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The Steel Valley School District and the community gathered on Friday, November 15, 2024 to honor the men and women of the armed forces who have answered the call to serve their country. The 42nd Annual Veterans Day Program had the theme of "A Legacy of Loyalty and Service," which highlighted the dedication and personal sacrifices of those who made the commitment to serve.
The annual program is put together by the Veterans Day Committee, coordinated by high school teacher Mr. Larry McKern. This year's ceremony included the return of William Waldron, a Steel Valley alumnus who was part of the first graduating class of the high school. Mr. Waldron has served the country for over 40 years as a pilot in the Marine Corps and as a Contractor Instructor Pilot. During his remarks, he shared that Friday was the first time since his graduation that he had stepped foot back inside Steel Valley High School.
Mr. Waldron was introduced by students Rebekah Klieber and Shaterra Meadows, who highlighted his career in the Marines and in aviation.
Guests were welcomed by Steel Valley superintendent Mr. Bryan Macuga, Father Nick Mastrangelo offered the opening remarks, assistant superintendent Dr. Brian Plichta provided the closing remarks, and Reverend Laphon Flood-Francis issued the closing invocation.
As has become tradition in the Veterans Day Program, local officials donated American flags to give to Steel Valley students. Kylie Salopek, Rasaun Hough, Ashaunti Purifoy-Wilson, Chloe Bolden, and Connor Delu received flags donated by Mayor John Burwell, Mayor Rob Falce, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, Congresswoman Summer Lee, Pennsylvania State Representative Matt Gergely, and Steel Valley School Board President Jim Bulger.
High school students Darwin Burns, Tori Stabryla, Rebekah Kleiber, and Shaterra Meadows announced the essay award winners. Elbachir Benjoujema, James Fletcher, Sophia Sabo, Cayson Simpkins, Tori Stabryla, Piper Olack, Brooklynn Pielin, Anna Koval, Ashley Bulger, and Elaina Tichon received $50 awards. Their awards were sponsored by local organizations or in memory of the following individuals:
- In memory of George F. Fallon and Robert L. Drane, USN and presented by Darwin Burns
- From the Harmony Club of Homestead and presented by Creola Bolden
- From the Bulger Family in memory of Charles 'Chick' Toth, U.S. Army and presented by Jim Bulger
- In memory of John Dudas and presented by Don Dudas
- In memory of Joseph Lesko and presented by Shaterra Meadows
- In memory of Anthony Urban and presented by Tori Stabryla
- From John and Lois Tichon in memory of the six Fawcetts who served and presented by Elaina Tichon
- In memory of John F. Lukowski, presented by Carol Wirth
- From Munhall #1 Volunteer Fire Department in memory of Ed Lutheran and presented by Rich Votedian
Four grand prizes of $100 were awarded to Darwin Burns, Kylie Salopek, Abigail Fitzgerald, and Wyatt Franko. Their essay awards were sponsored by or in memory of:
- From the Vincent Rodgers family, "Blue Star Award" in memory of Glenn G. McNeish, USMC and presented by Vince Rodgers
- In memory of the seven Espers who served and presented by Betty Esper
- In memory of Russ Firestone, Sgt. U.S. Army and Nichael Needham, Cpl., USMC and presented by John Strom
- In memory of Nicolas Checque, U.S. Navy SEAL and David Remik, Capt., USMC and presented by Jim Bulger
Steel Valley elementary students participate in a poster contest as part of the annual Veterans Day Program. Students from both Barrett and Park are recognized for their contributions, with each grade level producing a winner from each school, as well as overall winners from each school.
- Park kindergartener Alice Popovich received a $25 award from the Munhall No. 1 Volunteer Fire Department in memory of Ed Lutheran
- Barrett first grader Amya Charles received a $25 award from Dan Boehme in memory of Daniel S. Boehme, Sr., USMC
- Park first grader Kaylee Zak received a $25 award sponsored by Emily Wittmer of the Waterfront and presented by Larry McKern in memory of Daniel S. Boehme, Sr., USMC
- Barrett second grader Alessandra Avent received a $25 award from Dan Boehme on behalf of the Munhall Police Association in recognition of Mayor Raymond Bodnar
- Park second grader Jaxxon Hosack received a $25 award sponsored by Emily Wittmer of the Waterfront and presented by Dan Boehme in memory of George F. Fallon and Robert L. Drane, USN
- Barrett third grader Marcades Lee received a $25 award from Dan Boehme in memory of George F. Fallon and Robert L. Drane, USN
- Park third grader Aviyah Key recieved a $25 award sponsored by Emily Wittmer of the Waterfront and presented by Dan Boehme on behalf of the Munhall Police Association in recognition of Mayor Raymond Bodnar
- Barrett fourth grader Shawn Harris received a $25 award from Larry McKern on behalf of the Steel Valley Senior High History Club
- Park fourth grader Da'Meir Shahid received a $25 award sponsored by Emily Wittmer of the Waterfront and presented by Larry McKern on behalf of the Steel Valley Senior High History Club
- Barrett's JiaMaze Beck, a third grader, received a $50 grand prize award from Larry McKern on behalf of the Steel Valley Senior High History Club
- Park's Ireland Tenney, a fourth a grader, received a $50 grand prize award from Larry McKern on behalf of the Steel Valley Senior High History Club
The program also featured special videos arranged by Barrett Elementary and Park Elementary students, performances by the Steel Valley Concert Choir and Steel Valley High School Band, and the presentation and retirement of the colors by Boy Scout Troop 4 and Girl Scout Troop 52469.
Following the ceremony, several veterans in attendance and Steel Valley administrators laid a wreath at the memorial outside of the middle school entrance.
