen of those years, and numerous individual runners, along with one girls’ team, qualified for the state championships. He was an assistant coach for the 1990 and 1991 WPIAL champion girls' track teams. He also served as the head boys’ and girls’ track coach. Altogether, he coached three sports for over 26 years, with a record of 845 wins and 310 losses.

In 1993, Mr. Moore was named Athletic Director and served in that capacity until his retirement in 2004. As the athletic director, he worked to increase participation, enthusiasm, and pride in accomplishment. He is credited with instituting the “Tiger Pride” slogan at Moon, which coincided with a thirteen-year period of unparalleled athletic success in the district. During his tenure as AD at Moon, the Tigers produced 45 WPIAL section team championships, 13 WPIAL team championships, and 6 PIAA state team championships. He served on the WPIAL Track Committee, the Pennsylvania State Athletic Directors Association Executive Committee, and the Moon Township Parks and Recreation Board. He also spent 27 years as a football stadium operations assistant for Robert Morris University.

Mr. Moore loved teaching and coaching and was known for his humor, both in the classroom and at the many sports banquets and retirement dinners he attended.

2023

Dr. Donald Deep

Dr. Donald Deep's impact on the Moon Area School District transcends his remarkable 20+ year tenure as Superintendent. Born into a first-generation Syrian family in Bridgeville, PA, as the youngest of 15 children, Dr. Deep was raised with a profound appreciation for family and friends.

His journey began with his first job teaching Algebra 2 at Allegheny High School, where he not only found a career but also met the love of his life, Annora. Dr. Deep went on to earn his master's degree from Duquesne University and a doctorate in education from the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Deep served as Superintendent from 1978 to 1997, dedicating himself to elevating Moon Area as one of the state's premier districts. Under his leadership, Moon's accomplishments included prioritizing academics while being conscientious of taxes, the graduation of Moon's inaugural kindergarten class, and partnerships with local universities like Robert Morris, Duquesne, and the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Deep’s unwavering commitment to the district and its people extended beyond his assigned responsibilities. He championed improved student and staff development, implemented consistent job descriptions district-wide, established a reward system for employees, and facilitated pathways for professional development. His efforts also led to the creation of a robust kindergarten program and the transformation of the junior high program into a team-based middle school model.

Despite these achievements, Dr. Deep’s true passion lay in supporting the thousands of teachers, staff, and students he came to know and love. He relished classroom visits, witnessing the shaping of the future, and attending various events - from graduations, including those of his three children and three grandchildren, to concerts, theatre performances, and sports events.

In retirement, Dr. Deep continued his support by establishing a scholarship in his name for graduating seniors. You can still spot him at many events where he is proudly wearing red and white to show his unwavering love for the district. Dr. Deep’s dedication to the Moon Area School District remains a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.

Mr. Frank DiFiore

Frank DiFiore proudly served the Moon Area School District for 15 remarkable years. His dedication touched every corner of our educational community, from the Middle and High Schools to Central Administration.

Mr. Difiore's unwavering commitment to maintaining our District's buildings ensured a conducive learning environment for both faculty and students. His strong work ethic set a shining example, making him a reliable and ever-helpful team member, always ready to lend a hand to those in need.

What truly defined Mr. Difiore's time at MASD was the enduring relationships he cultivated with teachers and administrators. These bonds drove him to pursue professional excellence, leaving a lasting impact on our school district.

Beyond the hallways of the school, Mr. Difiore and his wife, Jenny, have been married for an impressive 50 years. Their two children and three cherished grandchildren bring them immense pride and joy. In his well-deserved retirement, Mr. Difiore can often be found cheering enthusiastically for Moon's sporting events, especially his two granddaughters. His heart is bursting with Tiger Pride!

On this special occasion, Mr. Difiore extends his heartfelt gratitude to the Service Committee Members, Administration, and the Board of Directors for the honor they've bestowed upon him. His legacy of dedication and community spirit will forever be remembered.

Mr. Joseph Martonik

Joe Martonik's illustrious journey in the Moon Area School District has spanned nearly five decades, showcasing his unwavering dedication and profound impact.

It all began in 1975 when Mr. Martonik took on the role of an 8th-grade science teacher, a position he held with distinction until 2010. Following this, he transitioned into the role of MAPS/Mental Health Coordinator for the district, where he played a pivotal role in establishing Club Hope at the Middle School to support grieving students. His commitment didn't stop there; he also co-sponsors the SADD club, spearheads the "16 Minutes" program for new drivers, and takes charge of organizing assemblies and the district's mock crash initiatives.

Mr. Martonik's influence extends to the sports arena as well. Since the late 1970s, he has served as a JV Basketball Coach for over a decade, a Cross Country Coach for 19 years, and a Track Coach for more than 30 years. His passion for sports led him to become a PIAA Official for Track and Cross Country, a role he has held for over 30 years.

Throughout these remarkable 48 years, Mr. Martonik has left an indelible mark, mentoring countless students, teachers, and administrators. His deep-rooted connection to Moon Area is beyond measure, making him a true embodiment of the district's values and spirit.

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