Loraine Kesterson holds a big place in her heart for education.

The resident of Concordia Apartments in Cabot graduated in 1948 from Butler High School, where she was a senior class officer and was voted most popular girl in the school by her peers.

She continued her education at Slippery Rock College, majoring in elementary education with a minor in library science, and then went to the University of Pittsburgh, receiving a masters in library science.

From there, Kesterson was hired at Seneca Valley High School as the school librarian.

She retired after 26 years and joined the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (PASR) in 1995. She became president of the organization in 2001.

“I had to attend all the conventions, run our meetings and make sure everything goes as planned,” Kesterson said. “I had to represent PASR the best way I can.

“At the end of two years you receive a president’s pin. I have two,” Kesterson added while smiling proudly.

Founded in 1937, PASR is the largest group of its kind in Pennsylvania and third largest school retiree organization in the United States.

The organization of volunteers includes former school employees such as teachers, librarians and cafeteria workers.

Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, the PASR has 76 local chapters and 400 members statewide.

The PASR Midwestern Region consists of the Beaver, Butler, Clarion, Lawrence and Mercer chapters.

The Butler chapter meets in March, May, October and December at the Tanglewood Center in Lyndora.

Veronica Rozic is the president.

The organization is dedicated to promoting and serving the interests and needs of all retirees from the Pennsylvania Public School System.

Kesterson, the mother of two and grandmother of three, withdrew from the PASR presidency in December 2005, but she is still on the organization’s education committee.

In the past, the education committee has organized the WISR Spelling Bee.

PASR is not Kesterson’s only passion, however. She also is an avid reader.

“I think I was born with a book in my hand.” she said. “I like to read mystery and murder novels.”

She enjoys knitting and working on puzzles.

“I also love to travel,” Kesterson said. “My favorite places have been Venice, Italy, and Thailand, especially when my friend and I rode on the elephants.”

Kesterson belongs to First English Lutheran Church, 241 N. Main St. and was active as a choir member for 50 years. She also served two years on church council.

Currently, Kesterson is president of the Butler Reading Club. She was given the Women of the Year award by the American Association of University Women in 2009.

She credits most of her active, fulfilling life to her health.

“As long as you have good health,” she said, “you can do anything.”