Shaler Area is proud to announce graduate Heather Abraham (Class of 2002) has been named the 2019 Distinguished Alumnus.

Ms. Abraham is a veteran journalist who credits Shaler Area’s television production program and SATV teacher Lee Myers with providing her with the encouragement to pursue broadcast journalism. She was recognized as this year’s Distinguished Alumnus during Shaler Area High School’s National Honor Society Induction Ceremony on Nov. 14 for her accomplishments following high school graduation and her contributions to local journalism.

“As proud as I am of myself for my hard work, I also know I got to where I am because of teachers like Mr. Lee Myers; teachers who believe in students, push them to work hard, and inspire them,” Ms. Abraham said.

The Shaler Area School District created the Distinguished Alumnus Award to recognize and honor the graduates of the Shaler Area, Shaler, Etna or Millvale School District who have made a valuable contribution to society either in his/her personal or professional life.

A committee of teachers and administrators from Shaler Area High School selects the winner of this award annually as a way of recognizing the many accomplishments of its graduates.

After graduating from Shaler Area High School, Ms. Abraham earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcast news at West Virginia University. She reported at News 12 Brooklyn, a 24-hour cable news station in New York City before coming to work for KDKA in 2010.

Ms. Abraham has covered major news stories for Western Pennsylvania including, most recently, the Tree of Life synagogue shooting, as well as stories on the Vice Squad in Pittsburgh and new research that's helping pediatric cancer patients. She has been nominated for multiple Emmy Awards and received a Golden Quill Award for her reporting. Ms. Abraham currently anchors the morning news and co-hosts Pittsburgh Today Live on KDKA in the morning. 

“Shaler Area set me up for success by giving me my first real on-camera experience,” Ms. Abraham said. “I am forever grateful for the supportive network of teachers and staff at Shaler Area and especially Lee Myers, my mentor and friend.”

She and her husband have three children and live in City of Pittsburgh.