Today, we honor two individuals who have fulfilled dreams. They've reached goals, and they are making a difference in their communities," said Vickie Anspach, secretary of the Columbia Education Foundation, speaking at a breakfast for the 2025 Columbia Distinguished Alumni. "Leonardo da Vinci said, 'People of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things,' and I think that's true about these two honorees."

Amita Mehta, Columbia Class of 1991, and Andrew (Andy) Ohrel, Columbia Class of 1966, were awarded this year's honors at the event held in the library of Columbia High School in early October.

Karl Kreiser, who coached Amita for four years when she was a starter for the high school basketball team, introduced Amita to the group of about 75 family members, friends and community members who came to the breakfast.

"I can't think of anyone more qualified for this award than Amita," Kreiser said. "In my 28 years of coaching girls' and boys' basketball at Columbia, none were tougher than her."

Born in Uganda, Amita came to the United States as a refugee after her family fled the dictatorship of Idi Amin. She and her family settled in Columbia when she was 8 years old. During her time at Columbia, she served as vice president of her class; participated in Student Council and the National Honor Society; played basketball with CBAA; and was a member of the high school varsity basketball, tennis and softball teams. She was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at Columbia in 2014. Her career includes more than two decades of financial services experience, including her current role as chief of staff to the head of control management in global commercial sales for American Express. She splits time between Bayville, N.J., and Doylestown.

"It's truly an honor to be receiving this recognition and to also be in the company of Andy feels so good," Amita told the crowd, noting that she and her twin brother spent many hours at Andy's family business, Andy's Market, as children. "Driving through the back country roads of Lancaster County, it always instills a sense of how far my family has come and a sense of coming back home. Columbia is home."

Recalling what it was like for her parents to leave everything behind to move to a foreign country with four children under the age of 10, Amita expressed gratitude for the way the Columbia community embraced her.

"Anything is possible when you have a strong community around you," she said. "I'm so proud and grateful that the Crimson Tide did - and still does - rise for me."

Retired Columbia teacher Jean Phiel introduced Andy. She noted that both she and Andy graduated from the same class at Columbia, and she's proud of Andy's commitment to the town.

"Over the years, I've watched Andy dedicate countless hours to our community," Phiel said.

She paraphrased Theodore Roosevelt, saying, "If we are facing a challenge and doing nothing to meet it, then we are the problem."

"This sentiment perfectly captures Andy's approach to life," Phiel remarked, noting that Andy's many contributions include tireless work to keep community parks such as Glatfelter Field safe and operational as well as employing countless Columbia students to work at his market.

Andy was born in Columbia and began his education in a one-room schoolhouse in Kirkwood before attending St. Peter's School and then Columbia High School. After graduation, he enlisted with the Pennsylvania National Guard and served from 1966 to 1972. He and his wife, Donna, have been married for 55 years and have two sons.

Andy's career as a businessman began at the young age of 11 when he started a snowball business. His father opened Andy's Market in 1956, and Andy took over after his father's passing. Andy has been actively involved with CBAA, including sponsoring Andy's Orioles for years through the market. His local honors include awards from the Urban League, Man of the Year from the Boys and Girls Club and the Jimmy Sheckard Memorial Award. He has also been recognized by the Pennsylvania Senate and House of Representatives for contributing to the well-being of the community.

His son, Jason, spoke for Andy at the breakfast.

"This community has always been an important part of my dad's life," Jason said. "My dad believes when we come together to support one another, we are building a stronger community and foundation for the future. My dad is very proud of be part of the Columbia community."

Andy made a few remarks as well, noting that he was stunned and honored to receive the Distinguished Alumni award.

"I want to thank everybody for this honor," he said. "I'm just proud to be a Columbia person."

Retired teacher Wayne Hershey, who taught both Amita and Andy, presented the honorees with their awards. Each received a plaque to take home as well as one that will be mounted on the Wall of Fame in the high school lobby.

The Distinguished Alumni program is an initiative of the Columbia Education Foundation. The foundation provides support and resources to the teachers and staff of the district in order to enhance teaching and learning experiences for students. To learn more, visit https://columbiaef.org.