Sheldon Erwine

There are many worthy community members who could claim the title of “Mr. Abington”. However, there may be no other who can boast the length and breadth of service to the Abington and Rockledge communities then Mr. Sheldon Erwine. Shelly has been an outstanding servant to the children and families of our area for fifty years. He has exemplified professionalism, caring, and dedication in all his endeavors.

Shelly arrived in Abington in the 1950’s from his hometown of Shickshinny, Pennsylvania. He attended Bloomsburg University and graduated in 1954 with a degree in education. Shelly proudly served his country for two years in the United States Marine Corp. He was discharged as a Second Lieutenant. Following his service, Shelly was hired by Abington School District and began his illustrious career in September, 1956, teaching fifth grade students at Glenside-Weldon Elementary School.

A year later Shelly moved to Abington Junior High School and taught social studies for six years. He earned his Master’s degree in education from Temple University in 1959. Shelly’s leadership skills were noticed early and he was elevated to assistant principal at Abington Junior High School in 1964. Shelly was principal of Glenside-Weldon Junior High School from 1966 to 1977. Following this assignment, he was principal at Huntington Junior High School for six years. In 1983, Shelly returned to Abington Junior High School as assistant principal, becoming principal in 1988 and remaining in that position until his retirement in 1996.

Throughout his career and continuing to the present, Shelly has invested much time and considerable energy in many community-enhancing projects. These include membership on the Board of Trustees for the Abington Township Adult School, Glenside Free Library, “We Can Say No,” and Abington Education Foundation. He has participated in fundraising activities for the Y.M.C.A, Briar Bush Nature Center, and other local organizations. Currently, Shelly is a member of the school district’s Field Facility Fundraising Committee. He was one of the founders of the John R. Freed Memorial Scholarship, given yearly to an outstanding graduate of Abington Senior High School. Shelly began serving as co-chairman of the Abington Community Taskforce (ACT) in 1996. Four years later, he became ACT’s treasurer. He continues in that capacity today. Shelly has been a significant asset to Grace Presbyterian Church in Jenkintown. Where he has served as a Deacon and as a Ruling Elder. He spent several years as the Church School Superintendent and member of the christian education committee and was also chairman of the personnel committee.

Among Shelly’s community service undertakings, none stands out more than his contribution as a member of the Kiwanis Club of Glenside. He entered the Kiwanis in 1968 and served as President in 1973-74. He also acted as secretary for many years. Shelly has been duly honored for his Kiwanis work. For 1976-77, Kiwanis Division 21 acknowledged Shelly “For Outstanding Service to Community and Club.” He served as Lieutenant Governor of Division 21 in 1979-80 and received recognition as the “Distinguished Lieutenant Governor.” Shelly was also the Pennsylvania District Chairman of Youth Services in 1981-82.
One of Shelly’s personal passions is lacrosse. He has been treasurer and past president of the Philadelphia Lacrosse Association. Shelly has been significantly involved in helping the association donate over $50,000 to youth programs in lacrosse throughout eastern Pennsylvania. This includes the Abington Lacrosse Club, which enrolls over 300 boys and girls each year.

Shelly’s biography would not be complete without mention of his wonderful family. His lovely wife Lydia is also a vital contributor to many community service ventures. The Erwine’s are proud to claim four children who graduated from Abington School District. They are Nancy, Class of ’77; Robert, Class of ’78; Thomas, Class of ’82; and Richard, Class of ’86.

Shelly remains a substantial contributor to the common good. He has always encouraged people of all ages and from all walks of life to work collectively for the benefit of the community. Shelly understands the importance of mutual respect and teamwork among all components of the Abington-Rockledge area. He continues to bring people together and lead by example.

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