Christa Harmotto Dietzen, Women’s Olympic Volleyball Bronze winner 2016 in Rio de Janiero, and a 2005 graduate of Hopewell Area High School, was honored by the township, school district, county commissioners, and the state last night. According to Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano, the event was held in Tony Dorsett Stadium. She had a police and fire escort from her family’s home, which is a short distance from the stadium. Christa led the school’s team to a state championship in 2005, at Penn State the girl’s volleyball team won 2007 and 2008 NCAA championships. Her high school coach Terry Borkovic introduced 4 of her former teammates at the school, and 2 of the current team members from Hopewell were introduced. Borkovic said he knew she would reach the goals she set for herself. She held a photo autograph signing after the event and when asked about the situation in Rio, she said the state department had everything under control. She tearfully spoke of the refugee team eating in the dining hall in the Olympic Village that had no home. Christa and husband Derek live in California, and he was unable to attend,; one of her brothers attended last night with her parents Rob and Connie Harmotto. She won a silver medal in 2012 Olympics. She announced her retirement last night. Cindy Murphy, representing the B.F. Jones Memorial Library called Harmotto Dietzen a Hometown Hero and a book will be placed in the library in her honor. Police Chief Brian Uhrmacher spoke on 9/11 and Harmotto, when she realized tearfully that the event was held on this day she said,” my heart goes out to those that serve and protect our freedoms.” The event, chaired by school board president Dave Bufalini said the school board is prolaiming the second Friday in October as CHRISTA HARMOTTO DAY.