< Previous30 • Allegheny West Magazine • July/August 2021 THE MONTOUR CLASS OF 2021 Emanuel Joshua Abram II Cassidy Jean Ashbaugh Herbert Sherman Ashbaugh, Jr. Community College of Allegheny County, Computer Information Systems Madison Marie Ater Carlow University, Nursing Austin John Bailley Employment Ashley Morgan Bangs Gianna Marie Barbaro Kent State University, Fashion Design Anthony Jacob Batton Employment Joshua Michael Berardelli University of Pittsburgh, Pre-Medicine Nelson Eugene Berfield Livingstone College, Sports Management Samuel Joshua Bickel Pennsylvania State University, Smeal College of Business Haley Nicole Bischak Robert Morris University, Psychology Eleighsa Lynn Bodnar Community College of Allegheny County, Psychology Gianna Marie Bofo Madelon Rose Bolotin Florida Gulf Coast University Jacob Kenneth Bonato The College of Wooster, Business Economics Tyler Chad Bonelli United States Marines Cameron Deshion Bowen United States Army Thorian Christian Bowman La Roche University, Computer Security Jenna Nicole Caligiuri East Carolina University, Nursing Raegen Ann Campalong Employment Marisa Rose Captline Duquesne University, Music Therapy Abigail Grace Caputo University of Dayton, Biology Zachary Thomas Carletti Community College of Allegheny County, Business Malia Renee Carmichael Carlow University, Criminology Morgan Elizabeth Castelluci Clarion University, Early Childhood Education Aiden James Cavanaugh Robert Morris University, Sports Management Tyler John Cehelsky Community College of Allegheny County Nathan Edward Chezosky Community College of Allegheny County, Programming Nino Antonio Ciaburri Employment Matteo Pasquale Samuel Cicco Pennsylvania State University, Business Cassandra Lynn Cinkan Employment Breanna Nicole G Coffield Julia Marie Cole Carlow University, Biology Amber Lynn Collins University of Pittsburgh, Education/Special Education Hezekiah Jaquan Ephraim Day Rachel Lynn DeFeo Pennsylvania State University, Cybersecurity Analytics & Operations Aidan Anthony DeLuca Western New England University, Mechanical Engineering Nikolas Russell Nghia Dettling Florida Institute of Technology, Software Engineering Patrick Aaron Dhanse Community College of Allegheny County, Biology Paolo Antonio Di Cenzo Robert Morris University Natalina Faye DiDesiderio Rachel Agnes Ditzenberger Allegheny College, Computer Science, Environmental Science Natalie Anne Dixon Pennsylvania State University, Bio-Behavioral Health Joshua Narehood - President | Andrew Rathway - Vice President | Jenna Caligiuri - Secretary | Brandon Halbedl - Treasurer Katie Liu, Valedictorian Montour families were once again welcomed back to the Hilltop campus for this year’s graduation ceremonies. This year, commencement exercises took place June 4 and were held outdoors on the football field at Thomas J. Birko Memorial Stadium. The evening included performances by the Montour High School chorus, remarks from students and faculty, special teacher recognitions and even a fireworks show to close out the evening. Members of the Montour Class of 2021 and their post-secondary plans are as follows: July/August 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 31 Madison Teresa DuMontier Edinboro University, Early Childhood Education & Deaf Studies Brandon Michael Edixon Employment Tiana Evalynn Eleam Rayanon Rogue Marie Emery Pittsburgh School of Massage Therapy, Massage Therapy Emily Julianna Essel Kaitlyn Isabelle Estes Rachel Elizabeth Faith University of Pittsburgh, Engineering Maria-Rose Hinerman Fallon Community College of Allegheny County Grady Lee Fannin Slippery Rock University, Safety Management Corey Michael Faye Community College of Allegheny County, Photography, Graphic Arts Michael Anthony Felsing Kareem Abdul Ferguson Taryn Rose Ferraccio Kent State University, Fashion Design & Merchandising Lydia Rose Ferri Evan-Lee Eugene Garner Reese Logan Garrett Pennsylvania State University, Criminology Olivia Isabel Gieske Duquesne University, Pharmacy Parker Conrad Giles University of Pittsburgh, Linguistics Jared Clay Gomez Employment Taylor Ann Grimes Community College of Allegheny County, Business Sydnee Rose Gyory Robert Morris University, Marketing Brandon Julian Halbedl Pennsylvania State University, Mechanical Engineering Auren Taric Halbert Zoey Michelle Hampton Community College of Allegheny County, Education Luke Anthony Heidenreich University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, Engineering Melaina Marie Herbst Kent State University Kate Marie Hermiller Ohio University, Engineering Isabella Francesca Hervert Liberty University, Secondary Mathematics Education Lydia Ruth Heymann Robert Morris University, Elementary Education Jaiden James Hill Notre Dame College, Psychology Domenic James Hoffman Pennsylvania State University, Computer Science Josiah Graham Hudock Washington & Jefferson College, Mathematics Cole Rhys Hufnagel Community College of Allegheny County, Business Meghan Fubi Huntley University of Pittsburgh, Chemistry Paige Elizabeth Irizarry Unity University, Marine Biology Nautia Elaine Jack Grayden Reid Jackson Robert Morris University, Economics, Computer Information Systems Cheyenne Rain Johnson Pittsburgh Technical College, Criminal Justice Bryce Cullin Justice United States Marines Gannon Matthew Kadlecik Radford University, Criminal Justice John Paul Kashmer Duquesne University, Cybersecurity Nicole Ann Kerchin Employment Maddox John Kerelitch Kent State University, Sports Administration Lexus Janee’ King John Tyler Community College, Veterinary Technology Michael Leon King III Employment Riley Elizabeth Klein Community College of Allegheny County Helena Faith Kline University of Findlay, Pre-Veterinary Medicine Joshua Michael Knapp Robert Morris University, Data Analytics Paige Vergenes, SalutatorianNathan Daniel Knause Ohio University, Supply Chain Management Ashley Rose Kocyan Chelsi Lynn Krance-Homer Robert Morris University, Nursing Genevieve Leigh Krueger Kutztown University, Cinema, Television & Media Production Katelyn Morgan Kushner Robert Morris University, Nursing Samantha Marie Kuzmich California University of Pennsylvania, Veterinary Technology Jamie Rose Lanuka Ohio State University, Business Jaylin Micah LaPorte Career Development Brandon Le Johnathan Gage Leasure United States Air Force, SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance & Escape) Program Alexandra Lizeth Leise Daemen College, Physician Assistant Katie Liu Stanford University, Music, Neuroscience Maximus William Lockerbie Slippery Rock University, Petroleum & Natural Gas Engineering Reece Elizabeth Macek Duquesne University, Liberal Arts Maria Guadalupe Macias Herrera Employment Gianna Dawn Madia West Virginia University, Dental Hygiene Lydia Rose Maggi Slippery Rock University, Special Education Bella Giacinta Magliocco Point Park University, Elementary Education Nicholas Giovanni Magliocco Ryan Daniel Mahony AJ Manges, Jr. Robert Morris University, Finance Cole Anthony Marshall Pennsylvania State University, Computer Science/Cybersecurity Brock Marshall Martindale Saint Michael’s College, Business, International Business Madison Ann Mascellino Pennsylvania State University, Landscape Architecture Matthew Reiley Maslanka Community College of Allegheny County, Electricians Apprenticeship Program Alex Scott May Pennsylvania State University, Computer Science Zachary Michael McDonald Kirk Howard McHugh Bowling Green University, Business/Marketing Cameron Alexander McLaurin Duquesne University, Finance Megan Lynn McNally Duquesne University, Early Childhood Education Corey Kennedy Meadows Community College of Allegheny County, Music, Business Christopher Jacob Meyers Employment Anthony Joseph Migliozzi Employment Benjamin Jeffrey Miller University of Pittsburgh, Greensburg Campus, Mechanical Engineering Cade Christopher Moffatt Allegheny College, Business Ayanna Genesis Mojica UPMC Mercy School of Nursing Kelsey Lynn Molitoris Duquesne University, Psychology Vincent Leo Molka Pennsylvania State University, Landscape Contracting Ryan Michael Mooney Employment Seth William Moore Community College of Allegheny County Alexis Marie Musko Ohio University, Sports Management Anna Marie Myers Community College of Allegheny County, Homeland Security Joshua William Narehood Pennsylvania State University, Computer Science Rayna McKenzie Neszpaul Muskingum University Huynh Manh Nguyen Employment Giovanna Rebecca Niccolai University of Pittsburgh, Information Science Isabella Lynn Niccolai Duquesne University, Accounting Zachary William Nichie Robert Morris University, Accounting Andrew Mark Norton Pennsylvania State University, Beaver Campus, Business/Finance Salvatore Antonio Nuovo Employment Brendan Padraig O’Leary Baldwin Wallace University, Marketing/Creative Writing Dr. Christopher Stone, Montour superintendent, gives remarks during graduation ceremonies. 32 • Allegheny West Magazine • July/August 2021Kayla Marie O’Malley Florida Gulf Coast University, Criminal Justice Joseph James Palamides University of Pittsburgh, Physical Therapy Gianna Cecilia Pascek Julian Thomas Paul Washington & Jefferson College, Computer Science Julianna Rose Paulin Robert Morris University, Biomedical Engineering Kaitlyn Elizabeth Peremba University of Pittsburgh, Johnstown, Pre-Physician Assistant Luke Edward Persinger Westminster College, Business Jack James Pockl Robert Morris University Nina Victoria Poliziani California University of Pennsylvania, Early Childhood Education Taylor Rose Powell Charleston Southern University, Business - Entrepreneurship Julia Bella Presutti Kiersten Elizabeth Prunczik Employment Chad Steven Quatman, Jr. Annalisa Maria Rambo Community College of Allegheny County Sarah Augustina Ranier Clarion University, Early Childhood Education Andrew David Rathway John Carroll University, Pre-Medicine/Biology Brenda Lee Rea University of Pittsburgh, Chemical Engineering Presley James Robb Florida SouthWestern State College, General Studies Halie Shae Robison Slippery Rock University, Early Childhood Education Vanessa Rose Rodgers University of Pittsburgh, Neuroscience Abigail Sarah Rose Ohio State University, Nursing Piper Noelle Russell Duquesne University, Music Therapy Alexa Christine Santucci Pennsylvania State University, Computer Science Zachary David Schaffer Austin Tyler Schaltenbrand Robert Morris University Nicholas Edward Schindehette Pennsylvania State University, Beaver Campus, Psychology Audrey Lee Schultz Slippery Rock University, Early Childhood Education, Special Education Ava Caroline Scrabis Kent State University, Fashion Merchandising/Media & Journalism Blair Earon Shick United States Army Courtney Nicole Slesinger North Carolina State University, Life Science-Genetics Olivia Elizabeth Smith Gannon University, Nursing Zxalasjea Senai Smith Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Nursing Alexis Rose Smonko Rachel Allison Somma Trinity Zion Spivey Employment Dominic Matthew Sprys Geneva College, Business Rebecca Ann Steele Robert Morris University, Nursing Ronald Russell Stetz Nicholas Leslie Stilwell Dean Michael Straight University of Pittsburgh Megan Lynn Suess University of Pittsburgh, Engineering Niya Marie Szymanski Duquesne University, Biological Sciences Rebekah Catherine Taylor International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 5 Stella Elizabeth Thornton Baldwin Wallace University, Neuroscience Jon Michael Tokarczyk Pennsylvania State University, Actuarial Science Onnalee Elizabeth Tomczak Pennsylvania State University, Secondary Education Emma Genevieve Toomey Gannon University, Nursing Shania Larrae Treadwell Marissa Anne Trizzino Duquesne University, Pharmacy Sarah Marie Trosky Community College of Allegheny County, Pediatric Nursing & American Sign Language Todd Price, Montour High School principal, addresses Montour families and graduates during graduation. July/August 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 33Paige Marie Vergenes Ohio State University, Biology Sarah Marie Vietmeier Bloomsburg University, Medical Laboratory Science/ Health Science Robert James Voye Kambui Terrell Walters Mia Eileen Weber Kent State University, Nursing Michael Andrew Weber Jack Lambert Webster Kirk Joseph Wells International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 5 Gavin Reilly Wilkins Douglas Education Center Kayla Lynn Williams Robert Morris University, Psychology Madison Marie Williams Ohio State University, Biology Paige Victoria Williams West Virginia University, Fashion Merchandising Brendan Jason Willimet Zaria Angel Willis Community College of Allegheny County, Biology Madison Leigh Wilson Vocational Training Nixe Rae Winning Employment Robert Charles Winning Employment Tyler David Wooten Joseph Tanner Wozniak Lauren Ashley Zane Pennsylvania State University, Pre-Medicine, Psychology Jacob Richard Zoltun Rochester Institute of Technology, Computer Science ABOVE: The Montour Class of 2021 celebrates by tossing their caps in the air. BELOW: The Montour High School concert choir performs during commencement. BOTTOM: Student Council president Joshua Knapp gives remarks at graduation. RIGHT: Senior class president Joshua Narehood delivers his speech at commencement. BOTTOM RIGHT: Senior Nicole Kerchin gives remarks. 34 • Allegheny West Magazine • July/August 2021The Captain Sean M. Ruane Memorial Foundation 2021 Scholarship Brenda Rea, Paige Vergenes, Audrey Schultz The Pittsburgh Foundation/ Nello Giammarco Memorial Scholarship Vanessa Rodgers Montour Scholar Athlete Awards Nathan Knause, Ava Scrabis Athletes of Action Scholarship Rachel DeFeo, Brenda Rea, Ava Scrabis, Domenic Sprys Bob Yahner Memorial Scholarship Jack Pockl, AJ Manges Jr. GPFO Harry Quinn-Fred Zangaro-John Samsa Scholarship Dominic Sprys Wolves Scholarship Audrey Schultz, Sydnee Gyory Society of Women Engineers Certificate of Merit Program Brenda Rea National Merit Scholarship Certificate of Merit Katie Liu Daughters of the American Revolution Jack Pockl First Commonwealth Bank Scholarship Paige Vergenes Robinson Twp. Lions Club Scholarship Paige Vergenes, Brenda Rea Sto-Ken-Rox Lions Club Scholarship Morgan Castelluci, Emily Essel Joseph C. Picci Memorial Scholarship Ben Miller, Julia Cole National School Marching Band Award Parker Giles Central Blood Bank Sara Ranier, Jenna Caligiuri Gay Straight Alliance Scholarship Ryan Myers & Josh Berardelli MEA Scholarship Brenda Rea, Nathan Knause Harry Quinn Memorial Scholarship Rachel DeFeo, Nathan Knause Alina’s Light Scholarship Ashley Kocyan, Olivia Smith Nucci-Finny Scholarship Nathan Knause, Marisa Captline Rebound 4 Ryan Scholarship Kirk McHugh Heitz 61 Scholarship Brenda Rea, Paige Vergenes, Meagan Suess, Giovanna Niccolai, Rachel DeFeo, Josh Knapp, Luke Persinger Charles D. Rowe Memorial Scholarship Kirk McHugh, Madison Mascellino Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence Brendan O’Leary Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award Luke Heidenreich, Julianna Paulin Marine Corps Distinguished Athletes Gannon Kadlecik, Ava Scrabis Art Paolo DiCenzo Taryn Ferraccio Matthew Maslanka Breana Coffield Lydia Ferri Ashley Kocyan Vanessa Rodgers Business Taylor Grimes Computer Science Giovanna Niccolai Outstanding Achievement in Language Arts & Literature Luke Heidenreich Outstanding Achievement in Literary Analysis Rachel Faith Spartan Radio Founder’s Award Corey Meadows, Cole Hufnagel Family & Consumer Science Audrey Schultz Health/Physical Education Paolo DiCenzo, Olivia Smith Mathematics Calculus AB Josiah Hudock Calculus BC Katie Liu Calculus 3 Rachel DeFeo John Phillips- Sousa Award Marisa Captline National School Choral Award Taryn Ferraccio Excellence in Physical Science Megan Suess Excellence in Life Science Paige Vergenes Social Studies Jack Pockl Special Education Madison Wilson Engineering & Technology Education Brandon Halbedl Spanish Joseph Palamides French Samuel Bickel SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTSDEPARTMENT AWARDS Congratulations Class of 2021! Best of Luck! July/August 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 35 Every month during the school year, students in each grade at David E. Williams Middle School are chosen as students of the month. These individuals exemplify the positive characteristics of a successful student. Students of the Month for April are pictured below. DEW Students of the Month DEW students place in design challenge Three seventh grade students took third place in the regional 2021 STEM Design Challenge sponsored by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit and Thermo Fisher Scientific. Following along with Thermo Fisher Scientific’s goals of making the world healthier, cleaner and safer, Mitchell Braidic, Jacob Chacon and Robert Scott worked together on this year’s virtual challenge. The challenge involved making a product or appliance found around the home safer or more environmentally friendly by using recycled materials and a K’Nex kit. Working through Bill Black’s STEM class, the students developed and submitted an engineering design notebook, blueprint resources and a video of their final product presentation to Thermo Fisher Scientific. After brainstorming various ideas, they decided to develop a remote-controlled floor and baseboard duster using a recycled RC car motor and wheels, a soft dusting brush, and a K’Nex kit. After identifying the motor, circuit board and battery pack, they rewired the engine and reassembled the car to fit their design idea. Their final product can be used to dust floors as well as baseboards. Mitchell, Jacob and Robert not only worked meticulously on this project, but they also did so virtually during the challenging circumstances created by COVID-19. They make Montour proud. Eighth grade graduation David E. Williams Middle School celebrated its matriculating eighth-graders in a special event held at the Montour High School Athletic Center on June 10. Last year, the school was unable to hold the annual ceremony due to COVID-19. This year, however, DEW was able to invite back students, family and friends for this very special tradition. Each graduating eighth-grader received a graduation certificate and was recognized. In addition, academic awards were presented, as were several prestigious eighth-grade awards that are handed out each year. The winners of those awards are listed below. The ceremony also included a teacher send-off video and a montage assembled from the eighth grade year. Students were then treated to a catered lunch and picnic, compliments of the Montour School District and the DEW PTA. These students each received awards during DEW’s eighth grade graduation. The students pictured and the awards they received are as follows: (top) Ava Stropkaj, Ron Oliver Award; Reese Janeda, Ron Oliver Award; Brianna Lamarca, Laura Walters Award; (bottom) American Legion Award winners Mirko Novosel, Carly Marnich, Olivia Caputo and Evan Bonato. 36 • Allegheny West Magazine • July/August 2021 Students of the Month for April were Ella Richard, Nolan Reed, Jillian Kirkbride, Griffin Willimas, Addison Musta, Baylin McCleaster, Camryn Connolly and Ryan Gamble. FROM TOP: Mitchell Braidic, Jacob Chacon and Robert Scott took third place in the 2021 STEM Design Challenge for their remote-controlled floor and baseboard duster (right). Follow David E. Williams Middle School on Twitter @DEWMiddleSchool Every month during the school year, students from each grade in either Team Curiosity or Team Discovery at Montour Elementary School are selected as Students of the Month. These students are chosen for exhibiting appropriate behavior, performing random acts of kindness, demonstrating improvement in academic areas and exhibiting self control. The honor can also recognize a deserving student with a quiet disposition. Students of the Month for March and April are pictured below. MES Students of the Month MES Students of the Month for March were Trevor Butts, Abigail Phan, Roman Cozzo, Aubree Cassidy, Blessing Kpogan-Fiogan, Maddie Karzenowski, Michael Richardson, Ella Erwin and Roman Yankello. MES closes out school year with celebrations, graduations and awards MES students had plenty to celebrate as they wrapped up this past school year. In the final weeks before summer break, several fun days were held across grade levels and matriculating fourth-graders were honored during a special breakfast. Students in the accelerated reader program were also awarded with a variety of prizes that were generously donated by the Montour Elementary PTA. Many students received gift cards while the overall winners were awarded Kindles. Students worked hard all year long for the prizes. Elementary students show off gift cards they were awarded by the Elementary PTA for all their hard work through the accelerated reader program. MES Students of the Month for April were Blake Kleer, Alex Rosenwald, Paxton Keaton, Kaitlin Kim, Isabelle Baldauff, Dylan McGregor, Ariana Cesare, Ethan Wilson and Emily Allen. July/August 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 3738 • Allegheny West Magazine • July/August 2021 Montour’s Summer STEAM Camp returned to the Hilltop campus this past June after a one-year hiatus due to COVID-19. Once again, students in the camp got to take part in a variety of courses aimed at combining elements of play and hands-on learning. The courses, which were taught by Montour faculty, also gave teachers an opportunity to experiment and try out new activities in the classroom. “The kids are enthused, happy to be here, happy to be back at school and doing something fun,” said MES co-principal Bob Carlisle during the camp. Unlike in the past, this year’s camp was five days long instead of four, and only open to Montour elementary students. However, the camp was free to those district students who attended, and included both breakfast and lunch. “We had COVID funds so we were able to offer STEAM camp for free,” says MES co-principal Jason Shoaf. “We’re also using federal funds later on in the summer to do what we call Summer Jumpstart for our kids who are struggling from COVID and to get them back in the building and learn about the curriculum moving into the next school year.” In all, about 270 students attended the camp, which offered 14 classes that took advantage of amenities at either MES or the high school. Among the more popular courses this year were a pair of new dance classes that were offered for the first time, along with a cooking class, which has been another perennial favorite among students. This year, students in the cooking class got to be a little more artsy. Teacher Kelly Butera and food service director Cortney Gill-Marsilio of the Nutrition Group had students make melted marshmallow art using food dye, parfaits and other foods. They even made rainbow grilled cheese with dyed mozzarella. “They love it, they have so much fun,” says Butera. In one of the before-mentioned dance classes, meanwhile, students got to learn about the history of various forms of dance, from jazz to hip-hop. They even got to try out some steps on their own. Ken Sickles, who taught the class, says he was happy with how well students picked up instruction. “I taught six steps to kids who had never took tap before and they all did it,” he says. In the other dance course, which was taught by Christiana Vamossy, students studied elements of dance and learned some multi-cultural dance forms. In yet another music-centric course taught by Phoebe Schoeneweis, students made their own instruments out of crafting materials and recreated music in Chrome Music Lab. “I think they’re really learning that music isn’t just a construct of what you do in music class but it’s a very emotional experience that connects the brain to the hands to outward experiences,” she said. A number of other courses focused on science this year, including one course about the solar system, where students learned about the planets and drove those concepts home by creating various crafts. In a Landform STEAM course taught by Dina Barbaro, students created their own oceans and volcanoes. They even tried out various types of chemical reactions to make the best explosions with their volcanoes. In James Taylor’s STEAM Sports class, students studied the science behind various sports, including archery, sailing and basketball. Taylor also had his students monitor their pulse before and after activities to learn how their bodies react to physical exertion. Two other classes this year also focused on zoology. In one taught by Jamie Richardson and Madison Gray, students studied some of their favorite animals - from panda bears to caterpillars - and then created environments for their animals out of crafting materials. In a related course taught by Mattie King, students studied the properties of various animals and then combined those properties to make their very own chimeras. In a STEAM Challenge course taught by Bill Black, students were presented with daily engineering challenges that they had to solve using everything from Legos to plastic cups. Meanwhile, in a Secret Spies and Private Eyes course that returned this year, students deciphered codes using code wheels and learned how to open locks. On the last day of the course, teacher Cydney Miller also created a breakout room that required students to utilize all of the skills they’d learned throughout the week. Also returning this year was a Harry Potter-inspired course called the Magic of STEAM, where students created various crafts inspired by the books. In the class, which was taught by Jordan Paddick, students created drawings, sculptures and even their own slime. Finally, in another popular course that returned this year, students completed a variety of engineering challenges in the game MineCraft. Among the collaborative efforts teacher Beth Hobbs asked her students to undertake was creating an amusement park. Montour’s Summer STEAM Camp returns Courses at this year’s Summer STEAM Camp included (from top) STEAM and the Solar System, Fun with Foods, The Magic of STEAM, STEAM Sports, Film and Creative Writing, and Dance Moves. Varsity Sports This past spring season played out well for the Spartans. Both the baseball and softball teams reached the playoffs, as did the boys volleyball team. At the same time, 14 track athletes reached the WPIAL meet. For the baseball team, this season ended up being historic as the Spartans made a deep playoff run. After capturing a section title for the first time since 2013, the team earned top seeding and proceeded to defeat Laurel Highlands handily in the Class 4A semi-final round of the WPIAL playoffs by a score of 8-1. That put the team into the WPIAL championship game - a first in 49 years - at Wild Things Park. Though the team fell to New Castle, the Spartans had already punched their ticket to the PIAA playoffs. The team proceeded to defeat Clearfield, 6-1, to enter the quarterfinals and face off against Cathedral Prep. In that game, pitcher Dylan Mathieson struck out 11 and gave up just three hits to help hand the Spartans a 5-0 victory and put Montour in its first baseball PIAA semi-final appearance in school history. The team, though, was once again bested by New Castle in a rematch of the WPIAL championship game. The softball team, meanwhile, rode a red-hot offense into the playoffs and secured a first round bye in Class 4A. The team, though, lost to Highlands to end their season. The boys volleyball team also earned a playoff berth in Class 2A and defeated Mars Area to advance to the second round. Out on the track, 14 athletes reached the AAA WPIAL meet, where both 4x800 relay teams earned medals. For the boys, Austin Schaltenbrand, Julian Paul, AJ Miller and Peter Chacon finished eighth while the girls team of Alex Fleck, Sophia Trevenen, Harley Kletz and Lakyn Schaltenbrand finished third. That performance qualified the girls to compete in the PIAA meet, where they finished 12th in the state. Julian Paul also medaled individually at the WPIAL meet in the 800 meter and just barely missed qualifying for the state meet. Baseball made history while more teams reached post season this past spring July/August 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 39 ABOVE LEFT: The baseball team reached the PIAA semi-finals for the first time in school history. ABOVE: The girls 4x800 relay track team of Harley Kletz, Lakyn Schaltenbrand, Alex Fleck and Sophia Trevenen finished 12th at the state-wide meet. LEFT: The softball team reached the playoffs and secured a first-round bye. RIGHT: The boys 4x800 team of (front) AJ Miller, Peter Chacon, (back) Austin Schaltenbrand and Julian Paul finished eighth at the WPIAL meet. The boys volleyball team (not pictured) also reached the WPIAL playoffs and won their first round match. Next >