< PreviousYour SchoolsYour Schools N 20 • Allegheny West Magazine • March/April 2022 Archangel Gabriel Catholic School STORIES AND PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY ARCHANGEL GABRIEL CATHOLIC SCHOOL Catholic Schools Week Every year, AGS sets aside one whole week to celebrate the school and the Parent-Teacher Group works tirelessly to make each day extremely special for students. For this past Catholic Schools Week, students enjoyed a career day where they dressed as their future selves and volunteers spoke about their amazing careers. AGS students showed their spirit by dressing in school colors, learning school cheers and attending a school-wide pep rally. During the pep rally, AGS varsity cheerleaders led the traditional spirit stick competition, where each grade competes to show their spirit. This year, the reigning spirit stick champions held on to their title. A big congratulations goes out to the eighth grade. The planned events concluded with Fun Friday, where all students went on a field trip. Grades K through three went to the movies, grades four through five went bowling and the middle schoolers went to Hidden Valley to ski, tube and snowboard. AGS is blessed to be a part of this wonderful Catholic School community and the school is so grateful for its teachers and volunteers who make the year so special. Eighth grade basketball recognition At AGS, each sports season ends with a ceremony recognizing matriculating eighth-graders. This month, AGS recognized the girls and boys varsity eighth grade basketball teams and their parents for their dedication. The eighth grade classroom is the largest in the school and the team spirit shows. Nineteen of the school’s eighth-grade basketball players will soon be graduating and AGS will have some big shoes to fill! The school is extremely proud of its students for the academic and athletic commitment they have made through the years and wishes them nothing but the absolute best. ABOVE: Varsity cheerleaders led the school in a pep assembly during Catholic Schools Week. BELOW: On Fun Friday, the lower grades went to the movies while the upper grades headed to Hidden Valley. Eighth-graders on the boys and girls basketball teams were honored at the end of this past season. N Your Schools Your Schools March/April 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 21 Open house On Feb. 5, many families braved the overnight snowstorm to attend AGS’ once-a-year open house event. Over 45 prospective families toured with a parent or middle school volunteer and many registered for next year. The AGS community was delighted to see the turnout and those interested in joining the AGS family, as the school is now accepting applications for students from age 3 to grade eight for the 2022-2023 school year. It was great to have so many parents and middle school students helping with tours and registration, along with the uniform, activities and athletics stations in order to show new families what all the school has to offer. Rainbow On a very special day where the school celebrated kindness to all, each grade dressed in a color of the rainbow, cut out their hand print for a special project and formed a human rainbow in the gymnasium. Ranging from eighth grade in red and preschool in white for clouds, the mural represented how each individual is important, making up a piece of the rainbow. AGS students and volunteers helped out during the school’s open house event in February. Students created hand prints to make this colorful mural in the gymnasium. Second grade diorama AGS second-graders proudly displayed their completed Bible dioramas for all to see. Each student decided on a verse or story and created a visual that they presented to the class. Though second-graders and the whole school already look forward to this yearly project, this year’s creations were outstanding in creativity, design and diversity. Congratulations to each on their amazing accomplishments. Show us your wings pep squad The AGS pep squad is showing off its wings. Recently, each student was asked to make a unique feather to add to the angel wings displayed in the school gymnasium. The pep squad is made up of first-, second- and and third-graders who practice once a week during the school year to perform during select basketball games. They learn important team and life skills. They also get to add a feather to the wings and pose in front of them. Second-graders created these dioramas based on the Bible. AGS pep squad members made these wing displays in the gymnasium. For more about Archangel Gabriel Catholic School, visit archangelgabrielpgh.org.Your SchoolsYour Schools N 22 • Allegheny West Magazine • March/April 2022 Pittsburgh Technical College Pittsburgh Technical College students earning a Bachelor of Science degree in business will now be able to earn an MBA much faster thanks to a new partnership between the college and West Liberty University in West Liberty, West Virginia. Through the new partnership, PTC students will be able to earn up to 12 credit hours of advanced standing toward an MBA at West Liberty. Students earning a Bachelor of Science in applied management can earn up to nine credit hours while those earning a bachelor’s in information technology can earn up to six hours toward a graduate-level business degree. “One of our key objectives at Pittsburgh Technical College is to expand access for all students and present them with every opportunity to excel,” said PTC President/CEO Dr. Alicia B. Harvey-Smith. “Our new MBA Fast Track partnership with an academic institution like West Liberty University achieves just that and presents students in both PTC’s Schools of Business as well as Information Systems and Technology with an accelerated outlet to attain a master’s level degree.” PTC’s three-year business bachelor degree program gives students the opportunity to learn from instructors who combine their business knowledge and industry experience to engage students in subject matter and arrange internships that connect them with employers. At West Liberty, students complete their MBA by focusing on one of three concentration areas: management, forensic accounting or healthcare management. The arrangement between PTC and West Liberty was formalized in January following an official signing by PTC Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Eileen Steffan, and West Liberty President/ CEO Dr. W. Franklin Evans. The partnership promises to save students both time and money as they pursue their graduate-level degree, and to allow them to apply their skills much sooner in their industry. “I am pleased to welcome Dr. Eileen Steffan and all the PTC leaders to our campus for this ceremonial signing that initiates our new MBA Fast Track partnership with PTC, a college that is a leader in providing career-focused education in the region. We look forward to meeting many PTC graduates in the near future and welcoming them to the Hilltop as they complete their MBA,” said President Evans. New agreement allows PTC grads to fast-track MBA requirements CONTENT SUBMITTED PTC Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Eileen Steffan, and West Liberty University President/CEO Dr. W. Franklin Evans, sign an agreement that will allow PTC students to earn credits toward an MBA at West Liberty. State Sen. Devlin Robinson It is hard to believe that I’ve already completed one year in office. Although COVID-19 may have provided challenges in 2021, in the district I was able to tour 66 businesses, corporations, nonprofits, and manufacturing plants. I also attended 325 community events including parades, festivals, and grand openings. Meeting the people of the 37th district was also my top priority. My team and I attended 283 in-person meetings and 156 zoom meetings. I am proud to say that we were able to advocate and award $6,923,645 worth of funding towards district projects. This money will enable municipalities and boroughs in the 37th district to create green space, improve flooding and stormwater conditions, and enhance recreational trails and parks. Legislatively, I had four bills passed by the Senate of Pennsylvania, which are SB 403, SB 706, SB 550, and SB 96. SB 550-Act 89 and SB 96-Act 55 made it to the Governor’s desk and were passed into law. I serve on seven committees including Law & Justice (Vice Chair), Appropriations, Community Economic & Recreational Development, Game & Fisheries, Health & Human Services, Labor & Industry, and Local Government. Right now, we are beginning our Appropriations meetings to hear from each of the state agencies so we can prepare to present a state budget. My office staff is available to assist with state-related issues such as PennDOT inquiries, state tax issues, and unemployment compensation concerns. We also have wonderful opportunities for veterans and business owners. Please call (412) 643-3020 to learn more about the services we provide. State Sen. Devlin Robinson serves Pennsylvania’s 37th Senatorial District. His Robinson Township office is located at 200 Cedar Ridge Drive, Suite 206. He can be reached at (412) 643-3020. lLegislative Update Legislative Update March/April 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 23 State Rep. Anita Kulik January is traditionally a slow month in state government. Much like most businesses, the post-holiday time can be particularly uneventful. Things gain momentum in February, the time of year that starts budget season. Every first Tuesday in February, the Governor addresses a joint session of the Legislature, presenting his budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year. There is a lot of ceremony involved. Members of the Senate are escorted into the Well of the House Chamber. The Governor is escorted to the Rostrum - the Speaker’s podium - by selected members of the House and Senate. (It was an honor for me to be one of the three selected, several years back, for this honor.) The Governor then gives a general speech highlighting the main points of his proposed budget. Immediately following the speech, the different caucuses from the House and Senate hold press conferences to respond to the Governor’s proposal. The following six weeks see the Capitol filled with representatives from various agencies and interest groups seeking time before the appropriations committee, and lobbying all Representatives, especially those who serve on committees directly impacting their interest. Hearings are held to hear from these groups as to their needs and wants with respect to the final budget. Between now and the end of June, arguments will be made on how to best spend the state’s revenues. Investing in education, workforce development, business growth, and healthcare are always priorities. The past two years have also brought to light the need to invest in all healthcare workers and small businesses. Recent developments highlight the absolute need to invest in infrastructure. There are always debates on how much to spend, and where to spend. There will also be vigorous discussion on where to cut spending, finding new sources of revenue, and how much to set aside in the “rainy day” fund. Personally, I believe that balancing the budget without raising taxes on residents and businesses should be the end result. This is the time to be reaching out to your state officials with your thoughts and concerns surrounding budgetary issues. As legislators, we are always keenly aware of the needs of the people in the districts we represent and spend significant time advocating for their needs. In between all the budget discussions, the Legislature will be in session to address other matters as well. Policy hearings, especially in the Allegheny County area, will concentrate on mass transit, airports and bridges, and other infrastructure issues. As a former township commissioner, I am also aware of, and advocate that we must address, infrastructure issues such as our water and sewer service lines. In our area, many of the lines were installed decades ago, and have been ignored or forgotten. We all know that, throughout our region, there are numerous water main breaks, and problems with regard to sewer lines. When a bridge fails, or roadways are in disrepair, those items are easily seen. The underground lines are not seen, but they also have reached the point that we must take action. Above and beyond all of that, I continue to advocate for one of my primary concerns, which is the education of our youth, and appropriate educational opportunities for our young adults, and those transitioning in employment. The budget proposal speaks of additional funding for education, and I feel it is incumbent upon us, as your elected representatives, to provide proper funding for all. Some of our local school districts are facing serious budget issues. A district with a shrinking or stagnant tax base does not have the potential revenue seen in districts where there are new housing and business developments. And the property tax issue is of great concern to many who cannot afford to pay rising property taxes. I believe we need to provide proper funding so that all students can succeed, all while paying close attention to the tax burden placed on property owners. As I mentioned, it is important for each of us to let our elected officials know our concerns. Properly run policy hearings have testimony from many different sides of the topic or issue, so that all those interested can be heard. I believe that it is important to hear from all sides as we are facing major issues in our region, particularly with regard to our bridges and roadways. State Rep. Anita Kulik represents Pennsylvania’s 45th District. Her office is located at 1350 Fifth Avenue in Coraopolis. She can be reached at (412) 264-4260. Visit her online at www.pahouse.com/ Kulik.March/April 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 25 Montour School District Nucci-Finny Tournament raises over $3,000 High school students once again organized a two-on-two tournament this year to raise money for the Nucci-Finny Scholarship Fund. In all, 52 teams participated in this year’s tournament Jan. 28 and about 300 student spectators packed the stands to cheer on the teams. The effort raised $3,172 through a combination of tournament participation, t-shirt sales and donations. Varsity girls basketball players Olivia Lyscik and Olivia Persinger took a leading role in organizing this year’s effort and the two received assistance from boys varsity players Dante Deltondo, Diaun Pinkett and Vason Stevenson. As part of their CHS theories of leadership course, Persinger and Stevenson also created special t-shirts commemorating the tournament’s namesakes: Brandon “Nucci” Chiarelli and Brian “Finny” Finnegan. High school principal Todd Price donated the t-shirts, which allowed any proceeds to go directly to the scholarship fund. Organizers also created a video that played before the final game of the tournament with pictures of Nucci and Finny, along with Montour educators sharing their memories of the two. Persinger says this allowed students to gain a better understanding of who Nucci and Finny were and the accident that claimed their lives over two decades ago. The pair, who both played basketball at Montour, passed away in a tragic car accident while en route to the final game of the season. Aden Saunders and Caleb Williams came out on top of this year’s tournament, which featured a four-division bracket with 13 teams each. Last year, the effort was limited to some skill competitions due to COVID-19 restrictions but returned to form this year. Donations to the Nucci-Finny Scholarship Fund can be made at any PNC Bank branch. Superintendent’s Message Dr. Christopher Stone Superintendent Montour School District Follow Montour High School: @hilltopspartan Follow Dr. Christopher Stone: @Dr_Chris_Stone Stay up to date at www.montourschools.com! Olivia Persinger (second from left) and Olivia Lyscik (third from right) are pictured with fellow organizers of this year’s Nucci-Finny Tournament. At center is retired Montour teacher Jamie Chiarelli, mother of Brandon “Nucci” Chiarelli. Spring is in the air at Montour! We have a lot of great activities occurring in the classrooms and are experiencing much success as we conclude our winter sports season. Both the boys and girls basketball teams were exceptionally competitive and made runs in the playoffs! Our students were once again able to pack the Montour Athletic Center and cheer on the Spartans. I would like to THANK our Montour Community for your support and cooperation over the past two years. I know we all faced adversity during the pandemic, but I really believe we have turned the corner. Montour has taken an endemic approach to dealing with COVID. The district has navigated to parental choice regarding masking and quarantining. Cases in schools have been exceptionally low over the past several weeks, and we hope they stay this way. There is something special about seeing our students’ smiles and expressions after 20 long months! This exciting student energy will be used to drive initiatives this spring and into the summer months. The district has several curricular and visual improvements planned for the 2022-23 school year. Burkett Field was recently upgraded with a turf infield for our kids. If you find time, try to catch a game this spring and see for yourself! Stay tuned for more information, including the new Montour App which is in the making and can be loaded on to your Apple or Android phone!26 • Allegheny West Magazine • March/April 2022 Write the Series: Creating Content for Media - Writing, research and interview techniques will be explored in this course. Students will combine creative writing and journalism, as well as film-making techniques to create feature news stories in formats to be produced through broadcasting and podcasting. CHS Broadcast - Offered in collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh, this year-long course focuses on the foundations of broadcast and mass communication through means of audio and visual components, as well as journalism. Aerospace Engineering - Aerospace engineering is one of the specialization courses in the PLTW Engineering program. The course deepens the skills and knowledge of an engineering student within the context of atmospheric and space flight. Students explore the fundamentals of flight in air and space as they bring the concepts to life by designing and testing components related to flight such as an airfoil, propulsion system and a rocket. Gaming Concepts - This semester- long course affords students the opportunity to explore game design through gaming appreciation, gaming behavior, motor skill development, game development and design, eSports, and other topics within gaming. Entrepreneurship I: Let’s Get Started! - This semester course is designed to introduce students to the process of designing, launching and running a new business. In this course, students will develop their entrepreneurial spirit by actively discovering opportunities and embracing questioning techniques while applying business concepts to hands-on projects. Students will design a business idea and create a draft of a business plan for that business. New courses coming to high school A number of new courses across various departments will give students at Montour High School new opportunities this fall. Here’s a rundown with some quick synopses of each. For complete descriptions of each course, see News and Announcements at highschool.montourschools.com. Entrepreneurship II: Preparing for Launch! - This course will expand on the concepts and skills learned in Entrepreneurship I. Students will learn concepts related to finding investors, obtaining permits, researching commercial real estate, budgeting, managing employees, projecting revenue, and planning for growth. In this advanced entrepreneurship course, students deepen the development of their entrepreneurial mindset while refining their business models, developing their products or services, mastering sales and marketing, and learning about small business management. CHS Child Development - Within the scope of this course, students will study how elementary students grow and develop physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually. Students will plan and implement age- appropriate activities for kindergarten through fourth grade students in a childcare and school setting. This course will be taught in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh’s Broadcast Department in a collaborative approach and can be taken for post-secondary credit. Music Mentors - This specially designed course is intended to include students of a diverse population who are not able to participate in an unrestricted music course. These students are joined by students without restrictions and together all students help each other achieve their music goals. The focus of this course will be on developing individual skills and musicianship through collaborative activities. Course content will include basic piano skills, singing, group performance, learning music through movement (eurythmics) and other aspects of general music. Summer Health and Physical Education Acceleration Program - This seven-day course will offer a unique Health and Physical Education experience by giving students the ability to test their skill sets off campus. The course is oriented to teach how to orienteer the outdoors and how to create a sustainable wellness plan while exploring movement both on and off campus. This course will include kayaking, fishing, stand-up paddle boarding, hiking, orienteering, mountain biking, basic survival skills, yard games, rock climbing, bowling, roller skating, yoga, fitness drumming, strength and conditioning, and hands-only CPR. This course encourages using physical activity and proper nutrition to promote positive mental health, physical health and social health. (412) 490-6500 Dr. Christopher Stone Superintendent (412) 490-6500, ext. 6221 stonec@montourschools.com Dr. Eric Sparkenbaugh Assistant Superintendent (412) 490-6500 sparkenbaughe@montourschools.com Mr. Dominic Salpeck Director of Instruction and Academic Achievement (412) 771-8802, ext. 2611 salpeckd@montourschools.com Dr. Robert Isherwood Director of Special Education and Pupil Services 412-490-6500, ext. 6102 isherwoodb@montourschools.com Mr. Darryl Yonkers Director of Operations (412) 490-6500 x 6510 yonkersd@montourschools.com Mrs. Susan Sinicki Director of Human Resources 412-490-6500, ext. 6235 sinickis@montourschools.com Mrs. Anna Borsos Director of Finance (412) 490-6500, ext. 6232 borsosa@montourschools.com Mr. Bob Wagner Transportation Director (412) 490-6500, ext. 4700 wagnerb@montourschools.com Mr. Lou Cerro Athletic Director (412) 490-6500, ext. 1627 cerrol@montourschools.com (412) 490-6500 Mr. Todd Price Principal (412) 490-6500, ext. 1612 pricet@montourschools.com Mrs. Kylee Crawshaw Associate Principal of Academic and Student Affairs 412-490-6500 x 1615 crawshawk@montourschools.com (412) 771-8802 Dr. Jason Burik Principal (412) 490-6500 ext. 4312 burikjason@montourschools.com Mr. Michael Marvin Assistant Principal (412) 771-8802, ext. 2612 marvinm@montourschools.com (412) 490-6500 Mr. Jason Shoaf, Principal (412) 490-6500 ext. 4313 shoafj@montourschools.com Mr. Robert Carlisle, Principal (412) 490-6500, ext. 1615 carlisler@montourschools.comMarch/April 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 27 The Montour Marching Band traveled to Universal Orlando Resort this past February for their annual band trip. It was the band’s first time visiting the resort, which is a favorite destination for student travel groups and, in particular, performance artists. Through education travel, students have the opportunity to gain exposure and interactions that they wouldn’t necessarily get in classroom instruction. These interactions help students learn more by exchanging views and experiences with each other. Asking questions from tour guides can also help develop an inquisitive mind among students as well as expose them to a better understanding of life. Additionally, students get to bond with their classmates in a new environment and this gives them an opportunity to learn more about each other. The band departed on their trip bright and early at 3:30 a.m. on the morning of Feb. 7 from Montour to head to the airport. Once in Florida, students had the opportunity to enjoy a water park or Islands of Adventure. That Saturday, band members performed in the streets of Universal Studios for family, friends and park guests. “This parade was about a mile long and is a part of the Universal Stars Program which brings in performing ensembles from all over the country to perform in their parks,” says high school marching band director Cyndi Mancini. “These performances are a great opportunity for students to perform for new people and in new places. The time spent preparing for this event is a great learning experience for the students.” Marching band members learned a new song, Karn Evil 9, for the trip, along with some new routines. They even added some visuals to their parade march. Following the performance, students got to enjoy the parks. “The most important part of the trip is the opportunity for students to be together and make memories together through their participation in band,” says Mancini. “Working together to make an amazing performance and then enjoying the opportunities to spend time together is the true goal of the band trips. Coming out of the pandemic, the opportunity to be together was something that we learned to never take for granted.” Marching band performs at Universal Orlando Resort Senior Ryan Shaw has been selected to perform with the PMEA All-State Orchestra. Shaw initially auditioned for PMEA District Orchestra and, through a series of auditions, was selected for the second seat of the PMEA All State Orchestra’s percussion section. As such, he has been recognized as one of the top percussionists in the state. He will perform with the band in the Poconos at Kalahari from April 7 through April 9. “Shaw is an outstanding musician and I have really enjoyed watching his growth over the last four years,” says band director Cyndi Mancini. “Not only is he a great percussionist, he is an outstanding leader for the band program. I am so proud of his hard work!” Shaw plays with the concert band, percussion ensemble and jazz band. He is also a member of the choir and has been playing drums for the past eight years. Next year, Shaw plans to attend Westminster College and major in music education. He says he hopes to one day become a band director himself. Shaw auditioned for the band in January by performing pieces on a variety of instruments, including the mallet, timpani and snare drum. He points out that percussionists trying out for the band don’t have it easy. “Of course as a percussionist I believe we have it hardest in the audition process because we have to learn so many challenging parts,” he says. Shaw says he was excited when he found out he’d been selected, but even more excited when he learned he’d been selected as second seat. Ryan Shaw named to PMEA orchestra Ryan Shaw is pictured with Cyndi Mancini, band director. Members of the Montour Marching Band got to perform at Universal Orlando Resort this past February. They also got a chance to enjoy the park. 28 • Allegheny West Magazine • March/April 2022 High school students Paulina Sanchez and Amelia Trevenen are teaming up to take part in The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Student of the Year 2022 Campaign. The seven-week fundraising competition, which runs through March 26, raises money in support of LLS. Paulina and Amelia were nominated by 2021 LLS Student of the Year candidate Sophie Stophel. They are now leading one of 17 teams from across western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. They’ve named their team Heart and Soul. Paulina and Amelia say they were inspired by their friend Sophia to get involved in the effort. A cancer survivor, Sophia was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age 3. She underwent chemotherapy and endured spinal taps as she was treated for the blood cancer. “Her story touched our hearts and moved us to help others like her,” say Paulina and Amelia. “Unfortunately, we have both had personal experiences with family members having cancer. While these experiences were absolutely horrible, they are what drove us towards this incredible cause.” To date, the two have raised $8,500 dollars but are hoping to far exceed that amount and raise $60,000. Working with teacher Cindy Caliguire, the two have hosted several fundraising events and acquired a number of corporate sponsorships. “Mrs. Caliguire has been an incredible asset to our team,” the two say. “Not only is she a contributive team member, she is also our friend…Without her, our team Heart and Soul would not be successful.” Anyone who would like to donate can do so by visiting: events. lls.org/wpa/wpasoy22/theartsoul. High school students team on annual LLS fundraiser Amelia Trevenen and Paulina Sanchez have teamed up to raise money through The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Student of the Year 2022 Campaign. Montour High School has joined nearly 300 other schools and over 90,000 students across the country in the fight against childhood cancer. The school is currently partnering with Four Diamonds Cancer Research Center in Hershey to raise money and awareness in the community to assist those affected by a pediatric cancer diagnosis. As part of that effort, Montour students have been organizing a Mini-THON this school year. The effort is a scaled-down version of Penn State University’s own THON. High school student Nick Zezza, who is helping to organize the effort at Montour, describes Montour’s Mini-THON as a student- led, inclusive fundraising effort aimed at “fostering a closer relationship with Montour School District and its community after these troubling last 18 months.” Montour’s Mini-THON is sponsored by high school Student Council. It is also affiliated with National Honor Society, CureFunders, Educators Rising, Students Against Destructive Decisions, and other distinguished Montour clubs. “We fundraise both on and off the Hilltop, and we are always looking for more people and businesses to join us in our efforts,” says Zezza. Zezza says this is the first year that Montour hosted a Mini-THON and he hopes that it can become an annual event for the entire community. In April, Montour will host a culminating celebration for its Mini-THON. Organizers anticipate having a DJ, food, drinks, special guests, games and more. An hour in the evening will also be dedicated to recognizing members of the Montour community who have been affected by childhood cancer. Zezza says the effort’s first-year goal is to raise $5,000 by the time of the celebration. To date, they have raised over $3,800. “All of the proceeds from our Mini-THON directly support Four Diamonds and their fight to end pediatric cancer,” says Zezza. “We have had fundraising competitions, movie days, and more so far, and we plan to host fundraising nights at various sponsor locations in 2022.” Mini-THON uses a website called DonorDrive to manage individual and team fundraising. There, individuals can register to donate, support a participant, or sponsor the Mini-THON. “If any business or organization would like to partner with Montour Mini-THON, we would love for them to join us!” says Zezza. For more, email at montourminithon@montourschools.com or scan the QR code above. Find the Montour Mini-THON on Instagram at: @montourminithon. Mini-THON effort raises money for cancer research Montour Mini-THON organizers hosted a gold-out during football season to raise money for Four Diamonds Cancer Research Center. Students can be seen here making the diamond sign. To donate to team Heart and Soul, scan the above QR code. To donate to Montour’s Mini-THON, scan the above QR code.March/April 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 29 Seventy eighth grade students from David E. Williams Middle School elected to explore the variety of programs offered at Parkway West Career and Technology Center on Jan. 14. After watching a presentation highlighting the school’s program offerings, students each completed a Google Form provided by PWCTC’s workforce development coordinator to indicate which programs they wanted to experience. Students selected two areas of focus to explore ranging from cosmetology to public safety technology. Each program instructor prepared a hands-on activity for the students to participate in and complete. This allowed students to experience what each program would entail, should they choose to enroll. Students spent about an hour in each program. Afterwards, students received a drink and cookie provided by PWCTC culinary arts students. “Self-exploration and Career Exploration go hand in hand,” says DEW school counselor Andrea Verdream. “Our partnership with Parkway allows our students the opportunity to grow and learn through experience.” DEW students learn about the trades at PWCTC Seventh-graders in Emily Ferraro’s Integrated Science 7 class at David E. Williams Middle School are getting a lesson on biology, ecology and science by raising trout eggs right in the classroom. Earlier this year, the class received about 160 rainbow trout eggs from the PA Fish and Boat Commission. Using a tank, chiller and other equipment provided through a grant from Trout Unlimited, students are caring for the trout until the fish are big enough to be released into the wild. Students will release the fish into Montour Run later this spring. The trout eggs hatched the week of Feb. 14 and, at the time of this writing, are in the sac fry lifecycle stage. Throughout the project, students get a lesson on environment, ecology, science, mathematics, social studies and more. “Aside from teaching kids about the life cycle and anatomy of trout, some goals for the program are to teach kids about stream and water ecology as well as the importance of water quality and cold water conservation,” says Integrated Science 7 teacher Emily Ferraro. “This year, rainbow trout eggs were sent to almost 350 classrooms throughout the state of Pennsylvania. Other states have similar programs - some states actually send salmon eggs instead of trout eggs.” The Pennsylvania Trout in the Classroom program started in 2006 as an informal educational program adopted by a handful of educators. It now has over 400 participants across the state. Trout in the Classroom teaches DEW students about ecology and science DEW eighth-graders visit Parkway West Career and Technology Center to learn about careers in the trades. The Integrated Science 7 classroom at DEW received trout eggs (top right and at left) that they’ve been growing using equipment (at right) secured through a grant. Montour to perform “Mamma Mia!” in April Montour will perform “Mamma Mia!” for its spring musical in April. Featuring music by the band ABBA, and named after the group’s 1975 hit of the same name, “Mamma Mia!” tells the hilarious story of a young woman’s search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island that they last visited 20 years ago. The show features a large cast, non- stop laughs and explosive dance numbers. Josh Morgan returns this year as director alongside his wife, Brittany Morgan, who will once again choreograph. Laura Daniels returns in the role of music director. Montour will return to full audience capacity this year. For ticketing information and performance dates, see at right. Next >