Karen Wantland

Growing up with parents who had a strong commitment to family and community really affected the way Karen Wantland looked at life and in turn lived it. With incredible values she forged through her adult life fostering these very things in her own children as well as those in the community.

One of the places her dedication to these things shows up is in her involvement with the Highlands School Board. A firm believer in providing an excellent education to students, Karen just finished her second year being part of a very committed team. "It's a partnership between children, parents, community, and the board. We just have to remember who we ultimately serve."

Karen is also on the board of the Allegheny Kiski Health Foundation, Leadership Alle-Kiski Valley Board, and her newest venture, the Lora Phillips Foundation. The foundation was established in memory of Lora Phillips and promotes involvement with the community through various community service projects. Still in its infancy, Karen believes that the program will be a great success.

These activities tend to take quite a bit of her time but she still manages to run a business along side her husband Jim and raise two children. Plaza Lanes in Natrona Heights was a perfect business enterprise for both Karen and Jim. Jim was always interested in the bowling industry and Karen had a solid background in foods and beverages with her work at Kroger's Supermarket chain. She used to sell food to organizations and businesses. This combination of talent has enabled them to be a success for eleven years now. One of her main goals for the business is to renovate the premises and encourage more young families to come and enjoy the facilities.

On the home front, Karen has really enjoyed raising their two children, Andrew and Renee. Renee, 23, currently works for the Eckerd Health Care System. Andrew is 18 and a senior at Highlands. "I enjoy having the kids around along with all their friends." In fact, the house is usually full. "There are a lot of great kids out there. We need to focus on the good things about teenagers." With this heart Karen continues to invest in improving life for family, those close to her, and those she's never even met.

To find out more about the Allegheny Kiski Health Foundation and the community-based programs they offer, go to www.akhealth.org/. For additional information about Leadership Alle-Kiski Valley call 724-224-3400 or 724-337-8310. And, to view the Lora Phillips Foundation Trust website go to www.loralee.org/.