Steel Valley honors service members with 41st annual Veterans Day program

  • Posted November 10, 2023

The Steel Valley Veterans Day Program has become an integral part of the community over the past four decades, serving as an opportunity for the school district and the community to stand together and recognize those who have served their country as members of the armed forces.

On Friday, November 10, the 41st edition of the annual program honored all of those who have answered the call - some of whom never returned home.

Two veterans were recognized by students Ava Caiarelli and Duane Carter. Officer Daniel Boehme, a Munhall police officer and resource officer for Steel Valley High School, was recognized alongside Mr. Don Dudas. Both served with distinction in the armed forces.

Mr. John Tichon, who has played a significant role in the ceremony over the years, shared some of his thoughts and applauded the 2023 Veterans Day Committee, including coordinator and Steel Valley High School teacher Mr. Larry McKern. Vietnam veteran Mr. Ralph Moffat also spoke to the audience.

Eight Steel Valley students received flags donated by local dignitaries. Shelby Novak, John Heddleston, Janice Chen, Joe Nguyen, Haneef Capers, Dalton Kraft, Isabella Gardini and Madison Gillespie received flags from the Honorable Patrick Campbell, Representative Matt Gergley, Mayor Rob Falce, Senator Jim Brewster, Congresswoman Summer Lee, Mayor John Burwell, County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, and Steel Valley School Board President Jim Bulger.

Several Steel Valley High School and Middle School students received awards for essays they wrote and submitted for review.

  • Ana Wehrer received a $50 award in Memory of George F. Fallon and Robert L. Drane, USN, presented by Duane Carter.
  • Ashley Bulger received a $50 award from the Harmony Club of Homestead, presented by Creola Bolden.
  • Cielo Escobar received a $50 award from the Bulger family in memory of Charles "Chick" Toth, U.S. Army, presented by Jim Bulger.
  • Alaina Hartnett received a $50 award in memory of John Dudas, presented by Don Dudas.
  • Isabella Gardini received a $50 award in memory of Joseph Lesko, presented by Jim Bulger.
  • John Heddleston received a $50 award in memory of Anthony Urban, presented by Janice Chen.
  • Shelby Novak received a $50 award from John and Lois Tichon in memory of Mercer Keyes, USMC, presented by Elaina Tichon.
  • Ava Caiarelli received a $50 award in memory of the Campbell family, presented by John Strom.
  • Kacey Stroker received a $50 award from the John F. Lukowski family in memory of John F. Lukowski, presented by Carol Wirth.
  • Dalton Kraft received a $50 award from the Munhall No. 1 Volunteer Fire Department in memory of Ed Lutheran, presented by Rich Votedian.
  • Isabella Ruston received the $100 Blue Star Award from the Vincent Rodgers family in memory of Glenn G. McNeish, USMC, presented by Vince Rodgers.
  • Ashley Tester received a $100 award in memory of the seven Espers who served, presented by Betty Esper.

Elementary students from Barrett and Park schools participated in a grade level poster contest.

  • Barrett kindergartener Amya Charles received a $25 award from the Munhall No. 1 Volunteer Fire Department in memory of Ed Lutheran
  • Park kindergartener Clinton Hawkins received a $25 award from the Munhall No. 1 Volunteer Fire Department in memory of Ed Lutheran
  • Barrett first grader Lilly Seeman received a $25 award from Dan Boehme in memory of Daniel S. Boehme, Sr., USMC
  • Park first grader Aria Jimenez received a $25 award from Dan Boehme in memory of Daniel S. Boehme, Sr., USMC
  • Barrett second grader Marcedes Lee received a $25 award from Dan Boehme on behalf of the Munhall Police Association in recognition of Mayor Raymond Bodnar
  • Park second grader Aubrey Lekovitch received a $25 award from Mayor Rob Falce in memory of George F. Fallon and Robert L. Drane, USN
  • Barrett third grader Shawn Harris received a $25 award from Mayor Rob Falce in memory of George F. Fallon and Robert L. Drane, USN
  • Park third grader Mariah Cherevka recieved a $25 award from Dan Boehme on behalf of the Munhall Police Association in recognition of Mayor Raymond Bodnar
  • Barrett fourth grader Aryanna Owens received a $25 award from Mayor Rob Falce on behalf of the Steel Valley Senior High History Club
  • Park fourth grader Anna Sullivan received a $25 award from Mayor Rob Falce on behalf of the Steel Valley Senior High History Club
  • Barrett's Alexa Green received a $50 grand prize award from Mayor Rob Falce on behalf of the Steel Valley Seniro High History Club
  • Park's Chad Keeley received a $50 grand prize award from Mayor Rob Falce on behalf of the Steel Valley Seniro High History Club

The ceremony also featured performances by the Steel Valley High School band under the direction of Ms. Malia Mueller and the Steel Valley Concert Choir under the direction of Andrew Roberts. Interim superintendent Mr. Bryan Macuga welcomed everyone to the program, while pastor Keith Kaufold gave the opening and closing remarks. Student council president Ava Caiarelli and senior class president Duane Carter served as emcees.

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