< Previous%Locally Sourced A nonprofit volunteer group comprised of retired Westinghouse employees donated funds to help fight hunger in the Pittsburgh region during the holiday season. Through the Westinghouse Service Uniting Retired Employees - or Westinghouse SURE - program, $13,500 was donated to 16 regional food pantries and Meals on Meals programs. Locally, Westinghouse SURE donated $500 to Sandy Hershberger, director of the West Hills Food Pantry in Moon Township, in late November. “Over the holidays, we’re reminded that many folks in our region are still hungry,” said Westinghouse SURE president Lucio Facchini. “We are proud of our SURE members who give their time and energy to help feed the hungry year round, and we wanted to do more to support their efforts as an organization. I’m pleased to announce that Westinghouse SURE will make a monetary donation to a number of Meals on Wheels programs and food pantries during this critical time of need.” Nationally, Westinghouse SURE has nearly 1,000 members participating in 100 community activities and member service activities totaling more than 1.2 million volunteer hours over its 29-year history.STORY AND PHOTO SUBMITTEDThe Westinghouse SURE program donated a $500 check to the West Hills Food Pantry in Moon Township as part of its annual Feed the Hungry Program in November. Pictured left to right are JoEllen Moyer, West Hills Food Pantry board member; Sandy Hershberger, director of the West Hills Food Pantry; and George Kovatch, Westinghouse SURE member. Local food pantry benefits from Westinghouse SURE programLocally Sourced10 • Allegheny West Magazine • January/February 2019%New in TownNew in Town During Dr. Mark Ferris’ 32-year career as a veterinarian, he helped hundreds of pet owners and their pets with a variety of needs. Many pets he treated throughout their entire lives. As those pets neared the end of their lives, however, part of Dr. Ferris’ job involved helping pet owners make tough decisions. It was a process that he felt demanded the right amount of empathy and compassion, but one that wasn’t always best suited to the veterinarian’s office. “It’s just something that we, as veterinarians, have not really figured out how to get right,” he says. For Dr. Ferris, part of the problem was the veterinarian’s office itself. With its cold, steel examination tables and sterile setting, it’s not at all the kind of place where a pet owner wants to say “goodbye” to their beloved companion. In addition to the lack of privacy for the grieving family, there is also the unfortunate aspect in most cases of having to schedule an appointment to accommodate the doctor’s schedule rather than what is best for the client and their pet. For pet owners with aging pets, just transporting their pet to the office can also prove to be a struggle and an unbearable anxiety for the pet. Some owners may not even know if their pet is nearing the end of its life or if it’s suffering from a treatable condition. In 2016, after 20 years of ownership, Dr. Ferris sold his practice in Burgettstown (Hilltop Animal Hospital) and transitioned into a different aspect of veterinary medicine. While working part time at Five Points Veterinary Clinic in Hopewell, he began a new service dedicated exclusively to assisting pet owners with end of life decisions in their own homes. Peaceful Goodbyes provides owners the option of saying goodbye to their loved ones at the time and place of their choosing. As a pet’s health and quality of life decline due to age or illness, pet owners often struggle with whether it is even time to say goodbye. Thus, Dr. Ferris will, if requested, visit with the family prior to a scheduled euthanasia to meet the pet, assess the patient, and try to answer the many questions concerning their loved one’s failing health. There is no fee or obligation when a client requests this introductory visit. Though not an emergency service, Dr. Ferris does his best to accommodate the family’s needs. There are no time constraints with a typical house call and owners are given as much time as needed during the process to say their goodbyes. He will typically bring a veterinary technician with him and, after the pet has passed, provide cremation options if requested. When private cremation is preferred, he will personally transport the pet to the crematorium and, a few days later, return the cremains to the family in a beautiful wooden urn with engraved nameplate as well as a clay paw print keepsake. The feedback Dr. Ferris has received from clients has been overwhelmingly positive. An entire section on his website contains moving testimonials. One reads as follows: Area veterinarian now helping pet owners through end-of-life decisions “[Our cat] Fox was telling us it was time, and it was to our immense relief that Dr. Ferris agreed to visit our home to gently and mercifully ease this cherished family member into his last moments. No jostling Fox’s aching body into a carrier for a last, bumpy ride to an unfamiliar and sterile clinic; instead, Fox peacefully - and gratefully, we’re convinced - spent the final hours of his life at home, unstressed and surrounded by all that was familiar.” More testimonials can be read at: peacefulgoodbyes.com/testimonial.html. In the spring of 2019, Dr. Ferris says he will begin offering in-home examinations, vaccines and routine bloodwork for pets that are fearful and anxious about car rides and visiting the veterinarian’s office. For now, though, he’s applying his expertise, along with his skills of compassion and empathy, to help pet owners through the euthanasia process. Dr. Ferris is currently making house calls throughout western Allegheny County and other parts of the tri-state region, including Washington County, Beaver County, and parts of Ohio and West Virginia. For more information, visit peacefulgoodbyes.com or text/call (412) 671-3773. Dr. Ferris can also be reached via email at mferris61@verizon.net. Dr. Mark FerrisSTORY AND PHOTO SUBMITTEDJanuary/February 2019 • www.awmagazine.com • 11Health and Fitness Beginner’s Zumba, ages 13+, Mondays, March 4-April 15 (no class March 25), 6-7 p.m., Moon High School Fitness Room, workout using a combination of Latin-based dance moves, $45 residents/$50 non-residents per six-week session.Belly Dancing Body Fitness, ages 15+, Wednesdays, Feb. 20-March 27, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Moon High School Fitness Room, $45 residents/$50 non-residents for six-week session, $10 drop-in. Masters Swim Program, ages 18+, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, 5:30-6:45 a.m., Moon High School Natatorium, train under a certified masters coach who plans workouts and teaches technique, $30/month, register at moonaquaclub.org.PADI Discover Scuba Program, ages 11+, Jan. 20, April 28, 12-4 p.m., Moon Area High Natatorium, learn the basic safety guidelines and skills needed to dive, direct supervision of a Prof. Assoc. of Diving Instructors, $50, register at park office at least two days prior.Public Swimming, all ages, Monday-Friday, 7:45-9 p.m., Moon Area High School Natatorium, $3 adults, $2 children 3-17, children under 2 free, drop in and swim, children under 10 must be accompanied by adult, lap swimming available, residents only. Pilates, ages 15+, Wednesdays through Feb. 13, Feb. 20-March 27 (six weeks), 8:30-9:30 a.m., unique system of stretching/strengthening exercises that work the entire body, $45 residents/$50 non-residents per six-week session, drop-in $10. Pound, ages 15+, Tuesdays, Feb. 19-March 26, 6:30-7:15 p.m., full-body cardio jam session, $45 residents/$50 non-residents for all sessions, drop-in $10.Totally Toned, ages 15+, Mondays, March 4-April 15 (no class March 25), 7:15-8:15 p.m., Moon Area High School Fitness Room; tone abs, thighs, back, arms, glutes; bring hand weights, mat, water; $45 residents/$50 non-residents per six-week session. Women’s Volleyball League, ages 18+, Wednesdays, Feb. 20-April 24, 7-10 p.m., Moon Area Middle School Main Gym, register by Feb. 15, $45 residents/$50 non-residents. Yoga Basics and More, ages 15+, through Feb. 12, Moon Township Municipal Building, $12 drop-in, bring mat/towel and water.Zumba Fitness, ages 13+, Thursdays through Feb. 14, Feb. 21-March 28 (six weeks), 6:30-7:30 p.m., Moon Township Municipal Building Auditorium, workout using a combination of Latin-based dance moves, $45 residents/$50 non-residents per six week session, $10 drop-in.Register by visiting MoonParks.org or calling (412) 262-1703. Programs take place at Robin Hill Center unless otherwise indicated. Workout programs to start the New Year off right!eMoon Parks and Recreation HappeningsMoon Parks and Recreation HappeningsLook for more Moon Parks Programs on page 36.12 • Allegheny West Magazine • January/February 2019y>Learning CurvesLearning Curves More than ever, so many of us are focused on making things work for a group of individuals - whether it’s family, our work team, volunteer organizations, our church or a combination. It requires a level of juggling, decision-making and prioritization that can be a real challenge. For most people I know, it has become a normal (and healthy) part of life to have regular check-ins with ourselves to improve our awareness and ensure that we are selecting the right things as priorities. My reflection on decision-making is a result of observing family and friends throughout the fourth quarter and challenging myself to prioritize better. Though I’m passionate about many things, I have learned that there are but a few things that last. So, in this new year, I challenge myself to continue to refine my awareness of those things and all that matters most to me. High on my list is the desire to help others at home and in the workplace. A recent sermon at church brought another priority to mind. In the sermon, a 10-year-old child was complaining about his math homework. He could not understand why he needed to learn multiplication and division. A few years later, his engagement in a challenging school project brought him to the realization that he wants to pursue a medical career. Upon discovering his passion, he quickly understood why he needed that math. What a gift we can give by helping others find their passion! I hope that the goal to help others is a priority for you and your network as well. From where I sit in the employment industry, I see a critical need that presents a good opportunity for all of us: helping our student population get real-life work experience. It is a fact that students are not getting enough work-study opportunities and we need better partnerships between schools and businesses. Pennsylvania requires all school districts to have a K-12 School Counseling Plan as part of Chapter 339. Resources are defined at: www.education.pa.gov/K-12/PACareerStandards/Resources/Pages/339CounselingPlan.aspx. In a tight labor market with increasing job vacancies, employers face a growing skills gap. Too many young Americans graduate with degrees and skills that don’t match the needs of employers. An effective solution is to provide students with real-life work experience before graduation. Having high school students learn early on about the most sought-after educational disciplines, workplace culture and how their educational experience translates into the real world helps ensure that students graduate with the skills and education employers need. Express Employment Professionals partners with local entities to provide early education and work-study opportunities for high school students to help raise a workforce prepared to fill the shortage of skilled workers. Another Express solution is Job Genius, a free, video-based program created by Express to successfully prepare students to enter the workforce. The program also serves as a tool to connect educators with the needs of businesses. With parent and facilitator guides for teachers, Job Genius explores everything from job market forecasts, post-secondary education requirements and resume creation, to career pathing, interviewing, money management, and the soft skills employers are looking for but do not find in a startling 27 percent of applicants. Express’ Pittsburgh West office will help high school teachers facilitate this program, which can be customized for the classroom or other groups looking to help students prepare for future work. “Job vacancies continue to outnumber available workers,” said Bill Stoller, Express CEO. “That means we need to continue drawing more people into the workforce, with an especially strong focus on helping those of limited means recognize and seize the opportunities that are out there. Businesses, educators and community leaders need to work together to remove as many barriers to jobs as possible.” It is necessary and right for every level of the community- businesses, schools, churches and volunteer organizations - to provide opportunities for students to experience real-life work and hands-on activity that sets them up to make good life and career decisions. This can be achieved through job shadowing, internships, externships or sharing information about an open job. Also, sharing about our work life helps parents and educators understand the expectations and prepare our future workforce with the skills and education required. I look forward to focusing on my key priority to help as many people as possible in 2019. If I can help you, please reach out to me at deb.gray@expresspros.com.Deb Gray is the owner of Express Pittsburgh West. With offices in Robinson Township and Monaca, Express Pittsburgh West serves the western region of Allegheny County as well as all of Beaver County. Local businesses and job seekers are encouraged to stop by, visit expresspros.com/wpittsburghpa/ or call (412) 494-2000.A New Year and a new opportunity to help a new generation BY DEB GRAYJanuary/February 2019 • www.awmagazine.com • 13lLegislative UpdateSTORY BY JILL BORDOLegislative Update A swearing-in ceremony in Harrisburg on New Year’s Day propelled Valerie Gaydos into office as the Pennsylvania state representative for the 44th District, a seat held for more than 15 years by Mark Mustio. Gaydos, a 51-year-old businesswoman from Aleppo Township, had never held a statewide office prior to the November election. However, she is counting on her years of expertise in small business ownership, angel investing and advising start-up companies to serve her well in strengthening the state’s business climate. The new representative, who defeated former Kennedy Township schoolteacher Michele Knoll, said she heard from voters that they were less interested in political parties and more interested in the specific intentions of the candidates. A self-described lifelong conservative and defender of the Constitution, Gaydos is passionate about education initiatives that include training in the trades, economic development that leads to good jobs, and the protection of personal rights and freedoms. Gaydos attended Quaker Valley High School but graduated from Sewickley Academy in 1985. She majored in Russian and Soviet studies at Dickinson College and spent two summers studying in Moscow. In the late 1980s, Gaydos was an intern for the late Sen. John Heinz, followed by a period of employment as a legislative aide for then state Sen. Mike Fisher. Both of those opportunities greatly impacted her life, said Gaydos, adding that the respect both men showed to all colleagues and constituents with whom they worked, regardless of party affiliation, helped to “set her political tone.” After dabbling in politics, Gaydos decided to hone her entrepreneurial skills. She founded Capital Growth, a Maryland-based investment company that sold financial data to subscribers such as investment banks. When her husband passed away in 2002, Gaydos took over his publishing company. Most recently, she has been the chief operating officer for CDNS, an international cyber security firm. She also served as president of The Pennsylvania Angel Network, a statewide group that represents investors in start-up companies. During her tenure, the network expanded from eight to 18 groups. For nine years, Gaydos was also a member of the Pennsylvania Business Council, a role which involved interviewing potential political candidates for the state. She began to consider running for office herself and made it official when she learned that Mustio would not seek reelection. “Whether I won or lost, there was no down side to running,” stated Gaydos, who believed she could have the most impact on people’s lives by taking on a local governmental role. The new representative remarked that other states are much more favorable to start-up companies than Pennsylvania, a major catalyst in her decision to campaign. Revising the tax laws to enable small start-ups to recoup tax money to invest in their own growth is a main objective for Gaydos, as is advancing a mass transit system for the area, an effort that has stalled for 30 years. Gaydos also expects pension reform to be one of her greatest challenges while in office. Though she admits to having no immediate answers, she stated that the issue “can’t be tabled anymore. We have to address it and that starts by talking about it.” Gaydos says she knocked on nearly 8,000 doors and conversed with many senior citizens who have worked hard all of their lives and now find themselves on fixed incomes and having to sacrifice because of taxes and unforeseen expenses. “Every day brings a lot of burdens,” said Gaydos of the senior population, adding that “government should not be one of them.” Job creation and growth at Pittsburgh International Airport will be another central focus for Gaydos. In December, she attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Innovation Campus to be built on airport property and was surprised and excited to be given a shovel and hardhat by Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. Gaydos hopes to help Pennsylvania achieve solvency and commented that “personal freedom comes with economic freedom.” In her first effort to save local taxpayers money, Gaydos chose to remain in the same office used by Mustio at 1009 Beaver Grade Road. and to keep the same phone number: (412) 262-3780. Mustio stated that it has been easier to leave the position knowing that a person of Gaydos’ quality and character will be taking over his seat. “Valerie is a good listener which is an essential asset to have in this job,” said Mustio, adding that her knowledge, experience and energy will provide “really good representation for our district.” Mustio has mixed emotions about his time in office coming to a close. After becoming the 44th District’s representative in 2003, he was an integral force in the expanding development around Pittsburgh International Airport, including upgraded infrastructure, construction of the I-79 connector, and the expansion and renaming of I-376. He was also involved in the growth of the local Marcellus Shale industry, the establishment of an anti-windfall property tax that rolled back taxes on reassessments, and a six-year effort on legislation that required assisted living facilities in the state to have carbon monoxide detectors. Mustio admitted, however, that the increased use of social media in politics, as well as the negativity and combative nature of both the media and the public has become “very tiring” for those in office. “It’s time for some new blood,” stated Mustio, adding that “15-and-a-half years is about my attention span.” Mustio will continue to operate his local insurance agency and plans to stay involved in the community, but will spend more time at his home in Jupiter, Florida.Gaydos takes over for Mustio as 44th District representativeState Rep. Valerie Gaydos is sworn into office by D. Michael Fisher, the former Pennsylvania state senator and attorney general who is now a federal judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, on Jan. 1. PHOTO COURTESY PA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, REPUBLICAN CAUCUS14 • Allegheny West Magazine • January/February 2019First Time Home Buyer?* Let us make it easier for you...Visit us at www.sewickleysavingsbank.com*First Time Homebuyer is defined as not having owned a home within the past two years. All terms are subject to change without notice.The total price of the home must be $200,000 or less. The total family income must be $72,600 or less. Other qualifications apply. Please contact your local office for details.Contact one of ourlocations for detailsand qualifications:Coraopolis OfficeJames Mastroianni412-264-4940Robinson OfficeKeith Henderson412-787-1533Sewickley OfficeThomas Ondek412-741-5000LOWER RATEA ¼% discount on our current 30 year fixed rate mortgage.LOWER COSTSA $500 lender credit towards closing costs.LOWER DOWN PAYMENTThe bank will lend up to 95% of the lesser of the appraised value or sale price of the property.Additionally, the bank will pay for Private Mortgage Insurance on any loan from 81% to 90% Loan to value.January/February 2019 • www.awmagazine.com • 15Chamber LinkChamber Link A lot of parents would be happy to have a couple of kids like Connor and Austin Ryan. The two Moon Area seniors are both high honors students and members of the National Honor Society. They’re also both excellent basketball players for the Moon Area varsity squad who have earned All-Section first team nods. They work three jobs, as custodians, umpires for Little League and as math tutors. They’re peer-to-peer leaders who mentor freshmen and, as members of their church, help organize a number of efforts to help those in need. They’ve headed up clothing drives and organize an annual dance for adults in the area with physical and mental disabilities. As such, when the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce asked municipalities in its footprint to nominate residents for its second annual Community Impact Awards, Moon Township couldn’t decide which brother to nominate, so it named both. “Connor and Austin Ryan are twins and their achievements and contributions to our community are so outstanding and so similar that we didn’t feel right nominating just one of them,” said Moon Township supervisor Michele Santicola in remarks during an dinner held to honor awardees. The Ryan twins were among three individuals and one business that were honored at this year’s Community Impact Awards dinner Nov. 8. The award was established two years ago by the chamber “to honor individuals and businesses that go far beyond what is expected to positively impact their community,” chamber president and CEO Chris Heck said in his opening remarks at the dinner. Though municipalities across the airport corridor were asked to nominate recipients, those chosen this year all had strong ties to the Moon Township community. In addition to the Ryan twins, the other two recipients were state Rep. Mark Mustio and Diane Cleaners, which operates just about a block away from the chamber’s offices in Moon Township. In addition to Moon Township, Findlay Township and North Fayette Township were also asked to nominate individuals and businesses for the award. Mustio, who served each of those townships for the past 15 years as the state representative for the 44th Legislative District, was jointly nominated by each of the them. “It’s impossible for us to list all the ways he’s had an impact in his district and our communities….” North Fayette Township manager Bob Grimm said in remarks while introducing Mustio. Grimm, though, did attempt to name some of those contributions, including the millions of dollars Mustio has secured over his past eight terms in office for area infrastructure and for Pittsburgh International Airport. In addition to securing funds for major area projects like the Findlay Connector, the LifeSpan Senior Resource Center in Imperial and much-needed repairs to the Aiken Road Bridge, Grimm also mentioned annual programs Mustio has sponsored like shredding events and a senior expo. Grimm pointed out that legislation Mustio authored has mandated the placement of carbon monoxide detectors in nursing homes, provided money for municipalities to meet storm water regulations and lowered Allegheny County property tax rates. Mustio has also served as a Moon Township supervisor and chaired the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce. As well, he’s sat on the boards for the Western Area YMCA, Moon Area Excellence in Education Fund and ACTA. At the beginning of 2018, Mustio announced he would not run for reelection. Valerie Gaydos won his seat in November. For more on her, see page 14. In introducing Diane Cleaners, Moon Township supervisor Jim Vitale called the business “a shining example of how a business can give back to their community” and said the township is “lucky that they continue to call Moon Township home.” “Their dedication supporting numerous organizations and causes for over half a century deserves this recognition,” Vitale said. He said one of the ways that Diane Cleaners aids the community is publicizing local fundraising events such as Boy Scout pancake breakfasts on its sign at a busy intersection along Beaver Grade Road. Vitale also pointed out that the business regularly aids the Moon Area School District by donating sewing services. As well, he said, the business stores and cleans the Moon Parks and Recreation Easter bunny costume. More significantly, the business holds an annual winter clothing drive that nets winter coats, scarves and the like for those in need. After cleaning the clothing at no charge, the business then donates those items to the West Hills Food Pantry, which in turn distributes them to those who need them. When asked by Vitale how many articles the business had collected this year, owner Charlie Budavich responded that they had stopped counting at 725. Established in 1964, the business is a 42-year member of the chamber. The opening speaker for this year’s Community Impact Awards was Jason Riley, executive director for Tickets for Kids, which annually provides more than 200,000 event tickets per year worth more than $6 million to children in need. In his remarks, Riley acknowledged that there are many hurdles to affecting change in a community, whether they be resources, talent or time. “But every once in a while we’re so compelled by the issue, or so struck with empathy, or so outraged by an injustice, or just so in love with the community that we belong to that we say, ‘You know what, I’m going to do something about this,’” he said. “‘I’m going to figure out how I can address this need.’” The PAACC is planning another Community Impact Awards dinner next year and will be asking for nominations from chamber members. For more, contact the chamber at (412) 264-6270 or visit paacc.com. PAACC hosts second annual Community Impact Awards dinnerSTORY BY DOUG HUGHEYPHOTO BY ALLISON FRANZCommunity Impact Award winners Austin Ryan, Diane Cleaners owner Charlie Budavich and retired state Rep. Mark Mustio are pictured with Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Chris Heck. Not pictured is Connor Ryan. 16 • Allegheny West Magazine • January/February 2019January/February 2019 • www.awmagazine.com • 17Your SchoolsYour SchoolsN18 • Allegheny West Magazine • January/February 2019Holy Trinity students display portraits and essays they wrote about a mentor in the STEAM fields as part of the Fairchild Challenge. Holy Trinity Catholic School The Holy Trinity Catholic School Robotics Club participated in the BEST Robotics Competition in November at Grove City College, where they won best middle school entry. This was the fourth year that sixth, seventh and eighth grade students had the opportunity to participate in the challenge. The task this year, which was entitled “Current Events,” was to build a robot in six weeks that could simulate ocean clean-up by removing plastic garbage from artificial ocean “gyres” that were constructed aside a moving “current” beam that the robot navigated. Students needed to design the robot as well as program it. The team competed with their robot in three-minute matches. Points were scored by removing garbage and rescuing wildlife in the form of rubber ducks and 3D computer-generated turtles. In addition to the robot competition, teams were required to submit a project engineering notebook, give an oral presentation, demonstrate spirit and sportsmanship, and provide an educational display. Though the overall competition has middle and high schools competing against each other, a Best Middle School Award is given to the middle school that accumulates the most total points in each of the categories. BEST (Boosting Engineering Science & Technology) Robotics, Inc. is a nonprofit volunteer organization whose goal is to “inspire middle through high school students to pursue careers in engineering, science, technology, and mathematics through participation in a sports-like, hands-on, real-world, engineering-based robotics competition.” BEST has a hub at Grove City College and, in 2018, established an additional hub at Carnegie Mellon University. The BEST competition at Grove City is presented by The Elliott Group. VEX Robotics is a supplier to the BEST Robotics competition.Holy Trinity students finish atop robotics competition A team comprised of Holy Trinity students (also pictured below) won an award for best middle school entry at the BEST Robotics Competition in November. Fairfield Challenge Holy Trinity Catholic School students in sixth and seventh grade competed in their first Fairchild Challenge titled Our STEAM Mentors. The Fairchild Challenge is a “multidisciplinary, standards-based environmental education outreach program designed to give middle school students an opportunity to creatively shine.” It is sponsored by Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Students had to pick a mentor from the STEAM fields and either interview the person or research them. They also had to include a portrait. The top eight student entries were submitted in a booklet for judging.Forensics The forensics team attended their first meet Nov. 17 at St. Kilian’s School where they received seven first-place, 14 second-place and five third-place ribbons. Every member of the team received a ribbon, including Olivia Mulvay, who received two first-place ribbons. Melaina Merlo, Clare Mulvay, Riley Lecker, Allison Weaver and Bianca Golomb received one first-place ribbon apiece. Overall, Holy Trinity took third place out of the 14 teams. Members of the forensics team display their awards that they won at a recent competition. 18 • Allegheny West Magazine • January/February 2019January/February 2019 • www.awmagazine.com • 19Junior Achievement Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania brought their economics-based curriculum program to K through eighth grade students Nov. 19. JA students from Bishop Canevin High School presented age-appropriate lessons to each classroom. The elementary students worked on the JA Our Families® lesson, which focuses on roles played in the local economy. The lesson is intended to show children the importance of work and the skills that are required to get, or earn, what they need and want. Intermediate students worked on the JA Our Nation® unit, in which they discussed business globalization and the importance of STEM skills as job skills. Seventh grade students studied in the JA Economics for Success® module and learned how to earn money, spend within a budget, save and invest, and use credit cautiously. The modules used with sixth and eighth grade students are new this year and are SMART Board based. Eighth grade students used the technology to analyze marketing strategies by identifying brand logos of top companies. Holy Trinity Catholic School alumni currently attending Bishop Canevin High School were part of the team of students presenting to classrooms. They were: Savanah Abbott, Kylie Airesman, Braehm Brown, Tony Cicchino, Jillian Frosell, Renee LaGrosse, Thea LaGrosse, Ian Lecker, Jack Mickle, Collin Milko, Connor Miller, Nick Paluso, Sabrina Skukalek and Natalie Zurbola. STORIES AND PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC SCHOOLHigh school students from Bishop Canevin visited Holy Trinity as part of the Junior Achievement program. Next >