< PreviousYour SchoolsYour Schools N STORIES AND PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY ARCHANGEL GABRIEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Archangel Gabriel Catholic School Cheering on the cheerleaders The AGS varsity cheerleading squad took first place and the JV squad took second place at the St. Louise de Marillac Cheer Competition. At the Diocesan Championship, which was hosted by Archangel Gabriel Catholic School, the varsity squad again took first place while the JV team took second place. Individually, Holly Kaminski took first place in the jump competition. A Knight-sized congratulations also goes out to the AGS pep squad for their talented performance in late March at their exhibition. Though the squad didn’t get to cheer at a game this year, they practiced hard and showed their skills and spirit for their families. AGS is proud to cheer on its cheerleaders. Basketball teams close out strong season The AGS seventh grade boys basketball team won the AGS Preview Tournament Championship on March 25. The fifth grade boys team, meanwhile, took first place at the Our Lady of Fatima Tournament and second place in the Archangel Gabriel Tournament. Both teams practiced hard and played their hearts out. It all paid off when they got to hold their well-deserved trophy. Blessing community helpers Moon Run volunteer firefighters stopped by AGS on March 16 with the department’s new firetruck. Younger students joined in prayer for the firefighters as Father Joe blessed both the truck and the volunteers. AGS is lucky to have these heroes in its community keeping residents safe. They are welcome back any time. The AGS JV cheer squad has placed in two competitions this school year. Pictured is the fifth grade basketball team. Father Joe gives a blessing to the Moon Run VFD’s new fire truck. AGS families decorated their cars for a fun outdoor egg hunt. Kindergarten resurrection eggs Every Lenten season, kindergarten classrooms learn about the events leading up to the resurrection of Jesus. This can be a complicated lesson. Therefore, they create a visual using eggs. Each shell has a symbol inside that represents Jesus’ journey. “Tom and Jerry” at the drive-in theater Over 100 families from the AGS school community had a socially distanced blast March 30 at the Dependable Drive-In in Moon Township. Father Joe Codori provided this great opportunity for families. The PTG provided some treats and the snack bar’s line was full with eager children wanting to purchase additional food and beverages. They loved it and hope to do it again soon. Egg Hunt On March 27, dozens and dozens of Easter eggs were up for grabs and lots of children were eager to find them. The event was adorable and a success. Families even decorated their cars for this fun day. It was warm outside and hearts were warmed by the smiles on all of their faces. The PTG organized and executed this great event. 20 • Allegheny West Magazine • May/June 2021N Your Schools Your Schools STORIES AND PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY ST. PHILIP CATHOLIC SCHOOL St. Philip Catholic School Carson Scholar St. Philip eighth-grader Rachel McDevitt has been named a Carson Scholar for 2021. She and other Carson Scholars will be honored with medals and scholarships of $1,000. Rachel is among a group of over 4,200 students from around the country to be selected as a Carson Scholar. Academic achievements and community service make these individuals stand out as future leaders. Art for Heart St. Philip eighth-grader Ryan Jameson plays basketball on a team with Patrick Weldon, a student from St. Louise de Marillac. Patrick started a program called Art for Heart that uses leftover artwork from school classes and turns them into cards to send to local hospitals, convents and elsewhere. His program has been growing since the beginning of the school year. Over Christmas, he was able to give an Art for Heart card to everyone at Mercy Hospital, and now he is trying to expand the effort even further. Ryan asked if St. Philip students could help his friend Patrick reach his new goal and St. Philip students were able to contribute 150 cards to Art for Heart. The Art for Heart fundraiser has ended for Easter, and Patrick from St. Louise sent the school a very sweet “thank you” video that gives a shout-out to St. Philip students. Seventh Grade Cleanup The 7A Religion class visited Ingram and Crafton Park every Friday during Lent to pick up trash for their Almsgiving obligation. Virtual Symphony Third-graders participated in the “Virtual Schooltime with the Pittsburgh Symphony” program. The recorded concert program included a series of chamber performances, demonstrations and interviews with musicians. It highlighted the unique characteristics and sounds of woodwind, brass, string and percussion instruments. Students heard pieces by Mozart, Scott Joplin and many others. Spring Celebrations Primary students had loads of fun celebrating Dr. Seuss Week and everyone celebrated St Patrick’s Day - even virtual students who made sure they were in on the fun! In honor of St. Patrick, students could dress casual and both students and faculty were asked to dress in green and white. Games were held on the newly grassed area where the convent was located, along with the two recess areas. All students, faculty and parents were invited and came wearing masks. Students ate their lunches (packed or pre-ordered) outside, picnic style. Following lunches, there were games for all grades, ice cream from Brusters, prizes and cake. Some of the activities included face painting, various competition games, prizes, and middle school kickball. Stations of the Cross St. Philip students have been praying the Stations of the Cross as individual classes in the school weekly. The beautiful Stations of the Cross that graced the Convent Chapel now have a new home. The Stations have been mounted in the hallways of St. Philip School and give children the opportunity for prayer and meditation throughout the day. These works of art and inspiration are a wonderful reminder of the legacy of faith formed by the Sisters of Charity who served the parish and school for over 100 years. Rachel McDevitt Ryan Jameson Third-graders Dylan Courtney, Nathan Bittner, Gavin Lenigan, Avery Sinicrope and Alexa Laepple head outside for activities during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. St. Philip seventh-graders Cooper Anselm, Katelyn Miller, Caroline Hall, Lina Och, Sophia Muoio, Lacey Kubasiak, Keeley Bodnar and Luke Wrabley assist with cleanup during Lent. Kindergarteners Chase Hanna, Robert Drew, Grace Dengler pray the Stations of the Cross. May/June 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 21Your SchoolsYour Schools N STORY AND PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY ROBINSON TOWNSHIP CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Robinson Township Christian School This past year, schools across the nation have adapted to the challenges of COVID-19. Local schools adapted public health protocols to their own context and, because of this flexibility, RTCS has been able to welcome students for in-person classroom instruction five days a week throughout most of the 2020-2021 school year. Smaller classroom sizes - with a student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1 - coupled with the smaller size of the school campus overall, made it possible to follow health and safety protocols while still giving students the chance to learn and grow through in-classroom instruction. RTCS students and parents have felt blessed to be with friends, teachers and the greater school community once again. Max Leslie, fourth grade, said that he was especially grateful for access to the RTCS library, particularly when so many of the local public libraries remained closed. “Library class is my favorite day of the week,” he said. “I love the library!” Max’s father, Karl Leslie, agrees. “As parents of four young children at the school, my wife and I were really thankful that our kids have had access to the instruction and resources that they needed to really develop those crucial lifelong literacy skills, especially at their ages, when those skills develop so rapidly.” While the 2020-2021 school calendar continues to be adjusted in some ways, there have been opportunities inside and outside of the classroom to interact safely and in person. Most recently, the school hosted elementary and high school Fun Nights. Eighth- grader Tayla West attended both nights. “Everyone was so happy to finally be able to hangout and have fun,” she said. “I enjoyed helping with the younger kids, too. They are so funny!” Other opportunities included: Pajama Day, Dr. Seuss Day, Character Dress-Up Day and a few field trips including a kindergarten visit to the Spring House Farm and a trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium for grades one through six. Meanwhile, the Community Service Club has been raising funds for the school through candy sales and Student Council is hard at work planning for the 2021 prom. The athletic seasons for seventh through 12th grade students included the RTCS Red Rams soccer team successfully making it to the semi- finals in the South West Christian Athletic Conference, after a full fall season of playing. The RTCS track and field season started again in March of 2021 and will be hosting an invitational at Robert Morris University on May 1. Parents had the opportunity to volunteer at the school in a variety of ways, including as recess and lunch monitors. RTCS parent Deana Boggs initiated the school’s first-ever Jenny Lee Swirl Bread fundraiser in March. The loaves were baked by 5th Generation Bakers in McKees Rocks and helped the school raise $1,800. A new Moms In Prayer group started meeting regularly at RTCS to pray for students, families and teachers. The small group is a chapter of Moms in Prayer International. RTCS is so grateful to God for His strength and endurance and for all of the ways that He provided for the school community to safely connect through the limitations of this past year. Families interested in learning more about a classical Christian education are welcome to call RTCS to request a personal tour. New families with children in K through 12th grade receive the first month of tuition free. RTCS fourth-grader Max Leslie (top) has been grateful that his school’s library has remained open during COVID-19 while eighth-grader Tayla West (above) enjoyed the school’s Fun Nights. 22 • Allegheny West Magazine • May/June 2021N Your Schools Your Schools Parkway West Career and Technology Center STORY AND PHOTO BY DOUG HUGHEY Cabot donation to help PWCTC purchase new equipment Representatives from Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation presented Parkway West Career and Technology Center with a check for $35,000 on April 29. According to Bill desRosiers, Cabot’s manager of external affairs, the money comes from Cabot’s participation in the Pennsylvania EITC - or Educational Improvement Tax Credit - Program. The program awards companies with a tax credit in exchange for donations to a scholarship organization, an educational improvement organization or a pre-K scholarship organization. DesRosiers said that PWCTC is one of 26 career and technology centers in the state that Cabot supports through the program. “We target career and technology centers because of our industry, what we do, trying to build a workforce of tomorrow,” said desRosiers. “We also find that genuinely there are people who want to better themselves with a career or trade and sometimes there are additional out-of-pocket expenses to attend a career and technology center as opposed to a traditional high school environment.” DesRosiers says the funds can help cover tuition costs, school- related fees or purchase equipment. The money Cabot donates, including funds donated to PWCTC, do not have to support students studying in a gas and oil-related field, he said. Rather, funds can be used across PWCTC’s course offerings, from cosmetology to carpentry. In PWCTC’s case, the money will assist the Graphic Arts & Production Technology Program. “Thanks to Cabot’s continued generosity to strengthen career and technical education at Parkway West, our Graphic Arts & Production Technology Program will be receiving a state of the art laser engraver, which will permit students to obtain real world work experiences while still in a non- threatening learning environment,” said Dr. Darby Copeland, PWCTC executive director. George Stark, Cabot director of external affairs, said this is the fourth year that Cabot has donated to PWCTC and the 11th that it has participated in the EITC program. The amount presented to PWCTC on April 29 represented two years’ worth of contributions through the program. PWCTC serves 12 public high schools across the area, including Montour. Students who graduate can either enter directly into the workforce or continue to pursue their education at a post- secondary school. Among those who attended the check presentation was state Sen. Devlin Robinson, who voiced support for educating students about the trades. He said schools such as PWCTC that train students in the trades provide a career pathway without the burden of significant student debt. “I’m a big proponent of trade schools and trade careers,” said Robinson. “I think that teaching kids that there are other options than college and a lifetime of debt is a good thing. They can be trained here and come out and get a good-paying job.” Representatives from Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation present a check to Parkway West Career and Technology Center on April 29. Pictured are George Stark, Cabot director of external affairs; state Sen. Devlin Robinson; Brock Snedeker, PWCTC assistant director and principal; Dr. Darby Copeland, PWCTC executive director; Natalie DeCario, Cabot external affairs coordinator; and Bill desRosiers, Cabot manager of external affairs. May/June 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 23© 2021 Kumon North America, Inc. All rights reserved. Kumon Math and Reading Center of Robinson Township Robinson Town Centre, 1940 Park Manor Blvd., Ste. 512 Pittsburgh, PA 15205 robinsontownship_pa@ikumon.com | 412-790-6100 Set your kids up for success this fall and beyond with the Kumon Math & Reading Program! *Enroll between 6/1/21 and 7/15/21 to waive the Registration Fee of up to $50. See Center for applicable terms and conditions. © 2021 Kumon North America, Inc. All rights reserved. The SMARTEST SMARTEST ADDITION ADDITION to your kids’ summer! PRE-K HIGH SCHOOL THROUGH $ 50! ENROLL NOW & save up to * VIRTUAL CLASSES available 24 • Allegheny West Magazine • May/June 2021May/June 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 25 Montour School District Superintendent’s Message Follow Montour School District @MontourSD Follow Dr. Stone on Twitter! @DR_CHRIS_STONE Dr. Christopher Stone Superintendent Montour School District Over the past year, students have been faced with challenges due to the pandemic that may have altered their learning process. As a result, the district is offering help to students in areas where they may need additional attention and thereby prevent widening educational gaps. To support Montour students, the district will be offering in-house programs at NO COST to families during the summer of 2021. The purpose of the in-house programs is to provide quality, innovative teaching and learning experiences that promote academic studies and assist students who may have regressed and/ or struggled academically. Summer programs are being designed to offer excellent engagement for students to learn and develop as they venture into their next level of education. Programs will be available to students in grades K-12 and will be positioned to provide many key developmental needs that students may have struggled with over the past year due to complications that came with the constant changes caused by the pandemic. This free option is an opportunity to pick up additional credits for middle school or high school students and to help in areas that can assist in independence, decision- making, social and emotional skills, character building, and values in all students. All experiences will be conducted in an atmosphere of creativity and enrichment under the supervision of Montour personnel. Details, dates and curricular offerings will be shared soon! “It is our goal to provide various learning opportunities to assist students who may have regressed and/or struggled academically,” said Dr. Christopher Stone, Montour superintendent of schools. “Additionally, we are offering social and emotional support to those who have been negatively impacted due to the pandemic.” Montour to offer free summer educational programming As we all know, just over a year ago, the World Health Organization declared the spread of COVID-19 a worldwide pandemic. Reacting to the virus, schools at every level were sent scrambling. Institutions across the world switched to virtual learning, with teachers, students, and local leaders quickly adapting to an entirely new way of life. This year, we certainly attempted to instill a sense of normalcy at Montour for our families and students with full-day instruction (K-12). We were able to fulfill all of our sports activities, high school and middle school musicals, a National Honor Society ceremony, and even prom, which will be held at the Great Hall this year at Heinz Field! We, as a school system, appreciate parents’ and students’ cooperation through it all. We understand that it is an interruption in your routine to receive the “your child has to quarantine” phone call and that it has added to your daily checklist to ask, “Do you have your mask?” I join you in hoping that next year looks MUCH different. While COVID-19 will most likely be with us in the near future, we will have to learn how to live with it and adapt. Throughout the summer months, I will continue to communicate with our school community regarding the ever-changing mandates regarding face coverings and COVID-19 related protocols for the 2021-2022 school year. I do see the light at the end of the tunnel, and we will embrace the opportunity to welcome our community members, parents and volunteers back into our beautiful buildings. This summer, Montour will host various learning and recreation opportunities for our students. Please see our website for additional details. Finally, I will be sending an end of the year survey to parents. The goal of the survey is to gauge the number of students who plan on attending full-time instruction next school year. Montour schools are safe; in-school transmission of COVID-19 is near 0%. Every documented case reported this year at Montour has been linked to “non in-school transmission” from home or another source. That being said, it is my goal to have 100% back in full, in-person learning next year. Countless studies support the idea of students’ growth being most effective (socially, emotionally, and academically) while learning in person. I hope you have an amazing spring and summer.Stay up to date at www.montourschools.com! A night they’ll never forget…. The pandemic stole many special moments from Montour High School seniors in 2020. This year, the district is ready to take back those moments. With the help of high school principal Todd Price, Mrs. Stephans, Mrs. DeRose and the Prom Committee, a plan for the high school prom has been put in place. With adaptations made in order to keep students safe, the district is determined to make the event happen for students after a tough year. What can students expect? At the time of this writing, the prom is scheduled to take place May 14 at Heinz Field’s FedEx Great Hall. This selection was made to ensure social distancing standards could be maintained. The open-air environment will also ensure a constant flow of fresh air. Seniors who participate will be given a ticket to invite another Montour School District freshman, sophomore, junior or senior to accompany them. Students will be provided a prepackaged meal that they can enjoy at a high-top table in the company of their guest. Masks will be required except when eating. Unfortunately, there will be no dancing at this event, but with the careful planning of the Prom Committee, there will be exciting entertainment. There will be a D.J., karaoke, a comedian, a magician and more! All in all, the district is excited to celebrate its Spartans in one of Pittsburgh’s most celebrated settings. Prom is just one of a number of traditional events that will return this spring. Montour is looking forward as a district to recreating lifelong memories. The district wholeheartedly thanks the community for their ongoing support. “I would like to thank our Prom Committee, along with our prom sponsors, Mrs. Stephans and Mrs. DeRose, for all of their efforts in helping us give our students a night they’ll never forget,” said Price. In-person ceremonies to resume Educational ceremonies are about more than dressing up and getting an important piece of paper. These events are about celebrating achievements, being with the people who shared in an important part in one’s life, and being proud of the journey. After a year full of uncertainties and the stress of the glooming pandemic, Montour believes it’s time to celebrate students and their accomplishments in person, but safely, of course. With that being said, Montour decided to hold its National Honor Society Induction Ceremony on April 30. As well, Montour is planning to host commencement exercises at the high school stadium June 4 at 7 p.m. Precautions will be made to ensure that attendees are able to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Additional details are in the works and will be shared in regards to ticket allocation. Additionally, events will be live streamed so that they can be viewed from home. A link will be provided on the district website. “Commencement ceremonies are a cherished academic tradition that celebrate a milestone accomplishment for graduates and their families,” said Todd Price, high school principal. “We are so excited to be able to hold this in-person event after such a challenging year!” Montour High School Class of 2021 Commencement Exercises Friday, June 4 at 7 p.m. Rain Date #1 - Monday, June 7 Rain Date #2 - Tuesday, June 8 The event will also be live streamed. Montour Theatre Productions Presents Streaming available May 20 - 23 Purchase tickets at montourschools.com 26 • Allegheny West Magazine • May/June 2021Follow Montour High School @hilltopspartan Over the past couple of years, students in the CHS theories of leadership course at the high school have developed a number of initiatives aimed at promoting a positive school culture. In 2019, students in the course developed an idea that involved bringing students in various leadership positions throughout the school together in order to discuss organizational strategies. The year following, students spearheaded a collection for Operation Troop Appreciation and school activities around Veterans Day. They even organized an effort to show appreciation for teachers by buying them take-out dinners during last year’s COVID-19 lockdown. The latest initiative spearheaded by students in the course involves developing a live-stream version of the morning announcements. Students in the course started up a club based on the idea and kicked off their live stream Friday, March 5. They’ve filmed segments for the show, which they’re calling “Montour Bus Loop,” every school day since. The segments follow a news format but students have found ways to infuse some fun into the show, which is broadcast via YouTube. “We needed something completely off the wall and off-brand,” says Josh Knapp, who helped create the channel. “I’m a big fan of barstool sports. So, I was inspired by that to develop an original show in the morning because COVID’s made everyone sort of sad.” The students are also working on integrating social media and a written newsletter to develop an overall brand. “We’re trying to get a big social media outreach going, on Twitter and Instagram,” says student Abigail Medvitz, who is one of the show’s anchors. “We’re also trying to get a newsletter written every so often. Honestly, we’re just trying to get people to see it so it can be carried out to the school. We’ve also started tying in world news. It’s just a good source of news and information.” A number of students behind the camera, like Sophia Sparbanie, previously worked on a similar version of the announcements at David E. Williams Middle School. Sophia is currently running the Montour Bus Loop’s soundboard while Elise Bigger is the show’s main broadcast technician. In all, about 10 to 15 students are helping run the daily production. The students noted that a number of other area high schools also broadcast a similar version of their morning announcements. They say that there have been previous attempts at a live broadcast at Montour High School but that, so far, the current effort has proven to be the most successful. “There have been many attempts to start a live broadcast but this is the first time it has worked,” says Josh. For a number of students, the effort is also allowing them to explore potential future career paths. Abigail, who says she’s interested in becoming a broadcast technician, took on the effort to learn more about what it’s like to work in that kind of setting. “A lot of kids in the club want to pursue something like this, so we’re trying to get as many people involved in different aspects that they’re interested in,” she says, “whether that be a written newsletter, the website, social media or something else.” The show’s anchors regularly rotate and have included, in addition to those mentioned, Giovanna Niccoli, Natalie Rodriguez, Nathan Knause and others. Students have also worked with other clubs at the high school to raise awareness of important world topics. At the same time, they’ve found ways to integrate some comedy to make things light-hearted. On Fridays, for instance, they’ve been airing a special segment with teacher Michael Held that’s inspired by the “Saturday Night Live” “Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey” skits. Josh, who graduates this spring, says he hopes the channel is something that students will pick up and keep going long after he and the other students involved have graduated. Josh Knapp (above) covers sports while Natalie Rodriguez (at left) reads news and weather for a segment of the Montour Bus Loop. Students launch “Montour Bus Loop” Follow Montour School District at @MontourSD May/June 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 27 The Girl Up club at the high school spearheaded a number of initiatives in March in recognition of Women’s History Month. Through their efforts, they were able to educate the school community about important women throughout history and raise awareness of organizations that are working to improve the lives of women across the globe. Each day throughout the month, the Montour Bus Loop - Montour’s new live-stream version of the morning announcements - presented a Google Slideshow prepared by Girl Up club members. Each slide featured a different prominent female figure and a short biography about them. Featured women included Virginia Woolf, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Marsha P. Johnson, Rosa Parks, Katherine Johnson, Harriet Tubman, Greta Thunberg and others. “In this way, Girl Up hoped to highlight the incredible achievements and contributions women have had to our collective history and to contemporary society, often in spite of the immense obstacles in their way,” says club sponsor Bridget Budda. During the week of March 8, Girl Up also sponsored “Dress Down for a Cause” for faculty and staff. Each day of the dress-down, the club highlighted one worthy local, national or international organization that contributes to the promotion and well-being of girls and women in an email. The club asked that each employee participating in the dress-down themes that week choose a featured organization to benefit with a donation. Any donation made directly to the club was given to Alina’s Light, which was also one of the organizations featured. A total of $210 was donated to the nonprofit, which is named after Montour alumna Alina Sheykhet. Other organizations featured in the emails included Play Like a Girl, Girl Up, the Rukmini Foundation and Days for Girls. eSports rolls in second season The Montour eSports team is looking ahead to the end of its second season and, at the time of this writing, hoping to repeat last year’s playoff run. Last season, the team went deep into the playoffs and reached the grand finals in Rocket League. This year, the team is again competing in Rocket League and, at the time of this writing, has a record of 4-2. Three Montour students - John Kashmer, Cole Marshall and Joshua Narehood - currently make up the team. In eSports, players compete cooperatively in a video game against teams of other players over the Internet. Teammates must work together, effectively communicate and strategize in order to win. Montour is one of many schools across the country that has established an eSports team in recent years. At the same time, the sport has quickly grown into a multi-billion industry with millions of spectators. According to Business Insider, eSports viewership is expected to reach 454 million by 2023. Between 2017 and 2018, total investment in the sport grew from $490 million to $4.5 billion. It is now viewed by many, including those in education circles, as a potential career path. Last year, Montour had a few different teams competing in various leagues, but as COVID-19 has kept a number of students out of school, Montour only has one team competing in Rocket League this year. In the game, which combines elements of racing and soccer, players control cars and try to push a ball into their opponent’s net. “Communication is key in it,” says Kashmer about the game. “Going around the field, we have to tell each other where we are, when we should push forward and rotate back on defense.” Like the other club members, Kashmer has an interest in computer science and says the club has helped him continue to explore that interest. He says club members have either taken courses in or studied subjects such as cyberscurity, Python coding, web design and Java. Last year, Montour received a PA Smart grant to establish an eSports stadium at the high school. That grant allowed the school to purchase the necessary equipment and software to start a team. Montour has since received a second PA Smart grant to finish its stadium and is hoping to have that opened this fall. NHS members establishing Veterans Wall at high school, asking for nominations Montour High School’s National Honor Society members have been working together since late summer of 2020 to establish a wall at the high school honoring Montour alumni who are veterans. NHS students Audrey Schulz, Katie Liu, Julianna Paulin, Meghan Huntley and Vanessa Rodgers have been the main researchers in the project. They have also received additional help from NHS students Domenic Hoffman and Kelsey Molitoris. Throughout the school year, students have been gathering names, graduation years, military branches, years of service, and titles in the military for honorees. Students have gathered many names by calling recruiters and local bases; contacting alumni through their Facebook page Montour Veterans; searching Montour alumni databases; and collecting information from students and families in the Montour community. Their Facebook page has about 125 members and the group has completed over 100 profiles. Once students have identified a substantial number of veterans, they intend to engrave those names on a plaque that will be hung in the halls of the high school. The location and design of this display are yet to be determined. Anyone who would like to nominate a Montour graduate can fill out a Google form at tinyurl.com/veteranwall or post to the Facebook page Montour Veterans. Girl Up club members raised money for Alina’s Light and other nonprofit organizations seeking to protect the rights of women in March. Girl Up club heads awareness campaign during Women’s History Month 28 • Allegheny West Magazine • May/June 2021DEW hosts Kindness Week David E. Williams Middle School school counselors and members of the Teen Leadership Club promoted Kindness Week the week of March 1. Students and staff participated in a variety of themes throughout the week, including wearing Montour clothing, wild hair styles and pajama/favorite sweatshirt day. DEW students also voted for the kindest two students in their grades and those students were announced that Friday, on March 5. Throughout the week, eighth-grader and TLC member Ethan Jennings also organized a snack drive to benefit an effort called Snacks for Seniors. TLC members assisted by collecting individually wrapped snacks, including chips, cookies and granola bars. Ethan and his younger brother, Aiden, then delivered the boxes of snacks to residents at Caring Heights Community Care and Rehabilitation Center. Thanks goes out to all students, staff and families for participating in Kindness Week. Student Council gets creative with annual fundraisers Despite COVID-19 restrictions and social distancing requirements, David E. Williams Middle School Student Council members were still able to get creative and hold a number of fundraising efforts this past spring. In March, Student Council members raised money by hiring themselves out to decorate lockers. Student Council also received a generous donation from an anonymous donor to support their efforts. DEW’s halls were thus very festive. In February, Student Council members also hosted a special themed Valentine’s Day week. On Feb. 8, students could wear their favorite hat for $1. That Tuesday, students wore their favorite piece of Montour clothing and, on Thursday, students dressed up in red and pink. On Thursday, Student Council organized a mock prom. Students were asked to wear semi-formal clothing, such as dresses or dress shirts. Throughout the week, Student Council also held a blanket and towel drive for the Beaver County Humane Society that resulted in the collection of about 100 items. Mimi Schneider receives school nursing award David E. Williams Middle School nurse Mimi Schneider has been selected to receive the Advancing Excellence in School Nursing Award in the School Nursing Practice Leadership category from the Highmark Foundation. As part of the award, DEW will receive $1,500 that can be used for professional development or health-related supplies for students. The announcement came in the weeks leading up to National School Nurse Day on May 12. According to the Highmark Foundation, award winners in the category “demonstrate leadership in school health, exhibit qualities of care and compassion and/ or publish research.” At DEW, Schneider designed DEW’s opioid education programming for health classes and has assisted in teaching the unit. Over the past year, Schneider, who is the nursing department chair, has also been instrumental in implementing the school’s COVID-19 procedures and prevention measures. Throughout the pandemic, Schneider has continued to inform the school community of best practices and communicate protocols for students and faculty. As a result, Montour is one of just a handful of schools in the county that has continued to offer in- person learning throughout the school year. “Mimi has always been an outstanding nurse as she cares for our students and provides educational programming,” said Dominic Salpeck, DEW principal. “This year, she has played a pivotal role in keeping our school open and safe. We could not have done it without her.” Mimi Schneider Student Council members organized a mock prom (left) and decorated lockers (right) in order to raise money this past spring. LEFT (starting top left): These students were nominated as the kindest students in their grade: fifth-graders Mia Pessy, Catherine Schmidt and Valentino Kamenar; sixth- graders Hope Rawski and Ellia Angelo (not pictured); seventh-graders Meadow Ging-Wargo and Tala Al Ghamdi; and eighth-graders Brayden Davin and Carly Marnich. ABOVE: Ethan Jennings collects snacks for Snacks for Seniors. May/June 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 29Next >