Leslie Savisky stories, Page 4
Brick by brick: Monroeville resident gains confidence, hones Lego craft
Andrew Szczerba became interested in building with Lego after “The Lego Movie” was released in 2014. “I bought my first kit at Toys “R” Us,” Szczerba recalled. “It was a trash compactor from ‘The Lego Movie’ set.” A little more than a decade later, the 20-year-old Monroeville resident has about...
Gateway OKs assessment settlements, technology coach discusses AI benefits
Monroeville’s Gateway School Board unanimously approved two property assessment settlement agreements this week. The first was for One Monroeville Center, 3824 Northern Pike. The 10-story building was built in 1984 and has about 101,665 square feet of space. The property owner initiated an assessment appeal for the 2025 tax year,...
‘Once Upon a Mattress’ marks last performance for some Gateway high school students
For many Gateway students, this spring’s musical, “Once Upon a Mattress,” will be their final high school performance. “It’s been such a blessing to be a part of all of this,” senior Scarlett Davis said. Davis has been part of the high school musical for the past four years. Davis,...
Gateway sophomore earns Eagle Scout rank
Keegan Parady, a member of Lackawanna District’s Troop 220, earned his Eagle Scout rank in January. For his project, the Pitcairn resident purchased and installed shelving for Gateway High School’s food pantry. The Eagle Scout award is the highest honor available to Boy Scouts of America youth members. Only about...
Gateway school board member embodies pioneer aviator during Black History Month
Monroeville resident Susan Frazier Delaney is no stranger to dressing like well-known historical figures, particularly strong female pioneers. For Black History Month and Women’s History Month, the retired teacher has dressed as the Egyptian queen Nefertiti and American author Phillis Wheatley and given presentations at the Monroeville library, elementary schools...
Monroeville library’s mini golf fundraiser had something for all ages
Monroeville Public Library featured a custom-designed miniature golf course for its annual fundraiser, and this year’s course encompassed both levels of the library — even incorporating the stairs for hole eight. “This year we’ve added even more decorations, including eight large inflatable animals and holes with special themes such as...
Gateway School Board OKs field improvements, grass cutting contract
Gateway School Board members voted unanimously to replace the surface of the batter’s box and pitching area at the high school athletic field for a total of $11,937. The vote was 9-0 this week to approve the proposal from Shaw Turf. Continuing the discussion that began at a recent study...
Student creations featured at Monroeville library during Youth Art Month
The gallery space at Monroeville Public Library will come alive in March with Gateway School District’s K-12 student art show. This annual exhibit celebrates Youth Art Month and is organized by Gateway High School Visual Arts Department Chair Greta Severson. “The art show presents student art from every school in...
Gateway school counselors focused on helping students meet career goals
National School Counseling Week was Feb. 3 - 7, and this year’s theme was “Helping Students Thrive.” Promoted by the American School Counselor Association, the week highlights the important role counselors play in helping students succeed in school and plan for life after graduation. To mark the week, the Gateway...
Game changer: Former Monroeville Ulta space becomes Pickle Parlor
Bryan Kiger has been eyeing Monroeville Mall’s former Ulta Beauty store space for a few years now. “This corner anchor location is highly visible with ample free parking,” Kiger said of the 10,000 square-foot space. “It is an ideal location for indoor pickleball courts.” The Monroeville resident, along with co-owner...
Gateway plans field improvements, readies for U.S. Open parking
Gateway school board will vote next week on a proposal to replace the batter’s box and pitching areas at the high school baseball and softball field at a cost of $11,937. Director Jack Bova voiced concerns that the district recently installed new turf at the field. Bova wanted to know...
New Monroeville pastor hopes to mesh with the community
Parishioners at the 60-year-old Monroeville Church of the Brethren have a new pastor, Oyango Burney. The Philadelphia native accepted the position starting in January. “I’m simply excited to be the new pastor of Monroeville Church of the Brethren,” Burney said. “Everyone has been so hospitable and helpful.” The pastor brings...
Monroeville library uses food, fun for solar system lesson
Monroeville Public Library is holding a three-part children’s series on space, where participants learn fun facts about the sun, planets, stars and asteroid belt. The first session this month was conducted by the newest staff member of the children’s department, Allyson Wetherhold, who joined the library in October. Children made...
Monroeville school embraces canines during Catholic Schools Week
Monroeville’s Divine Mercy Academy kicks of Catholic Schools Week each year with a Mass at St. Bernadette Church on Sunday, followed by an open house for current and potential families. The remainder of the week is filled with activities for the students, such as dress up days, treats, games and...
Gateway school board votes to settle racial discrimination lawsuit
Gateway school board members voted unanimously Monday to approve a $50,000 settlement in a racial discrimination lawsuit filed by an alum who claims she was not hired as the district’s athletic director because she is in an interracial marriage. The vote for the settlement was 8-0; board President Leslie McBride...
Gateway hires new human resources director, will vote on credit recovery program
Gateway school board last voted unanimously to approve the hire of Kevin Bringe as the human resources director at a salary of $120,000. The vote was 8-0, with Jack Bova absent. The board’s Jan. 27 took place after this issue went to press. Visit TribLive.com for more coverage. At the...
Crafters use Monroeville library’s MakerLab to showcase their talents
A variety of unique pieces, all created in the Monroeville Public Library’s MakerLab, will be featured during an exhibit next month. “Library MakerLab Creations” runs from Feb. 1-25 in the library’s Gallery Space. The show will feature a variety of unique pieces, all created in the MakerLab by local artisans...
Tamburitzans alumni sponsor ‘Legacy’ show in Monroeville
Traditional folk dance and music from a variety of Old and New World cultures comes to Monroeville in the new Tamburitzans show, “Legacy.” For the second year in a row, the event is being sponsored by Erin and Frank Bozicevic – both Tamburitzans and Duquesne University alumni. The show begins...
Gateway’s makerspace is ‘hub of creativity and innovation’
A new, inventive makerspace dubbed Gator Commons at Gateway High School’s Library Media Center is becoming “a hub of creativity and innovation,” according to teacher Dawn Nicolazzo. Equipped with a button maker, Cricut design space computer, sublimation station and printer, heat and die presses and other supplies and tools, students...
Photographer uses his lens for ‘A Different Perspective’ at Monroeville library
Jim Meehan’s love of photography began in the 1990s. He got his first film camera so he could participate in a school photography contest, and the Pittsburgh native discovered a passion for capturing the world around him. Meehan started out photographing landscapes and events, as his passion for travel, art...
Winter play returns to Gateway with ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’
Gateway High School theater will perform “The Importance of Being Earnest” at the Robert A. Read Performing Arts Center this month. The winter play returns after a three year hiatus. “I had some students come to me last spring asking me to help make the winter play happen,” producer Mary...
New Year’s Eve ball drop welcomes 2025 early
People celebrated the new year early at a noon ball drop on New Year’s Eve at Monroeville Mall. The free, all ages event marked its third year. It is hosted by Monroeville Public Library. Festivities started at 11:30 a.m., when families mingled, learned about the library and put their names...
Gateway students distribute groceries for ‘Do Good December’
Every December, members of Gateway High School’s Chick-fil-A Leader Academy decide on a service project where they can positively impact the community. This year, for “Do Good December,” the group of 25 students collected nonperishable foods for the school’s backpack program and monthly food pantry. “The students decorated and dropped...
East End Kids celebrates 35 years of showcasing teen talent
Larry Cervi began East End Kids, a nonprofit professional teen song and dance ensemble, to showcase student talent several times a year while giving back to the community. “I found it ridiculous that the dance students (from other organizations) were only performing one show at the end of the season,”...
Personal experience inspires Monroeville business owner to become author
Monroeville resident Shadia Garvin came up with the idea for her “Weekly Reflection Journal” when her youngest son, Ronnie III, was having open heart surgery. The mother of two recalled not sleeping for eight days. “Parents, and people in general, go through so many emotions when they’re watching a loved...
