On Tuesday, September 1, a new outdoor reading area in memory of Park Elementary Teacher Maria Heddleston was dedicated with her friends, family and colleagues in attendance.  The reading area is located in front of the school on the corner of Cambria and Main Streets in Munhall.  

There, children can swap, borrow or take a book and then read it on the area’s newly built bench.  

Heddleston was a lifelong resident of the Steel Valley area and taught at Park Elementary for over 20 years.  During the dedication ceremony, Park Elementary Principal Dr. Shaughnessy and Secondary Campus Principal/Federal Programs Director Bryan Macuga spoke about the huge difference Heddleston made in the lives of her many students.  

Steel Valley High School senior Sophia Thompson is a finalist in a video challenge sponsored by Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism (NIAAA).  This honor has garnered her a $250 scholarship to date.

Thompson also received the “Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award” recognizing the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity and honoring individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action too.  

In addition, she completed 285 hours of community service between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020.

“We are very proud of Sophia for all of her accomplishments and are looking forward to more great things from her in the future,” said Steel Valley SADD Advisor Beth McCallister.

The Steel Valley School District joins together with all other school districts and CTCs in Allegheny County to condemn acts of prejudice and racism. We are committed to serving all students and families in our community. View additional information.