Alumni Spotlight – Neil Slenker ‘88

York County has always been “home base” for Neil Slenker ’88, but Southern York County has always been “home.” He freely acknowledges that his connections to SYCSD and Susquehannock still influence every aspect of his daily life.

The most obvious tie is through his family. His father, Kirk, was on the School Board; his wife, Linda Holley, graduated from SHS in 1987; his mother, Beverly worked for the School District; and his father-in-law, Jim Holley, is a current Board member. But other influences are subtle, yet pervasive.

As a partner in one of York’s oldest and most prestigious law firms, he constantly draws on the writing and public speaking skills drilled into him by Mrs. (Sue) Schultz and Miss (Caroline) Adams.  He also credits his science instructors for vital career skills that he applies to his law practice. “Mr. (Ron) Leese and Mr. (Ken) Alwine taught me chemistry and physics, of course. While I don’t use those skills on a daily basis,” he says, “the most important thing they taught me was not to be intimidated by complex problems.  They showed me that no matter how difficult a problem may seem, it can often be solved if I address it one step at a time. That lesson is something I use every day.”

At SHS, Neil was successful in and out of the classroom. He was a science department senior aide, a member of the National Honor Society, and the class valedictorian. He also played varsity basketball and volleyball and was a hurdler, long-jumper, and high-jumper on the track squad. In his junior year, he was the county high-jump champion, setting a school record in the process. His interest in sports (and writing) made him a natural yearbook sports editor.

After SHS, he studied economics at Johns Hopkins University, earned Dean’s List honors, and graduated in 1992 with a B.A. degree. He played club lacrosse at Hopkins, but academics and a goal of pursuing a business career in a large metropolitan area were his focus.

After a year in Washington D.C., however, he realized that big-city life and large-firm corporate culture did not work for him, and he decided to study law with the goal of working in a community-based firm where he could develop personal relationships with local clients. This new career choice matched his enjoyment of writing, public speaking, and problem-solving. He earned a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Dickinson School of Law and passed the bar exam in 1996.

Immediately after graduation, he joined Stock and Leader in York as an associate attorney. The firm has a general practice, and Neil was exposed to all branches of civil law, but he mostly enjoyed litigation. This interest was piqued by an internship with the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office in his final year at Dickinson. As he progressed through the firm to a partnership position, he was made chair of the firm’s litigation division. He serves in other leadership roles in the firm but he is most proud of being selected by his firm peers as their ethics counsel.

Outside of his busy law practice, he retains his passion for sports, having coached youth basketball and baseball. He currently coaches in the York Suburban American Legion baseball program. Although his playing days are over, he keeps fit by lifting weights and running with his team. He is also active in the York County United Way, Rotary Club of York, and the First Presbyterian Church.

Looking to the future, Neil is certain that Susquehannock will always be with him. Of the years he spent there, he says, “It was a tremendous experience and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

Neil and Linda live in York County with their children, Collin and Caroline. Linda works in the elementary writing program at York Suburban School District.

Thanks, Neil, for making us Warrior Proud!