< PreviousYour SchoolsYour Schools N 20 • Allegheny West Magazine • January/February 2022 Archangel Gabriel Catholic School STORIES AND PHOTOS SUBMITTED Girls basketballShop with a Cop On Dec. 14, 10 students from AGS were able to connect with the local community in the most unique way. They were invited to shop one-on-one with a Robinson Township police officer at Dick’s Sporting Goods at The Mall at Robinson. Dick’s rolled out the red carpet for each child as they gave them each a gift card and spoiled them with an amazing swag bag filled with a shirt, light-up bracelet, water bottle, and more. Students in grades K through eight competed for the opportunity by writing an essay contest that asked them about their participation in sports, why sports are important, and what was on their wish list if they should win a shopping spree. Ten students were then selected. AGS is extremely grateful to have had this opportunity and know the mentorship offered by both the Robinson Township Police and Dick’s Sporting Goods will not be forgotten. AGS visits OLSH On Dec. 9, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School opened its doors to third, fourth and fifth grade students to enjoy their Christmas play. It was such a joy to have students be able to take a field trip and connect with the high school. They even learned how to do the Candy Cane Twist. AGS is always grateful for the opportunity to enjoy the talents of others. The varsity and junior varsity girls basketball teams both had strong starts to their seasons. The AGS girls basketball teams started their seasons on fire. The varsity girls basketball team - The Lady Knights - took Akron, Ohio by storm the weekend of Nov. 19 at the Archbishop Hoban Classic in the Castle. The girls had a lot of confidence going into the championship and they did not disappoint. The crowd cheered them on as they won the championship and tournament, 4-0. The AGS JV girls team has also been on a roll after beating Blessed Francis Seelos in the championship game of the Cold Turkey Shootout Tournament, which was hosted by St. Gregory Catholic School. As well, the team won the South Hills Academy’s turkey shootout, edging out Providence Heights Alpha. Forensics Members of the Archangel Gabriel forensics team participated in the Southwest Pennsylvania Forensics tournament at Carlynton Middle School Nov. 20. The team had a great showing at its very first competition in two years. It was an especially impressive performance considering 90% of the team members were new to the activity, which helps students improve their public speaking skills in various categories. At the tournament, students had two opportunities to present their selections to a judge and a group of students from the other eight schools, both public and Catholic, that make up the league. Speakers were scored on six characteristics of good public speech. Thanks goes out to Miss Golden, the team’s coaches and parent volunteers, without whom there would not be a program at AGS. The forensics team did well at a recent tournament in November. Robinson Township police officers took a handful of promising AGS students shopping this past holiday season. AGS students visit OLSH to watch a Christmas play. January/February 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 21 Musical moments This year, AGS was able to resume its school Christmas concerts! Students in kindergarten through grade eight put on two musical performances so that parents could enjoy the shows in two groups. Each grade entered the stage and sang two songs for the audience as music teacher Mr. Tresky joyfully played the accompaniment on piano. Later in the evening, AGS once again opened its gymnasium to families for its band concert, where the school’s violinists kicked things off with a performance. The musical talents of the school’s children are developing and the school can’t wait for their next performances. FROM TOP: AGS students delivered a violin, chorus and band concert all on the same day this past holiday season. Your SchoolsYour Schools N 22 • Allegheny West Magazine • January/February 2022 Students at Pittsburgh Technical College now have access to a variety of health services right on the college campus, thanks to a new health and wellness center that opened in November. At the new PTC Health and Wellness Center on the ground floor of the Keystone Hall dormitory, students can schedule an appointment with a nurse, receive mental health counseling and even schedule a private fitness appointment. Students will also have access to virtual health visits with a nurse stationed at the center. “It’s been a dream of mine since I arrived to make sure students have access to healthcare and support,” said Dr. Alicia Harvey-Smith, PTC’s president. “And through the support of many partners we came together and made it happen today.” At an official ribbon cutting held to open the center Nov. 10 outside Keystone Hall, Dr. Harvey-Smith acknowledged those partners. They include the Highmark Foundation, the Citrone 33 Foundation and school trustee Michael Urisic, who outfitted the center with fitness equipment. Dr. Harvey-Smith says that the school was also able to use additional funds provided through the CARES Act and Pennsylvania Emergency Education Relief Funds to build out the center. She says that the Citrone 33 Foundation has provided four years of mental health counseling and funding for three years of direct counseling. As a result, the school was able to hire a full-time counselor to manage the center and expand it. “It’s important to know that students will now have access to four major opportunities: direct counseling and direct health care; tele-counseling and tele-health care; and virtual as well,” says Dr. Harvey-Smith. “So, it’s pretty exciting.” Dr. Harvey-Smith says that the school converted two former residential suites inside the hall into the new center and that, longterm, PTC will be looking to move those facilities into a new student center on the campus. “I can’t tell you what this means to our students,” she says. “We have almost 800 students on campus and to have facilities like this makes a big difference.” PTC opens new health and wellness center Pittsburgh Technical College Pittsburgh Technical College honored Montour High School graduate Kaitlyn McGrath with its Richard S. Caliguiri Award from the PTC School of Business during the college’s fall 2021 commencement exercises in October. McGrath, a 2019 Montour High School graduate, earned an associate of science degree in business administration in July. “This Caliguiri Award exists to allow PTC faculty to distinguish graduating students that have demonstrated success in academics, perseverance, professionalism and leadership during their education at PTC,” said Christine Ioli, Alumni Coordinator for PTC. “The honorees can take great pride that their faculty has chosen them as models of exemplary students.” McGrath is working as an administrative assistant with McCormick’s Heating and Cooling in McKees Rocks. The Richard S. Caliguiri Award was created in 1981 to recognize \ academic achievement, personal achievement and perseverance. It is named in honor of PTC graduate Richard Caliguiri, former mayor of Pittsburgh. To date, there are 941 award winners in PTC’s Alumni Association. Commencement exercises were held at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in Pittsburgh. Montour grad earns PTC’s top honor Kaitlyn McGrath holds her Richard S. Caliguiri Award at commencement exercises. Pittsburgh Technical College and its president, Dr. Alicia B. Harvey-Smith, both received several prestigious award distinctions in November. First, on Nov. 10, Dr. Harvey-Smith was named CEO of the Year while PTC earned the honor of Innovator of the Year in the non-profit/education/community category at the 2021 Tech 50 Awards, hosted by the Pittsburgh Technology Council. Then, on Nov. 18, Dr. Harvey-Smith was again recognized as a Pittsburgh Smart 50 Award honoree. The award recognizes the top executives of the 50 smartest companies in the Greater Pittsburgh region for their ability to effectively build and lead successful organizations. “Pittsburgh Technical College works every day to deliver innovation through our wide range of programs helping to build the next generation of our region’s workforce,” said Dr. Harvey- Smith about the distinctions from the Pittsburgh Technology Council. “To be recognized with this award in a city rich with innovation is such an honor and we will continue to push for future innovation in our more than 30 programs of study.” About the Smart 50 Award, Dr. Harvey-Smith said she was honored to share the award with such a distinguished class of honorees. “At Pittsburgh Technical College, we’re taking great strides to become an educator of choice in the region through consistent, career-focused education and innovation, and this award is further validation of those efforts,” she said. PTC and Dr. Harvey-Smith recognized with multiple honors ABOVE: A nurse at Pittsburgh Technical College’s new health and wellness center demonstrates a remote visit. BELOW: PTC president Dr. Alicia-Harvey Smith (third from left) is pictured with several donors to the project, including Katherine Hancock of The Highmark Foundation; Gabrielle Citrone of The Citrone 33 Foundation; Ali Doyle from Gov. Tom Wolf’s office; and Beth and Michael Yurisic, trustee emeritus. PHOTOS BY ETHAN MANSBERGER STORIES SUBMITTED STORY BY DOUG HUGHEYlLegislative Update Legislative Update January/February 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 23 State Rep. Anita Kulik State Rep. Anita Kulik represents Pennsylvania’s 45th District. Her office is located at 1350 Fifth Avenue in Coraopolis. She can be One of my favorite things to do is start a new calendar. This is also one of my least favorite things to do. I am old school and still buy a new calendar every December - an old-fashioned paper appointment type of calendar. I need to have something in front me that is bigger than my cell phone, something that lets me look at a whole week at a time. The happy part about starting a new calendar is knowing there is a whole new year ahead to fill with fresh ideas and purpose. There is also a feeling of knowing there is a whole new year to plow through. I am looking forward to 2022 because there were so many hurdles we jumped over the past two years. I am looking forward to another fulfilling year representing the many wonderful and diverse communities in my district. With that being said, I also know that I may not have the privilege of representing some of these communities. As I write this article, reapportionment is on the horizon. I know that there is a strong likelihood that the 45th District will look much different. Of course, all state representatives are also facing an election cycle. This will be an interesting year in government. The State House will begin the year discussing budgetary issues and debate bills that were started at the end of last year. Some of the issues left from last year concern the environment, liquor control and jobs. There will be ample discussion over the spending of the federal dollars received to help promote economic relief from the pandemic. There were times that 2021 was not a particularly productive year for the state legislature. Too many niche issues were brought to the Chamber Floors that did not address issues facing all Pennsylvanians, but instead were designed only for limited purposes. However, we did see good bills pass, many that had solid bi-partisan support. On the last day of session of 2021, the House and Senate passed House Bill 2071 that establishes the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority. This bill, through the help of federal dollars, will ensure that all Pennsylvanians have access to the Internet. Whether in rural or suburban areas, broadband access is essential to families, students and businesses. Today, access to the Internet is essential. It should not matter where you live or work. In order to effectively keep Pennsylvanians and the state’s economy growing, access to broadband Internet for all is a must. This bill has been in the making for a long time and it is a great accomplishment of the Legislature to bring it to the finish line. Working together in a bi-partisan way can accomplish great things. As I mentioned, this will also be a most interesting election year. Redistricting will take place. Congressional, State House and Senate, and County Council seats will all be changed around. Being a mid-term year, Congressional and a Federal Senate seat are in the mix. There is also a Governor’s race this year as well as Lieutenant Governor, State House, and State Senate races. There will be a lot of changes this year as we move toward 2023. I sincerely believe that this year will be a good year, though. While we have moved past what has probably been the most difficult time most of us have witnessed, there will be tough times to face this year, too. However, we will persevere and handle whatever we face, because that is what the people in our area do best. I will continue the fight against the unfair tolling of the I-79 bridge. I will continue to address issues of domestic violence, proper school funding, small business growth and working to keep our communities strong. Please continue to reach out to me and my staff on any issues that concern you. As always, I thank you for the privilege of representing you in Harrisburg.24 • Allegheny West Magazine • January/February 2022 Embroidery PGH (412)446-2776 Friendly Paws Pet Resort (412)489-6587 Sawing Logs, LLC (412)780-5865 Angelia’s Italian Grille (412)771-5111 Allegheny West Magazine awmagazine.com Cole MacekWilhelm & McCune (412)491-1349 Murray’s Tree Service (412)508-6382 Wellness Lounge PGH (724)413-5559 Bobby D’s Burgers and BBQ (412)458-5089 Hanlon’s Grab N Go (412)787-5266 Options In Graphics (412)937-9326 Kenmawr Plaza True Value (412)771-6260 Druthers Remodeling (412)377-8093 A & V Companies, LLC (412)645-7511 The Medicine Shoppe (412)331-7080 Montour Youth Wrestling High Definition Painting, LLC (412)607-6441 State Representative Anita Kulik Capstone Development Group The BetheaFamily The CatarisanoFamily The Adams Family The Cunningham Family The GuttillaFamily The Dhanse Family The WalzerFamily The Pringle Family The Swearingen Family The Hensley Family The Chacon Family The Brandl Family The Stetz Family The Abzarov Family The DuschFamily The Koch Family The RippeyFamily The Dotson Family The HalajcioFamily The TurdikulovFamily The Herman FamilyJanuary/February 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 25 Montour School District Montour’s basketball greats honored In the spring of 2021, a committee of Montour coaches and administrators was formed to find a way to recognize the many standout student athletes who have been the foundation of the Montour Basketball program. It was discovered that there was a need to re-engage with Montour’s basketball brothers and sisters of the past so that Spartan Pride will forever be the foundation of the program, past and present. The committee is very proud to announce the formation of the Montour Basketball Legacy Award. This designation brings the historical tradition of both the boys’ and girls’ basketball programs to not only today’s players, but the players of future generations. Initial consideration was given to those individuals who accumulated at least 1,000 career points. Following this initial group of inductees, additional coaches, teammates and classmates will be recognized and join this tradition of excellence. These legends of Montour Basketball were recognized Dec. 29 at the Montour Christmas Tournament prior to the Spartans’ game against West Allegheny. A special video paid tribute to Montour’s exceptional basketball alumni. A reception was also held for honorees in the cafeteria. Anthony Russo (in memory of) Head Boys Coach 1951-80 Athletic Director 1985-1988 Edward Wovchko Head Boys Coach 1984-1992, 1999-2003 Dennis Hopper Head Boys Coach 1980-84 Girls Head Coach 1996-2005 Mitchell Galiyas Athletic Director 1994-2011 Adam Kaufman Head Coach 2008-2014 Coaches and Administrators Legacy Award Honorees - Class of 2021 Jamie Andrews (Chiarelli) - 1974 Amy Schuler (Johnson) - 1982 Debra Macejka - 1986 Leslie Gubba - 1988 Nikki Jubera - 1990 Amy Hale (Ponchek) - 1992 Jodie Palermo (Golier) - 1994 Dena Hopper (Baron) - 2001 Samantha Woznichak - 2004 Haley Gaidosh - 2005 Jordan Burkes (Giles) - 2007 Meghan Mastroianni (Abbenante) - 2011 Courtney Tomas - 2019 Players - Girls - Graduation Year Players - Boys - Graduation Year Edward Vietmeier - 1953 Edward Wovchko - 1956 David Yanish - 1960 Dennis Hopper - 1965 Henry Majewski - 1970 James Ciamacco - 1971 Jay Robbins - 1972 Raymond D’Amico - 1973 Gerrard Recktenwald - 1974 Mark Lockridge - 1975 Michael McElwain - 1976 Scott Vietmeier - 1978 Robert Sklarsky - 1982 Thomas Hoffman - 1982 Scot Lewis - 1985 Thomas Larkin - 1987 Robert Saveikis - 1990 Alan Seretti - 1994 Ryan Connolly - 1994 Jason Burik - 1996 Trent Karlik - 1997 Adam Kaufman - 1997 Gino Federico - 1999 Daren Tielsch - 2001 Dillon Buechel - 2012 Devin Wilson - 2013 Jaden Nelson - 2019 Montour Community: I hope you all had a wonderful holiday break with family and friends! We are ready to hit the ground running at Montour with several initiatives that we will be working through and finalizing. The first is a hybrid Spanish immersion program which will begin at our elementary school in the 2022-2023 school year. It has been well documented that children learn foreign languages more easily at an early age. Intensive foreign language programs have demonstrated the following benefits: • Improved understanding of one’s native language • Enhanced intellectual growth • Creation of more flexible thinkers and better listeners • Enhanced understanding of other cultures • A head start in higher education language requirements • Increased job opportunities The goal of this initiative is for all Montour students to have Spanish fluency by the time they reach sixth grade. Another initiative we have been working on is a K-12 civics curriculum review cycle. Americans’ participation in civic life is essential to sustaining our democratic form of government. Without it, a government of the people, by the people, and for the people will not last. Of increasing concern to many are the declining levels of civic engagement and general knowledge, especially among recent national high school graduates. A current study showed that only one in four Americans could name the three branches of the U.S. government. Montour believes strongly that having a deep understanding of our government is indeed a 21st- century skill set. Lastly, we are working on the turf baseball field at Burkett Park and a Veterans Honor plaza at the Hilltop. So many exciting things are happening at Montour as we work through the winter months! Superintendent’s Message Dr. Christopher Stone Superintendent Montour School District26 • Allegheny West Magazine • January/February 2022 FBLA Penny War The Montour High School Future Business Leaders of America club teamed up with Montour Elementary School students for its 10th Annual Change for a Change Toy Drive for Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh this past holiday season. During a week- long penny war that FBLA members organized, elementary classrooms competed to see which could collect the most pennies for the cause. As part of the competition, students could “sabotage” other classrooms by “silver dropping” nickels, dimes and quarters into other classroom buckets to lower their number of overall pennies counted. The effort resulted in the collection of $8,383.12 for the Child Life Department at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. The donation was given in memory of Charlie Rowe. Winning classrooms were: Best Guess - Mrs. Carr; Most Cash - Mrs. Cronin; Kindergarten - Mrs. Havko; First Grade - Mrs. Fleming; Second Grade - Mrs. Nicastro; Third Grade - Mrs. Hric; and Fourth Grade - Mr. Deet. For more, check out the YouTube video “MES Penny War Results 2021.” NHS Dodge Ball Tournament Members of the National Honor Society at the high school organized a dodge ball tournament to benefit Play It Forward Pittsburgh in December. In all, 141 students faced off in a team- style competition in the Athletic Center. NHS members also sold 217 spectator tickets for $3 apiece. In all, the effort raised $1,356, which was then used to purchase toys at Target and Walmart. That ended up being a highlight of the effort, says student Sarah Eaton, who helped organize the tournament. “Not only was the dodge ball tournament a ton of fun, but going out and spending over $1,000 on toys was a lot of fun, too,” she says. NHS members Hunter Fleck, Nick Trojan, Belle Ellis, A rundown of this year’s holiday giving at Montour Each year, the Montour community takes on a number of efforts during the holiday season to help those in need. Though Montour students, teachers and parents regularly hold fundraising efforts to benefit philanthropic causes throughout the year, these efforts take on special meaning around the holiday season. With COVID-19 bringing hardship to many in the area, these efforts have taken on particular importance these past two years. Here’s a rundown of Montour’s philanthropic efforts this past holiday season: Sophia Trevenen, Ryder Blyzwick, Jake Gamble and Evan Witcop also got to share in the fun of buying toys that will then be distributed to families in need by Play It Forward. NHS president Sophia Trevenen, vice president Ryder Blyzwick and the rest of the National Honor Society helped organize the effort. “It was overall a very fun day for the students at the high school and allowed us to help others in a fun way,” says Sarah. Stuff-A-Bus For an 11th year, David E. Williams Middle School students and staff participated in the 96.1 Stuff-A-Bus toy campaign benefitting the Marine Toys for Tots program. DEW counselors and Team Leadership club members set a lofty goal of collecting 1,000 toys. They got really close by collecting around 850 toys, thanks to the generosity of the Montour community. After dropping the toys off at the drop zone, the 80 student helpers headed over to the food court to enjoy lunch. School counselor Andrea Verdream says, “It’s refreshing getting the chance to see students out in the community again giving back while at the same time enjoying themselves a little, too!” Adopt-a-Family For the 11th consecutive year, Student Council members and faculty at David E. Williams Middle School collected gifts and gift items to help families during the holidays who had fallen on tough times. This year’s effort supported 14 families and a total of 33 Montour students. With the help of the Brunick family and the Montour Classroom Cupboard, each family received a holiday dinner and additional food items. The effort was also supported by the Robinson Lions Club, which worked in collaboration with its high school club, the Leos, to spearhead the collection of gifts for one family. At DEW, students were able to utilize their new PLT, which was offered for the first time this year, to organize. Last year, the effort received a large donation of fall household items. Leftovers from that donation were used to run a raffle to kick off this year’s effort. Sweats for Vets David E. Williams Middle School once again partnered with Ken Mawr Presbyterian Church to collect “new” sweatshirts and sweatpants for inpatients at the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center. The Montour FBLA members Anthony Labrie and Meadow Brough show off a cart filled with change collected by MES classrooms to benefit Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. National Honor Society members shop for toys to donate to Play It Forward Pittsburgh using funds they raised by organizing a dodge ball tournament. DEW students pose for a picture after dropping toys off to the 96.1 Stuff-A-Bus toy campaign. January/February 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 27 Over the past two years, sophomore Charlie McMahon has been hard at work on a fantasy novel about a young prince’s quest to save his people from evil. The novel is set in a distant universe, on a red desert planet called Nebulous. It’s a novel that grew out of McMahon’s love of movies, particularly those by Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. McMahon says he only started writing at the beginning of 2020, while he was still in eighth grade and attending school virtually after schools were shut down due to COVID-19. He started out writing short stories, but by that summer he decided to turn some of what he’d written into a novel. “It was a story that I really enjoyed and wanted to share with people,” he says. He set about creating a storyboard and, once school started, worked on his book on the weekends and in the evenings. Then came the editing process and creating the illustrations. This past fall, McMahon self-published his book after nearly two years of work. Titled “Tales of Nebulous: The Devil Hunter,” the 162-page book is available in paperback on Amazon. It is listed under the Fantasy Action & Adventure genre. Sophomore self-publishes first novel Charlie McMahon holds his first novel, “Tales of Nebulous.” drive began Nov. 1 and continued through Dec. 10. COVID-19 restrictions have limited the center’s resources, so the veterans were very much in need of new clothing donations. For some, the sweats may be the only gift they receive for Christmas. PLT students made signs advertising the Sweats for Vets mission and displayed them throughout the school. It was a wonderful way to say “thank you” to veterans. Through the combined efforts, 121 sets of sweatshirts and sweatpants were collected. The donations were greatly appreciated and a big “thank you” goes out to the community for not forgetting about veterans in need. DEW Thanksgiving Food Drive The DEW School Student Council once again helped organize a Thanksgiving Food Drive and collected over 6,500 food items along with 43 gift cards totaling $610. The Crafton-Ingram Rotary Club thanked DEW for their kind donations and said they were able to provide food boxes and gift cards to 23 families, several food banks and the Salvation Army. Angel Tree This year’s Angel Tree Program assisted 47 Montour families with 127 children. The Angel Tree Program offers assistance to all children in the household so children from young adults through infants can receive gifts. After the program lost a sponsoring company, it looked as though the program would not be able to help all families who requested assistance. However, Montour staff members from all levels stepped up and the program was able to provide for all. In addition, the Angel Tree Program partnered with high school nurse Maureen Callas to provide holiday meals to families. The Montour Angel Tree Program thanks all involved for their kindness and generosity. Melissa Bamford, school counselor, helped organize the effort and received several notes of thanks. Pajama Drive For the ninth consecutive year, Montour Elementary School students and parents collected pajamas for children in need in the weeks leading up to Christmas. The Montour community collected 1,500 pairs of pajamas and, on PJ day, students donated another $1,263 by paying “fines” for the privilege of wearing pajamas to school. This allowed the effort to purchase additional pajamas and, as a result, Montour donated 1,722 pairs to Allegheny Children and Youth Services. The pajamas will then be distributed to those in need in the surrounding communities. The classrooms of Mrs. Olexa, Mrs. Crisci, Mrs. Athanas and Mrs. Ewonce collected the most pajamas. Students Jack Weiss, Kendall Tielsch, Blaise and Clare Terpack, Mara Goetz, Henrick Fritz, Brianne Apolito, and Julian and Bentley White collected the most pajamas. The drive was once again organized by kindergarten teacher Lauren McGahan, with considerable assistance from fourth grade teacher Michelle Minyon and PTA members Melissa DeCola, Annie Lauria- Smith, Manny St. Jean, Theresa Hogue and Becky Barefoot. Students at MES paid “fines” to wear their pajamas to school and raise money for Allegheny Children and Youth Services. Students at DEW organize boxes filled with food donations. 28 • Allegheny West Magazine • January/February 2022 Students in the CHS theories of leadership course at the high school once again organized a series of activities to commemorate veterans in the weeks and days surrounding Veterans Day in November. This year, their efforts consisted of a combination of fundraising activities, decorating of school hallways and a multimedia presentation that, collectively, recognized the sacrifices of the nation’s veterans and aided organizations benefitting veterans in a number of different ways. The day after Veterans Day, the group also organized a special presentation in the Athletic Center that featured 11 speakers, including representatives from various veterans’ organizations and nonprofits. The event took place in front of the entire high school and was the first such event to be held in the Athletic Center since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The group’s fundraising efforts took place in the weeks leading up to Veterans Day and benefitted two organizations: Adventures in Training with A Purpose and Operation Troop Appreciation. The former aids veterans through organized physical challenges while the second collects items from candy bars to household goods to benefit troops serving overseas and those suffering through difficulties at home. Once again, theories of leadership students also worked with elementary students, who created thank-you cards that went out in care packages to serving troops. During those weeks, theories of leadership students called for donations for Operation Troop Appreciation by distributing fliers, callouts on morning announcements and social media posts. “It’s a really great way of giving back to veterans who gave so much to us,” says Payton Wiernick, a student in the class. Throughout the week, students picked up collections each day at high school classrooms. Payton says their efforts resulted in the collection of about 25 to 30 large boxes of supplies, or enough to fill one of the school’s box trucks used to haul equipment. At the same time, Olivia Persinger, another student in the course, distributed a QR code on social media asking for donations to benefit Adventures in Training. She says they surpassed their initial goal of $1,000 by $100. Lt. Col. David Kraft, president of the Sean M. Ruane Foundation, also announced at the assembly on Nov. 12 that the foundation would match those funds for a total donation of $2,200. The foundation was established in the memory of Sean M. Ruane, a Montour alumnus and Air Force helicopter pilot who passed away in a helicopter accident in 2014. While those students were fundraising, Ryder Blyzwick and Mia Arndt spearheaded an effort to create a walk of honor in the social studies hallway. Inspired by the military banner displays seen in various communities, the walk of honor featured pictures of Montour alumni and family members of Montour community members who have served in the military. “My grandfather is a veteran and to see his name up there was important to me,” says Ryder. “It’s a nice thing that we appreciate all the veterans.” Mia says that to arrange the display, students leaned on people they knew in the community who had family members in the military. They also sent out a Google form asking for submissions of names along with the conflict in which they served, their branch, rank and photos. The class received 58 submissions in total. Tyriq Eleam, meanwhile, created a video of students and faculty discussing their feelings about what veterans meant to them. The video was then cut into a video compilation and played at the assembly. Eric D’Antonio, who teaches the theories of leadership course, says that the class also received support from principal Todd Price and administration. He says momentum grew as the school community recognized the class’ collective efforts. “Mr. Price obviously was very supportive of Veterans Day and gave [students] the tools they needed,” says D’Antonio. “Once people started hearing about it and once the hallways started going up, the donations started to come in really fast. People started seeing how important Veterans Day is.” In all, 11 veterans were invited to speak at the assembly and received a tour of the school along with lunch. Students had an opportunity to meet with the speakers, which helped them as they wrote their reflections on the effort. Students in the course write reflections about events they organize as part of the course. “This class is all about growth and self improvement and putting others first,” says D’Antonio. “This was a great way to do that.” The Hilltop celebrates Veterans Day ABOVE: The high school chorus performs during a special event Nov. 12 to commemorate Veterans Day in the Activity Center. BELOW: The event featured a number of speakers, including Montour alumnus Lt. Col. Dave Kraft, president of the Sean M. Ruane Foundation, and Chief Master Sgt. Marshall Martindale. January/February 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 29 For three days this school year, the Montour Academic Games team is transforming the Athletic Center into the Academic Center. On a floor normally reserved for basketball and volleyball, the Montour Academic Games team is hosting academic competitions for the Western Pennsylvania Academic Games League. The league is comprised of 12 local school districts and has seen its numbers grow this year with the addition of two new school districts. Under the direction of teacher Michael Phillips, who is also Montour’s Academic Games coach - and with help from Cindy Caliguire, school counselor and gifted facilitator - students in grades five through 12 compete in seven academic games throughout the school year. The games focus on the subject areas of English language arts, social studies and mathematics. Games are broken up into two main categories: reader games and cube games. Reader games consist of Propaganda, a game that involves recognizing techniques of persuasion; Current Events, which focuses on the events of 2021; Theme, which this year focuses on the Gilded Age; Presidents, which focuses on the history and facts of U.S. presidents; Cube Games, which consists of Equations, a game of creative mathematics; Onsets, a math game based on set theory; and Liguishtiks, a grammar and writing game. This season, Montour is hosting all of the Cube Games. Equations was the first tournament held this year and students representing Montour performed extremely well, with a large number of Montour students earning scores that qualified them for the Academic Games League of America National Tournament in Knoxville, Tennessee. The tournament will be held this upcoming April. During Academic Games, each student has their favorite game or experience at the tournaments. The favorite for Lindsay Alarcon’s grade eight class is Propaganda. She loves that it has a comprehensive list of fallacies that one can identify in everyday life. Mitchell Braidic’s grade eight favorite is Equations, because it involves math, which is his favorite subject. He also enjoys the experience of learning outside of school with his friends in a setting that is both educational and more enjoyable. Sixth-grader Emilia DeCola loves Academic Games because it’s both challenging and fun at the same time. The favorite part for seventh-grader Grace Guckert is that it is competitive but not stressful. She says you can enjoy yourself while being challenged at the same time. Sixth-grader William Jack’s favorite part is making new friends and seeing them at all of the competitions. The team is looking forward to the rest of the upcoming competitions, where they will test their knowledge of the Gilded Age, Current Events, Math Theory, Grammar and Language Skills as they work to qualify for the national tournament. Athletic Games transforms Athletic Center into Montour Academic Center By: Mr. Michael Phillips Students compete in the Academic Games at the Montour Athletic Center. Nicolette Lyscik was recently named the recipient of the PETE&C Technology Student of the Year Award. The high school sophomore was nominated by Gina Ligouri, Montour High School English Department instructor. The award, which is organized by the Pennsylvania Educational Technology Expo and Conference, recognizes students in grades six through 12 who have made noteworthy achievements in a technology program. “Nicolette is a student who encompasses technology integration in everything she does,” writes Ligouri in her letter nominating Nicolette. “Whether anchoring on ‘The Bus Loop’ (our morning TV news/ announcements), expanding the expectations of coursework using technology, or helping her classmates find a better way to promote mastery (through technology) the use of tech integration is at the forefront of Nicolette’s academic and co-curricular career.” While a student at David E. Williams Middle School, Nicolette also assisted Cindy Caliguire, gifted coordinator for Montour, with creating short film videos for the district’s Veterans Day assembly. “She is not only very bright and dedicated, but is also extremely friendly, motivated, and creative,” says Caliguire. “She is very deserving of the Technology Student of the Year Award because she goes above and beyond what is expected in all aspects including her academics, music, performances, competitions, volunteering, and extracurricular activities.” In her nomination letter, Ligouri, too, writes that it wasn’t Lyscik’s application of technology in just one class or program that stood out to her, but the way she consistently applies technology across various facets of her school life. “Technology is such an important part of our lives and will only continue to gain more influence,” says Nicolette. Nicolette Lyscik receives PETE&C Technology Student of the Year Award Nicolette LyscikNext >