By Amira Culligan and Chloe Breisinger 

May 2026

A TJ graduate. A TJ Teacher. A former member of the National Honor Society as a student, and now a current sponsor for Interact Club as a teacher. Mrs. Denise Breisinger has been a part of the West Jefferson Hills community for decades. That doesn’t mean she’s just another teacher, though. A description like that would be far from the truth; she’s a bright soul with a passion to teach and learn.

From kindergarten to seniors, Breisinger has been there for students of all ages. More than a teacher to students, she is someone they can look up to as a mentor. She loves what she does and makes sure to set her students up for success.

Let The JagWire take you down the path of her life, where she started not as Denise Breisinger, but as Denise Schweitzer. While many kids grow up with absurd and creative ideas on what they want to do as their future dream job, this decision was crystal clear for young Breisinger: educate. Helping to solidify those dreams, Breisinger’s mom hung up a chalkboard in their garage for her to play “school.” From happily playing the role of “teacher” with her sister and neighborhood friends in her childhood garage, to deciding to pursue a teaching degree in college, she made her childhood dreams come true. Breisinger was raised in the WJHSD district, where she attended and graduated from TJ, while participating in many different activities such as JV Band, Student Council, Powderpuff Football, and National Honor Society. 

After graduating from TJ, she attended Duquesne University. Following her commencement from Duquesne, she accepted a job at Saint Therese, a Catholic school, where she taught in grades 7 and 8 for a few years. She later worked in the Brentwood School District (teaching kindergarten, 5th, and 6th grades) before becoming a stay-at-home mom for 7 years. After taking the time she needed to raise her three kids, she entered the teaching world again, as an English teacher here at Thomas Jefferson High School.

Breisinger taught for 28 years in total, with 17 in the West Jefferson Hills School District. Two of her most cherished memories while teaching here are the lip dub that was organized by Mrs. Lauren Kaszonyi, and the moment she presented high school diplomas at graduation for her youngest son, Christian, and her nephew, Alby, here at TJ.

Regina Slater, a guidance counselor at TJ, has been working here for four years alongside Breisinger as a co-sponsor of the Interact Club. Slater noted, “Everyone loves the Breisingers. Everyone loves Denise, so you know you did something right as an educator, you know?” Slater described her relationship with Breisinger as very special and noted there were many odd connections and parallels between them that made them grow close as friends and co-workers, and that makes her appreciate her time spent with Breisinger. 

Further highlighting this sentiment, Slater mentioned, “Mrs. Breisinger is a staple in the community, in addition to being a staple in this building. When I got here, she was one of the first people to … go out of her way to introduce herself to me and welcome me to the building. And so I think that speaks a lot about who she is.” 

Seniors Leah Breisinger and Shristy Rai reflected on having Breisinger as an English teacher. Her niece, Leah Breisinger, commented on her legacy: “I think that she made a lot of great relationships with a bunch of her students and she will be missed.” In particular, Leah said that she will “miss not being able to see and talk to her everyday at school.” She cherished having her aunt here at school to help her out and guide her.

Shristy Rai, a TJ senior, mentioned that Breisinger made her feel at ease when in her class, and that English was a time for her to wind down and relax. One of the things Breisinger said that has stuck with Rai was to always respect other people.

As one can see, Breisinger has impacted so many people, both students and co-workers, and she is excited for the next chapter. When asking Breisinger what she will miss the most about teaching she said, “I will miss the kids, they keep me young… [b]eing with kids even though they are big kids, makes you prioritize what the big things really are and not getting rattled over the little things.” Teaching made her realize what truly matters in life and to not stress over small things.

Breisinger would like to leave the seniors with this heartfelt final message: “I kind of feel the way they do. primarily looking forward to it [retirement], but, you know, having some questions and…hesitation about it as well. But…it's time to move on to the next chapter for them and for me. You know, this is what a good, successful, normal life looks like: you're either going to college or the workforce or the military, and then the same with me. I'm going on to my retired life where I [can] focus back on myself.” 

Her plans after retiring are to travel and spend time with her family, specifically her grandchildren.

(2026 Yearbook Photo Credit: Bob Marlow)

By Jack Freund and Nicole Parsons

May 2026

This year marks a milestone at TJ. We are saying goodbye to well-loved Family and Consumer Science (FCS) teacher, Mrs. Michele Stoicovy, as she prepares to retire at the end of this school year. Stoicovy has taught here for over 30 years in the FCS department, instructing a total of 10 different courses. While Stoicovy prepares to retire from the classroom, her presence behind-the-scenes will remain as TJ’s Head Costume Designer for the fall plays and spring musical productions. 

As Stoicovy prepares to step away from the classroom, she reflects, “My favorite part about teaching is watching my students grow with their creativity and being able to help them find a hobby and life long skill.” In particular, she loves “the excitement that you see in a kid's face when they finally master or realize that they could do something that they never thought was possible.”

Specifically, her Fabric Fashion class has been one that she adores because she is able to share her passion of sewing with others. She teaches students patience through mistakes and continuously encourages creativity. She proudly believes that the content taught and learned in her classroom builds valuable skills that will be carried with each of her students into adulthood whether that is in their career, as a hobby, or simply as a way to relax and express themselves.

Outside of the classroom, Stoicovy has been doing costumes for the fall plays and the spring musicals for the past 31 years. Her elaborate costumes and attention to detail truly bring the characters to life on stage from fairytale creatures in Shrek to classic productions like My Fair Lady. She works closely with the costume crew and cast to ensure that each costume is comfortable and fitted perfectly.

Among her favorite productions put on while she has been at TJ was The Addams Family because her daughter, Lexi Stoicovy, was a senior during its run. Lexi later went on to study Fashion Merchandising at Kent State University, a path inspired in part by the creativity she grew up around.

Jenna Freund, who worked beside her as the musical dance choreographer for 17 years, said, “The costumes in Adam's Family were so intricate and there was so much work that was put into them.” 

Senior Natalya Turner, who worked closely with Stoicovy during this year’s fall play as student director, described her as someone who inspired others to see leadership in themselves. “She helped me find my voice and gain confidence,” Turner said. “There’s a space in our hearts that only she’d be able to fill.”

James Benedek, the school’s musical director for the past 5 years and a longtime colleague described Stoicovy’s impact as “unmatchable.” He noted that her dedication and willingness to go above and beyond for others set a standard that everyone admires and is extremely fortunate for. “Her work ethic is contagious,” he said. “She pushes everyone to do better, and care more. That’s the mark that she will leave behind.”

Although she has loved being a teacher, it was not her original passion. As a high schooler, she volunteered in a hospital as a candy striper and initially hoped to become a physical therapist. It wasn’t until she had a conversation with her home economics teacher that she found a new possibility. Her decision to teach was finally solidified during her student teaching experience. She began teaching in 1992 at the age of 22. 

Stoicovy described her job as more than a workplace, calling it a “family” she has watched grow across generations. That sense of community is what has made her upcoming retirement so bittersweet. For students, Stoicovy has been a mentor, leader, and a constant force of support, displaying that commitment and passion are just as important as talent. 

Stoicovy provides advice and insight for young educators embarking on the beginning of their teaching career: “Don't stifle your creative juices. Make that something that you pass on to your students, and the enthusiasm that you have for knowledge.”

As the curtain prepares to close on her teaching career, Stoicovy's impact is measured in so much more than stitches or costume changes. It will continue to live through every student who gained confidence under her guidance and every production shaped by her vision. As Benedek notes, “She has built this program…her legacy will continue to live on.” 

(2026 Yearbook Photo Credit: Bob Marlow)

By Macie Kampe

May 2026

Walking in the halls each morning, greeting students with a smile, Ms. Allison Waldo has quickly become a familiar face, bringing a welcoming presence to Thomas Jefferson High School. She joins us after being a math teacher for 7 years (at both Beaver Falls Middle School and then Chartiers Valley High School) and later an assistant principal at McGuffey Middle School for approximately one year. These experiences prepared her for her current position here at TJ, which is that of assistant principal. 

Waldo attended Baldwin High School, and she was involved in the musical, fall play, and multiple choirs including A Capella Choir. Ever since she was young, she's wanted to be in the education field. And being an administrator has always been her dream as she wanted to be a “teacher of teachers.” To Waldo, this means providing for students’ needs and creating an environment that's welcoming. This goes beyond just fulfilling administrator duties; it reflects her desire to help students in pursuing their dreams. 

Assistant Principal Dr. Adam Knaresborough states, “She hit the ground running and has demonstrated her leadership skills quickly.” Whether it was talking to students or waving hello to everyone, she was always there to provide for students.

Leadership isn't the only thing that she can do; she has a genuine connection with students on a daily basis. She doesn’t just offer a hello to students. She also makes it a point to learn students' names and prioritizes connection. 

Senior Keira Salimbene shared, “I don't see her [Waldo] very often, but she always makes my day better when I see her.” For students like Salimbene, having some sort of administrator who’s approachable changes the energy of the school day. It creates a sense of safety that's helpful for students to feel comfortable. 

Waldo is committed to the dream she envisioned as a young girl. During this past school year, her favorite moments included seeing students at extracurricular activities, sports games, musical performances, and meeting new people from the WJHSD community. Outside of being an administrator, she enjoys running, and just ran her second half marathon in Pittsburgh this spring. She also loves to read and has a goal to read 20 books by the end of 2026.

Thomas Jefferson High School looks forward to being a part of her journey. As the 2025-2026 year comes to a close, Waldo's influence is just beginning.