Maria Hedddleston Reading Area

Last week, family, friends, and colleagues gathered outside of Park Elementary to dedicate the school's new reading area in memory of Maria Hedddleston. The reading area is in front of the school on the corner of Cambria Street and Main Street.  Children are welcome to swap a book, borrow a book, or just take a book!  Kids should feel free to take a seat on the newly built bench and read, read, read!!! 

 

A lifelong resident of the Steel Valley, Maria taught at Park Elementary for over 20 years.  During the dedication ceremony, Dr. Shaughnessy, Principal of Park Elementary, and Mr. Bryan Macuga, Substitute Superintendent and former Park Principal, both talked about the huge difference Maria made in the lives of countless students.  Park Elementary School, and the entire Steel Valley School District, are better places today because of Maria.

 

Mrs. Kim Gennari, a 1st grade teacher and friend, led the effort to bring a reading area to the school.  Maria worked as a Reading Specialist, and the reading area is the perfect tribute, especially since Dylan Stramaski, a former student of Maria's, constructed the memorial as part of an Eagle Scout project.

 

Maria would be happy knowing that books are being put into the hands of our children.  Maria is dearly missed, but not forgotten.