< Previous20 • Allegheny West Magazine • November/December 2023November/December 2023 • www.awmagazine.com • 21 Montour School District Wow! Like that, we’ve entered November, and it’s been two months filled with many remarkable events at Montour. During recent visits to our schools, I’ve been thrilled to witness students fully engaged in their classrooms and enjoying their time with their teachers and peers. Students have not only mastered new skills but also explored new interests and forged new friendships. We’ve also been hosting lots of great events this fall. At press time, we were once again planning to host our veterans on Nov. 10 for a day of events in honor of Veterans Day at the high school. This year is especially exciting since we are also planning to formally open our new Veterans Plaza next to the newly renovated Birko Field entrance. Also, our elementary students partook in their annual Track or Treat event. Please see details from the elementary building on this unique event which has become a tradition on the Hilltop! For more upcoming community events, please see below. Lastly, I want you all to know that we are committed to working with you. We promise to listen to your concerns, thoughts, ideas and suggestions. Please feel free to reach out to us/me at any time. Building and maintaining a positive school culture is an expectation at Montour! Thank you for your continued support and trust. Here’s wishing you and your family a wonderful and amazing fall as we get closer to our Thanksgiving break. Superintendent’s Message Dr. Christopher Stone Superintendent Montour School District Boys Basketball Dec 1 - @ Allderdice - 7:30 PM Dec 5 - vs South Fayette - 7:30 PM Dec 7 - @ Upper St. Clair - 6:30 PM Dec 12 - @ Kiski Prep. - 7:30 PM Dec 15 - vs Thomas Jefferson - 7:30 PM Dec 19 - @ North Hills - 7:30 PM Dec 27-28 - Holiday Tourn. - 7:30 PM Jan 2 - vs West Mifflin - 7:30 PM Jan 5 - @ South Allegheny - 7:30 PM Jan 9 - vs East Allegheny - 7:30 PM Jan 12 - @ Avonworth - 7:30 PM Jan 16 - vs Quaker Valley - 7:30 PM Jan 20 - Moon Tourn. - Bethel Park - TBA Jan 23 - vs Mars - 7:30 PM Jan 26 - @ West Mifflin - 7:30 PM Jan 28 - PBC - North Allegheny - 3:30 PM Jan 30 - vs South Allegheny - 7:30 PM Feb 2 - @ East Allegheny - 7:30 PM Feb 6 - vs Avonworth - 7:30 PM Feb 9 - @ Quaker Valley - 7:30 PM Girls Basketball Dec 1-2 - Tip-Off Tourn. - 6 PM Dec. 7 - vs Peters Township - 7:30 PM Dec 11 - @ Highlands - 7:30 PM Dec 14 - vs Fort Cherry - 7:30 PM Dec. 16 - @ Aquinas Academy - 12:30 PM Dec 18 - @ Seton LaSalle - 6 PM Dec 21 - vs Chartiers Valley - 7:30 PM Jan 2 - vs Trinity - 6 PM Jan 4 - @ West Allegheny - 6 PM Jan 8 - vs South Fayette - 6 PM Jan 11 - vs Lincoln Park - 6 PM Jan 15 - vs Moon - 6 PM Jan 18 - @ Central Valley - 6 PM Jan 22 - @ Pine-Richland - 6 PM Jan 25 - @ Trinity - 6 PM Jan 29 - vs West Allegheny - 7:30 PM Jan 30 - vs Penn Trafford - 6 PM Feb 1 - @ South Fayette - 6 PM Feb 6 - @ Lincoln Park - 6:30 PM Feb 8 - @ Moon - 6 PM Feb 12 - vs Mars - 7:30 PM Swimming Dec 4 - @ South Fayette - 6 PM Dec 7 - vs Moon Area - 6 PM Dec 14 - @ West Allegheny - 6 PM Dec 18 - vs Central Valley - 6 PM Dec 20 - vs North Hills - 6 PM Dec 28 - West A Invit. - 6 PM Jan 4 - @ Carlynton - 6 PM Jan 11 - vs Cornell - 6 PM Jan 16 - vs Mars Area - 6 PM Jan 18 - vs Ellis (Girls) - 6 PM Jan 25 - @ Keystone Oaks - 6 PM Feb 1 - vs Seton La Salle - 6 PM Feb 2 - MAC (Diving) Feb 3 - MAC (Swimming) Feb 6 - @ Blackhawk - 6 PM Feb 8 - @ Oakland Catholic - 6 PM Feb 15 - vs Char. Valley - 6 PM Wrestling Dec 1-2 - @ Char.-Houston Tourn. - TBA Dec 6 - TBA - 7 PM Dec 13 - @ South Allegheny - 7 PM Dec 20 - @ Carlynton - 7 PM Jan 3 - vs Quaker Valley - 7 PM Jan 6 - MAC Tourn. (Freedom) - 9:30 AM Jan 10 - vs Keystone Oaks - 7 PM Jan 17 - @ Avonworth - 7 PM Jan 19-20 - Alleg. Co. Tourn. - Fox Chapel Jan 24 - vs South Park - 7 PM Jan. 26-27 - Grove City Tourn. Jan 31 - WPIAL Tourn. Feb 10 - Montour Duals - 9 AM Feb. 17 - Section Champ. - TBA Gymnastics (Home = All Star Athletics) Dec 29 - vs Moon - 1 PM Jan 9 - @ Moon - 7 PM Jan 14 - Moon Invitational - 9 AM Jan 17 - vs West Allegheny - 7 PM Jan 19 - @ Central Valley (Monaca Turners) - 7 PM Jan 30 - @ Burrell - 7 PM Bowling (Home = Crafton-Ingram Lanes) Nov 29. - @ Propel - 3:30 PM Dec 6 - @ West Allegheny (Kennedy Lanes) - 3:30 PM Dec 7 - vs Hopewell - 3:30 PM Dec 13 - @ Ambridge (Fair Oaks) - 3:30 PM Dec 20 - vs Quaker Valley - 3:30 PM Jan 3 - vs Propel - 3:30 PM Jan 10 - @ Hopewell (Sheffield Lanes) - 3:30 PM Jan 17 - vs West Allegheny - 3:30 PM Jan 24 - vs Ambridge - 3:30 PM Jan 31 - @ Quaker Valley (Fair Oaks) - 3:30 PM Dec 3 - Alina’s Light Christmas Lunch with Santa - 11 AM High School Cafeteria - Register at: www.alinaslight.com Dec 4 - DEW 5th Grade Band Concert - 7 PM Dec 5 - DEW 6th Grade Chorus Concert - 7 PM Winter varsity Sports Schedules Upcoming Holiday Events at Montour Dec 6 - DEW 7th Grade Chorus Concert - 7 PM Dec 7 - DEW 8th Grade Chorus Concert - 7 PM Dec 13 - High School Band and Choir Concert - 7 PM Dec 19 - MES Band Winter Concert - 7 PM Home Away Events subject to change Events subject to change22 • Allegheny West Magazine • November/December 2023 Montour School District Wall of Honor 2023 Inductees Montour honored its third class of Wall of Honor inductees Oct. 19. The Wall of Honor was established to recognize outstanding Montour alumni and a special display outside the high school auditorium commemorates these individuals. While honoring these exemplary Montour High School graduates, the display also reminds current students of the greatness that they are a part of at the high school. Here are the members of this year’s induction class: Ernest M. Pontiere - Class of 1971 Singer, Trombonist, Conductor and Educator Ernest Pontiere graduated Montour High School in 1971. He received his bachelor’s degree in music education with a concentration in voice and trombone from Edinboro University in 1975. He also studied trombone under the world-renowned Phil Wilson and the late Dr. Donald Reinhardt while attending Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. He attended Duquesne University from 1992 to 1997, working on a master’s degree in education/counseling. Pontiere has enjoyed an active career as a singer, trombonist, conductor and educator. From 1978 to 1981, Pontiere was one of the lead singers in the Four Coins, touring extensively throughout the United States and Canada. From 1981 to 1985, he was lead singer, percussionist and keyboardist for Pittsburgh’s top dance band, Gigolo. He then moved to the West Coast, where he performed as the trombonist for the Wayne Newton Orchestra in 1987. In late 1987, he became one of the three lead singers of the nationally known recording artists The Lettermen and toured with them for three years. In 1990, Pontiere decided to end touring and begin a teaching career. At the same time, he took the job of lead singer and trombonist in Vito DiSalvo’s Pittsburgh-based Italian/American band We Three. He was also employed at North Allegheny School District, where he directed three different choral ensembles and taught music theory to 200 students per day in grades 11 and 12. As well, Pontiere was the artistic director and musical conductor for the North Allegheny spring musicals. He has been the lead singer for numerous commercials and jingles in Pittsburgh, including “Star of the Show” for Pittsburgh Steelers retired quarterback Terry Bradshaw and his personal favorite, “You Gotta Believe,” for the 1990 and 1991 Pittsburgh Pirates. Pontiere is married to Lisa Pontiere and, together, they have two daughters, Alexa and Elizabeth. Patrick Kutschbach’s journey in life was one of loyalty, one of commitment, one of love and, ultimately, one of sacrifice. Kutschbach was the youngest of three boys. He admired his two older brothers, Dave and Andy. He observed them as they went through high school and college, seeing in them the kind of man he wanted to become. He loved them with all of his heart. They were his role models, along with his mom and dad. Pat was lucky to have other role models in his life, including his aunts and uncles, grandparents, coaches and teachers. He appreciated them because of their love of family, their hard work in everything they pursued, their kindness, truthfulness and, most importantly, their sense of right and wrong. Pat was the captain of the boys volleyball team during his senior season at Montour High School in 2000. He was a young man who led a team of other young men of different ages, diverse personalities and various degrees of skill. He found a way to unite them to reach a common goal. He was the heart of his team as its leader and captain. He led his team with conviction, with honor in victory and defeat. His coach said, “Patrick was the fiercest competitor I’ve ever known, and that fire came from his deep sense of loyalty of not wanting to let his team down.” When Pat enlisted in the Army, he was searching for the same type of commitment and sense of family that he found with his own family and his high school volleyball team. He was looking for something special - a way to serve and protect his country to the best of his ability. He was selected for the Special Forces Green Beret Program, which was the perfect fit for him. This was the most difficult, challenging opportunity that would allow him to be part of a highly trained, 12-man team. He completed the courses successfully and, on March 17, 2006, he received his Green Beret. His family was there to congratulate him on this accomplishment. It was a wonderful day for all of us. It was a time for celebration, as he had successfully realized his dream. Pat was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany, where he lived with his wife, Ginger, and their young son, Bastian. They were a young, happy couple, who looked forward to their future and who were full of love, hope and excitement for their little boy. Patrick served in various locations in support of the Global War on Terrorism before deploying in September of 2007 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as a member of the International Security Assistance Force - Afghanistan. Staff Sgt. Patrick F. Kutschbach, 25, was killed in action on Nov. 10, 2007, while conducting combat operations in the southern end of the Tagab Valley while serving with Operational Detachment-Alpha 021 of Company B, 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne). His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, two Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, ISAF NATO Medal, Special Forces Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Parachutist Badge. Staff Sgt. Patrick F. Kutschbach - Class of 2000 United States Army, International Security Assistance Force - Afghanistan For a full list of inductees, and to nominate someone for the Montour School District Distinguished Wall of Honor, visit www.montourschools.com and look under the “Our District” tab.November/December 2023 • www.awmagazine.com • 23 Stephen Ludwick - Class of 1990 Director of Mechatronic Research, Professor and Author Stephen Ludwick is a designer of high-precision manufacturing systems at the company Aerotech and an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh. He is also a published author, husband, and father of five. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and master’s and doctoral degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The manufacturing systems that Stephen works to develop at Aerotech are ultimately used to produce semiconductors, medical devices, optics and electronics for customers worldwide. The biggest challenges usually appear when actually building the systems, and he enjoys having a deeply technical career that still often requires using a wrench to solve a problem. Bringing his practical machine design experience into the classroom, Ludwick has taught in the mechanical engineering department at the University of Pittsburgh for over 20 years. He was recognized with the Visiting Committee Award for teaching excellence and continues to embrace the challenge of adapting his approach for new students each year. He has mentored high school students through their engineering design projects, and coached award-winning middle school robotics teams. Ludwick is an active member of the American Society for Precision Engineering. He has served as the society’s president, earned their Distinguished Service Award, and currently holds a position as editor-in-chief of the technical journal Precision Engineering. A high point for him was organizing and chairing the society’s international conference in Pittsburgh in 2019. Ludwick is a lifelong resident of Montour School District. He met his wife, Neyrchel (DeVera), at Montour, and together they have gone from the senior prom to proudly raising their five children: Averil, Corinne, Joelle, Helene and Andrew. Very Reverend Kris D. Stubna, S.T.D. - Class of 1977 Rector and Pastor of Saint Paul Cathedral Parish The Very Rev. Kris D. Stubna, S.T.D., is the son of the late Michael and Betty Jane (Welker) Stubna. He grew up in Robinson Township with his five siblings, where they were members of Holy Trinity Parish. He attended Holy Trinity Grade School and Montour High School, which he graduated from in 1977. He received his bachelor’s degree in philosophy and psychology from Duquesne University and was sent to the North American College in Rome, Italy for his seminary formation and theological studies. Stubna lived in Rome for seven years and is fluent in Italian. He attended the Gregorian University, where he received both his licentiate and doctorate degrees in sacred theology. He was ordained a priest in 1985 and served as parochial vicar at Most Blessed Sacrament in Natrona Heights and at Saint George Parish in Pittsburgh. He then was asked to serve in diocesan administration as director for catechesis, consultant for secondary schools and assistant secretary for Catholic education. He was appointed by then Bishop Wuerl to the position of secretary for Catholic education and served from 1994 to 2012. He resided and served at Saint Simon and Jude Parish in Scott Township for over 20 years. Stubna was appointed to the position of rector and pastor of Saint Paul Cathedral parish in Oakland, where he has served since July 2012. Stubna has also served as a part-time professor at Duquesne University, Carlow University and Saint Paul Seminary, as well as part-time spiritual director at Saint Vincent Seminary. He has authored several theological and pastoral books, including “The Catholic Vision of Love,” “What Catholics Believe,” “A Pocket Catechism for Kids,” “Take Five with Saint Ignatius,” and “Take Five with Pope Benedict.” He is a frequent guest on Relevant Radio as well and served on several boards, including Saint Anthony School Programs, DePaul School for Hearing and Speech, Carlow University, and the Extra Mile Education Foundation. He has been the president of the Pittsburgh East Region Catholic School Board since 2016. In 2020, Stubna was appointed pastor of the newly merged Saint Paul Cathedral parish, which includes the former parishes of Saint Stephen and Saint Rosalia. His parish serves nearly 6,000 people in the Hazelwood, Greenfield and both North and South Oakland communities of Pittsburgh. Stubna has a great love for teaching the faith; working with children and youth in Catholic schools; serving the elderly, sick and shut-ins; creating a vibrant ministry and outreach to young adults; serving those in need through a parish food pantry; and other services. He has raised countless millions of dollars for needed capital improvements and upkeep of the Saint Paul Cathedral buildings and grounds, which serve as the Mother Church of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. In 2023, Stubna celebrated his 38th anniversary of priesthood. Staff Sgt. Patrick F. Kutschbach’s parents, David Kutschbach (left) and Debbie Huffner, are pictured with Stephen Ludwick and Ernest Pontiere next to the newest plaques installed on the Montour Wall of Honor following an induction ceremony Oct 19.24 • Allegheny West Magazine • November/December 2023 Montour welcomes new transportation director Running an entire school district’s transportation network is no easy task. Just ask Brian Churovia, who became Montour’s director of transportation earlier this year. As transportation director, Churovia is responsible for making sure a little over 3,000 students living in Montour School District get to school each day. He oversees a fleet of 62 vehicles and 80 staff, including drivers, chaperones, mechanics, a secretary and himself, all of whom work together on a daily basis to make sure students get to where they’re going safely and on time. In addition to bussing students to Montour’s schools, the department is responsible for transporting students to 39 other schools across the area, including private and special needs schools. After school, the department ferries Montour students to sporting events and other school-related extracurricular activities. “It’s quite an operation,” says Churovia, who took on the role in September after working under former transportation director Bob Wagner for eight months. Churovia says the school board allowed him to learn under Wagner, and that he’s grateful to board members for giving him that opportunity. Given the complexity and volume of running such an operation, it’s no surprise that many schools have gone the way of contracting out their bussing to private companies. Churovia, though, says remaining independent gives Montour advantages other schools don’t have, including much more flexibility when it comes to bussing students to extracurricular activities. “We can offer a lot more to Montour students,” he says. “We’re a lot more flexible. Since we have our own fleet, we can meet the needs of students throughout the day.” He says part of the reason Montour’s department is able to shoulder all of that responsibility is due to its reliable transportation staff, including its drivers, some of whom have been with Montour for decades. “Our drivers are very good,” he says. “Everybody chips in.” Before coming to Montour, Churovia was a high school vice principal at Riverside Beaver County School District, where he was also the liaison with First Student Transportation. Before that, he was a guidance counselor at Beaver Falls High School for over eight years. He was also an assistant coach with the school’s football team, helping them reach the WPIAL finals in 2007 and 2008. Prior to that, he was the health and physical education teacher at Beaver, where he coached the track team to three WPIAL finals appearances from 2001 to 2004. He was also the defensive coordinator for Beaver’s football team, helping them make two WPIAL semi-final appearances in 2002 and 2003. Despite having a reliable staff, Churovia says drivers do sometimes need to take time off, and in that event he says the district could always use reliable substitute drivers. Anyone interested can contact Churovia directly by emailing churoviab@ montouschools.com. Brian ChuroviaNovember/December 2023 • www.awmagazine.com • 25 From the School Board Two years ago, I suggested we establish a Veterans Memorial Wall consisting of Montour School District military alumni. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Eric Sparkenbaugh and National Honor Society students got the ball rolling and obtained a list of names, years of graduation and the branches served in for the alumni identified. With the backing and help of my fellow board members and so many others, the project has developed into a beautiful tribute to those who served and got their start here at Montour School District. The idea has since transformed into a strategic plan. What started as an interior wall has developed into an exterior walkway that the entire community can visit and reflect upon. So many people have contributed to this project, including Superintendent Dr. Christopher Stone, Dr. Sparkenbaugh, High School Principal Todd Price, and Teacher Eric D’Antonio and his CHS theories of leadership students. From our Director of Operations Darryl Yonkers overseeing the development of the project and communicating with everyone as well as taking calls from me on a daily basis, to School Board President Mark Hutter suggesting that the old school bell from Burkett Elementary School be installed at the plaza (nice touch), it turned out amazing! Several additional Montour School Board Directors also played roles. Mark Rippole and Mitch Galiyas were the two who suggested that this memorial be placed outside for more exposure to the public. Tom Barclay visited the American Legion and gathered more names and information while fellow members George Dudash and Ken Barth did their due diligence to provide names and information. A special thank you, also, to David Barringer of Novum Designs for making the name plates on each brick at cost! How generous on behalf of our veterans! Thank you as well to Executive Assistant Tiffani Suriano-Doyle for always being there for all of our administrative needs and whatever is asked of her! Thank you, too, to my Facebook people who responded with all of the information to add to the memorial for their families and friends who served and graduated from Montour. A sincere Thank You to all our Veterans The new Veterans Plaza on the Hilltop Campus is located adjacent to the newly renovated entrance to Thomas J. Birko Stadium. It features a circular half wall and the historic school bell from Burkett Elementary School mounted on a pedestal. Bricks with names of Montour alumni who have served in the military are in the process of being added. Last, but not least, thank you to all of the contractors and grounds people who gave this project so much care and consideration. Please forgive me if I left anyone out, and know that we are grateful to all who contributed. As you may be aware, we recently concluded another year of our Distinguished Wall of Honor (see page 22). Again, we honored another veteran who made the ultimate sacrifice, Staff Sgt. Patrick F. Kutschbach. His family could not have been more grateful for the honor and recognition. I cannot imagine their heartache, which reminded me how very important it is that we have a place here at the Hilltop where we can honor ALL veterans who served from our Montour community. Please know I have one specific hero veteran so close to my heart: my brother and friend, Benjamin A. Barrett Jr., who served in the United States Marine Corps from March of 1977 to January of 2007. He contributed 30 years of service and was stationed in places such as Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan. He completed 600 missions and while serving in Iraq was shot five times during an attack. He survived, and underwent years of surgeries and occupational therapy to give him some use of his right hand and arm so he could, among other things, ride his motorcycle again. His teams in Iraq consisted of all four branches of the military’s special forces. His proudest achievement is that, during his long career, he never lost a single soldier from a mission that he led. My brother received a Bronze Medal and Purple Heart Medal along with many more honors and accolades. I am so thankful he is still with us. My brother is a very humble man and did not want a mention but I had to acknowledge the purpose behind the passion of this project. In conclusion, know that every year we will open the Veterans Memorial Wall for new names to be added. This will be an ongoing tradition as specific details are forthcoming. I encourage you all to stop by and see it! My words stand true…We can never thank our veterans enough! With sincere gratitude from the bottom of my heart, Cynthia J. Morrow Montour School Board Director, Treasurer26 • Allegheny West Magazine • November/December 2023 (412) 490-6500 Dr. Christopher Stone Superintendent (412) 490-6500 - ext. 6221 stonec@montourschools.com Dr. Eric Sparkenbaugh Assistant Superintendent (412) 490-6500 - ext. 6229 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 - ext. 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. Brian Churovia Transportation Director (412) 490-6500 - ext. 4700 churoviab@montourschools.com Mr. Lou Cerro (412) 490-6500 - ext. 1627 Athletic Director cerrol@montourschools.com (412) 490-6500 Mr. Todd Price - ext. 1612 Principal pricet@montourschools.com Mrs. Kylee Crawshaw - ext. 1615 Associate Principal of Academic and Student Affairs crawshawk@montourschools.com (412) 771-8802 Dr. Jason Burik - ext. 4312 Principal burikjason@montourschools.com Mr. Michael Marvin - ext. 2612 Assistant Principal marvinm@montourschools.com Mrs. Jennifer Phillips - ext. 2616 Dean of Student Affairs phillipsj@montourschools.com (412) 490-6500 Mr. Jason Shoaf, Principal ext. 4313 shoafj@montourschools.com Dr. Robert Carlisle, Principal ext. 1615 carlisler@montourschools.com Longstanding traditions and new twists on annual favorites characterized Homecoming Week on the Hilltop campus the week of Oct. 9. Each day throughout the week, Student Council organized spirited themed days that encouraged students to break out of their normal routines and try something different. On Tuesday, students rolled out of bed and wore their PJs to school, where they could enjoy a bake sale and scavenger hunt. Wednesday, students “dressed their age,” meaning freshmen dressed as toddlers, sophomores as middle-schoolers, juniors as soccer moms and BBQ dads, and seniors as senior citizens. On Thursday, students “twinned” a favorite teacher, friend or, in some cases, administrator. Then, on Friday, the school held a pink-out both in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the hit movie “Barbie.” Students dressed in the theme of the movie and got photos in a special Barbie photo booth. Homecoming week also wouldn’t have been complete without the high school’s annual banner contest and a week-ending assembly featuring the decades-old tradition of the homecoming dance skits. This year’s homecoming court was recognized prior to Friday’s homecoming game against Chartiers Valley, which the Spartans won by a score of 49-7. Members of the court were: Giana Ramos (queen), Paulina Sancez (princess), Jaxon Camp (king) and Alex Dusch (prince). The Hilltop celebrates Homecoming Homecoming on the Hilltop campus this year featured (clockwise, starting at upper left) the homecoming court being recognized prior to Friday’s football game, a Barbie-inspired photo booth, dance skits during Friday’s pep assembly, seniors dressing as seniors, and “twins” like High School Principal Todd Price and student Alyssa. Spanish Club hosts World Cup On Sept. 29, the high school’s Spanish Club hosted its Third Annual World Cup soccer tournament. In all, 36 teams comprised of five to eight players donned the appropriate uniforms and face paint to represent their countries of choice in the competition. Teams faced off against three other teams in their groups in short matches, with the top two from each advancing to the playoffs. For the playoffs, club members utilized the Hilltop’s smaller fields until the finals, when they used the larger nets. Participants who had exited earlier stuck around to cheer on the final teams as they competed for bragging rights. The competition was held during the school day to help raise funds for Hello Neighbor, a nonprofit organization that supports immigrant families. The effort resulted in raising $700. Students received assistance from High School Principal Todd Price, tech support and World Languages Teachers Ashley Hellman, Patrice Lucas and Julie Page, along with a number of others. November/December 2023 • www.awmagazine.com • 27 Montour High School students had the opportunity to meet with over a dozen representatives from colleges and universities this past October right on the Hilltop campus. During a series of sessions held at the high school, students could ask questions and receive more information about a range of institutions from visiting representatives. By doing so, college- bound students learned more about prospective institutions, thereby allowing them to narrow their focus as they hone in on their college of choice. In all, 17 schools sent a representative to the high school to meet with students. The visits took place during College Takeover October, as the month was coined by organizer Kennedi Stevenson, Montour’s college and career readiness teacher. In addition to organizing the information sessions between students and representatives from prospective colleges, Stevenson also created a website via Google sites with a wealth of information about a range of post-secondary options available to students. “Everyone’s paths look different and whether that is pursuing a trade, military, school or straight to the workforce, they have access to that on the website,” says Stevenson. “The Future Ready Website is also for parents so they feel equally prepared to take on the post-secondary journey their child is pursuing.” On the website, students and parents can learn about post- secondary credit courses offered at Montour and browse upcoming college readiness opportunities around the area. They can also look through checklists students should be considering as they approach graduation, whether they’re planning to attend college, join the military or attend a trade school. There are also other resources available on the website, including information about financial aid, available internships in the area and training opportunities. For more, visit sites.google.com/montourschools.com/ mhsfutureready/home. Montour High School students meet with a representative from Penn State University during College Takeover October. Montour students have colleges come to them Three students earn National Merit Scholarship recognition Three Montour High School students have been recognized by the 69th Annual National Merit Scholarship Program. While senior Keegan O’Leary has been named a semifinalist in the competition, Joseph Uhler and Samantha Staab both received commended status. To qualify as a semifinalist or earn commended status, students had to earn a top score on the 2022 Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Of the top 50,000 highest-scoring students, approximately 16,000 were named semifinalists and the remaining 34,000 received commended status. As a semi-finalist, Keegan is among the top 1% of the several million U.S. high school seniors who took the test last year. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. About 95% of semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing. Approximately half of those finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship and earn the Merit Scholar title. An accomplished musician, Keegan is the section leader of the woodwinds section in the marching band and serves as its vice president. He is also a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and has performed with the WACA Honors Band, as well as the Pennsylvania Lions All-State Band. A National Honor Society member, Keegan has participated with Montour’s Academic Games team, which faces off against teams from across the country in a series of intellectual challenges. He’s also a member of the student-led IT group at Montour known as the SMART Desk and participates with Model UN. Outside of school, Keegan is an award-winning karate athlete versed in American Streetwise Karate and a volunteer karate instructor with the Boys and Girls Club. He also volunteers in a number of capacities with his church, The Bible Chapel. Samantha serves as treasurer for both the GSA and Model UN clubs. She’s also a student leader of the Stand Together Club, which seeks to erase the stigma of mental illness. She participates in marching band and is the leader of her flute section. She also co-captains the girls varsity bowling team. A member of the National Honor Society, Samantha has been recognized as a gifted student and was named Student of the Month this past September. Like the other students recognized through the program, Joe is an accomplished student in the classroom, having made high honor roll in every term of his high school career. He is currently ranked ninth in his class and scored over 1500 on the SAT. He also serves as treasurer for the National Honor Society and finished in third place in the country with Montour’s Law Team last year. As well, he helped raise over $20,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society through its Student of the Year Campaign. Keegan O’Leary Samantha Staab Joseph Uhler28 • Allegheny West Magazine • November/December 2023 When it comes to developing any new commercial product, the design phase is an important step in the process. Whether that involves using engineering software or readily available materials, this phase allows designers and engineers to discover what works and what doesn’t about their evolving project, both in terms of function and aesthetics. “I am a firm believer that art is in everything we see and experience in our lives, from the cars we drive, the clothes we wear and the houses we live in,” says David E. Williams Middle School Art Teacher Chelsey Albert. “Someone had to first draw it up and design it before it could be a physical object, which makes art an essential part of our existence in our modern society.” To teach her students about the prevalence of artistic concepts and methods in consumer products, Albert challenged them to create shoes out of cardboard and other readily available materials. The results were impressive and varied, from flip-flops, to Converse shoes, to Nike athletic sneakers. Some of their creations, at a glance, closely resemble the real thing. By mixing colors and elements, students also discovered the vast range of possibilities in the design phase. Albert calls the lesson the One Shoe at a Time project. “The One Shoe at a Time project teaches students that art and design do coexist,” she says. “This project creates an appreciation for the shoes we wear and encourages students to design their own tennis shoes, Crocs, and Hey Dudes shoes out of sustainable materials.” Students also got to experience what it’s like to be at the forefront of designing some of their favorite shoe brands. “This project puts my students in the role of a 3D product designer to design wearable works of art,” she says. “One of my goals for my art students at DEW is to inspire my students by exposing them to the endless possibilities and career paths that the arts provide for a more creative future.” She says that by applying artistic concepts to a real-world product, they also gained some problem-solving experience. “The world needs artists and designers for creative solutions to problems,” she says, “to create the next product or invent something that can bring us all a little more joy.” For more, follow DEW Art on Instagram at @montour_art_ dew. One Shoe at a Time Innovative lesson teaches 3D design at DEW ABOVE: Students at DEW Middle School, pictured here with art teacher Chelsey Albert, show off shoes they created out of simple, sustainable materials. BELOW: Students show off more of their shoe creations. 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 September are pictured below: DEW students of the month S e p t e m b e r Marlow Foust Adam Elgohari Demi Liddell Samuel Higgins Brynn Schnizer Mason Holmes Liliana Woessner Joel AltenhofNovember/December 2023 • www.awmagazine.com • 29 The halls of David E. Williams have been buzzing with excitement since the school year began. This academic year, DEW is championing a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports System aimed at creating a positive and respectful learning environment for all students. With the motto, “DEW the Right Thing,” the school is committed to equipping students with the tools they need to flourish, both academically and personally. PBIS is a comprehensive approach that focuses on proactively teaching, modeling and reinforcing positive student behavior. The ultimate goal is to instill a sense of responsibility, respect and accountability in every student. This endeavor involves applying PBIS principles consistently throughout the school, from classrooms, to hallways, restrooms, the cafeteria, and even school buses. It’s all about providing a unified approach to behavior expectations. At the core of this initiative are four essential values: Safe, Accountable, Motivated, and Respectful. These values have been prominently displayed throughout the school on new signage and thoroughly discussed and defined in classrooms. The dedicated staff at DEW is fully committed to recognizing and reinforcing positive behavior while offering gentle reminders, as needed. One notable aspect of the PBIS program at DEW is the rewards system. Students are earning individual points when they exhibit positive behaviors, which can be redeemed for a variety of exciting rewards throughout the school year. Additionally, grade- level incentives have been implemented to motivate students to consistently meet behavior expectations. Using their points, students can purchase items from the PBIS store on Mondays and Tuesdays. The store is run solely by Life Skills students and their teachers, Kristen Devlin and Megan Santia. Students are in charge of stocking items and delivering items as part of their pre-vocational training. On Oct. 13, DEW held its first building-wide assembly to recognize students for their hard work and dedication to “DEW the Right Thing.” The high school girls volleyball team also visited DEW to play with students. “The DEW staff has been doing a tremendous job embracing the PBIS Rewards program,” says Jason Burik, DEW principal. “Students have been very excited getting instant, positive feedback after doing DEW The Right Thing. The program has already reduced the number of office referrals and continues to encourage the development of outstanding student/teacher relationships.” The Right Thing encourages positive behavior at DEW ABOVE RIGHT: New signage at DEW reinforces The Right Thing messaging. BELOW: The high school girls volleyball team visited DEW for some outdoor games to reward DEW students for exhibiting positive behavior. @DEWMIDDLESCHOOL • @MONTOURSD Want more good news about Montour? Search #MontourProud on Twitter.Next >