With summer right around the corner, we're exploring the exciting lineup of summer camps offered through Seneca Valley's Academy of Choice. From Culinary Arts to FIRST Robotics, this episode highlights unique options for camps, how to register and a brief overview about SV's Academy of Choice and the Drop-in Center.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• An overview of the Seneca Valley Academy of Choice (SVAOC)
• The SVAOC Drop-in Center
• Summer camp offerings
• What's new for summer camps
• Deadlines and registration information for summer camps
  • Summer Camp Registration - Deadline for registration is May 23

SPECIAL GUEST
Ms. Sarah Parish, Seneca Valley Academy of Choice Assistant Principal

Ms. Sarah Parish is the Assistant Principal at Seneca Valley Academy of Choice, where she supports students in both virtual and blended learning environments. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Communications and a Master of Education from Westminster College. She also earned a K-12 Master of Science in Art Education from St. Joseph’s University and her Principal Certificate from Westminster College. At SVAOC, she focuses on student engagement, innovative programming, and building strong relationships with families and the community. Ms. Parish believes in meeting students where they are, creating inclusive spaces where they can thrive and empowering them to take ownership of their learning.

Reaching 100 episodes is a major milestone! In today’s special episode, we’re taking a look back at the journey of Voices—from how it all began to where we are now, and what’s ahead for the future. We’ll also highlight some of our top episodes, share insights from a recent survey and more. A huge thank you to all our guests and listeners—you are the reason Voices has become what it is today!

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• An overview of Seneca Valley’s Voices podcast and how it started
• Top 5 downloaded episodes
• Recent survey results
• Types of episodes listeners can expect to hear in the future
• How Seneca Valley is celebrating its 100th episode of Voices

SPECIAL GUESTS
Ms. Tiffany Hernandez, Content Marketing Specialist

Ms. Hernandez has been part of the Seneca Valley team since 2022. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from Stephen F. Austin State University and brings more than 15 years of experience in marketing. Prior to joining Seneca Valley, she worked in public relations at the Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, where she played a key role in developing award-winning communication strategies. At Seneca Valley, Ms. Hernandez works alongside the Communications Director to create story ideas, write press releases, photograph events, manage the Voices podcast, support content marketing for the Seneca Valley Academy of Choice, plan special events, coordinate the annual report, contribute feature articles, and more.

Seneca Valley is making history with every snap, pass and touchdown. In today’s episode, we’re talking about one of SV’s newer sports, girls flag football. From its student-driven origins to its rapid success, this program is making a big impact on and off the field. Listen as we discuss how the team was formed, the excitement of the first season, how to get involved and more!

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• An overview of Seneca Valley’s Girls Flag Football Team
• Growth of the sport
• How SV's Girls Flag Football is impacting female athletes
• Coach Eden receives Good Neighbor Award from NexTier Bank
• How to learn more about Seneca Valley’s Girls Flag Football Team
  • https://athletics.svsd.net/girls-sports/flag-football/overview

SPECIAL GUESTS
Ms. Heather Lewis, Athletics & Activities Director and Mr. Chris Eden, Health and Physical Education teacher at Ryan Gloyer Middle School and head coach of the Seneca Valley Girls Flag Football Team.

Ms. Lewis, entering her 14th year as the District’s Athletic & Activities Director, has previous experience as the chief operating officer for USA Field Hockey, a U.S. Olympic & Paralympic National Governing Body. As part of this role, she hosted major events for the International Federation of Hockey, supported the women’s and men’s national teams in international competition, and assisted in the reorganization of the Association’s executive leadership structure. She also has previous experience as the head field hockey coach, head women’s lacrosse coach, associate athletic director and assistant athletic director for Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pa. Additional experiences include time spent as an official for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and president of the National Field Hockey Coaches Association.

A former athlete herself, Ms. Lewis was a regional All-American and All-ACC and captain of the field hockey team, and regional All-American and NCAA champion for women’s lacrosse, all while at the University of Maryland, College Park. Ms. Lewis has a bachelor’s of science in zoology and a master’s in kinesiology from the University of Maryland.

Mr. Eden is in his 10th year of education and 5th year at Seneca Valley, where he teaches Health and Physical Education at Ryan Gloyer Middle School. He is passionate about helping others, promoting wellness through movement, and fostering health literacy among his students. Additionally, Chris enjoys exploring the many benefits of integrating technology into the classroom. Outside of teaching, he is passionate about the outdoors, working out and coaching football.

Discover the essential role of Seneca Valley's Student Services Department in supporting students' academic, social, emotional and physical well-being. This episode highlights the wide range of special education programs and resources available to ensure every student receives the support they need to thrive.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• A general overview of SV's Student Services Department
• Types of special education programs that are offered
• Student counseling services across the district
• Transition programing and community partnerships
• How students and parents can access resources and support provided by the Student Services Department

SPECIAL GUESTS
Dr. Cassandra Doggrell, Director of Student Services; Dr. Mallory Eyles, Assistant Director of Student Services and Ms. Ashley Pattison, Special Education Supervisor

Dr. Cassandra Doggrell began her career at Seneca Valley in 2010 as an Autism and Emotional Support Teacher at Rowan Elementary. She has held various administrative positions, including Principal of Haine Middle School and Assistant Principal at Evans City and Haine Middle. Before returning to Seneca Valley, she spent five years at Upper St. Clair School District as Director of Student Support Services and Special Education. Her research and practice interests include comprehensive mental health systems in schools, students with autism, students with emotional/behavioral disorders, and inclusionary service delivery models. Dr. Doggrell holds multiple degrees, including a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Mallory Eyles has been working in the Seneca Valley School District since 2011. She has filled a variety of roles within the district including School Psychologist, Assistant Principal at Rowan and Evans City Elementary, Assistant Director of Special Education and currently, Assistant Director of Student Services. Dr. Eyles received her Doctorate in Psychology from Duquesne University.

Ms. Ashley Pattison began her career at Seneca Valley School District in 2008 as a learning support teacher and later developed the district’s elementary life skills program. She has served as a special education teacher, behavior specialist, and currently works as the supervisor of special education, overseeing programs for students with exceptionalities. She holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Elizabethtown College, a Master’s in Education from the University of Pittsburgh, and a School Supervision Certification from Slippery Rock University.

Two Seneca Valley students are working together to make a difference by raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. In this episode, you'll learn all about their Student Visionaries of the Year fundraiser, ways to donate and how this campaign supports blood cancer patients.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• What's the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
• The Student Visionaries of the Year program
• Details about fundraising efforts
• How to donate
  • Student Visionaries of the Year Pittsburgh

SPECIAL GUESTS
Seneca Valley juniors, Mr. Samuel Boyer II and Miss Roshini Umesh

Mr. Samuel Boyer II is a junior at Seneca Valley Senior Highschool. He is the vice president of the Key Club as well as Future Business Leaders of America. He is also involved in organizing a financial literacy presentation for the senior class.

Miss Roshini Umesh is an aspiring physician-scientist who is dedicated to making a difference in her community. She founded HEART Volunteers, a program that supports hospice patients through personalized care and meaningful initiatives. Miss Umesh combines her affinity for healthcare with policy, and she hopes to make a difference through legislation. She is also involved in Academic Decathlon, Youth and Government, Science Honor Society, and plays the piano and violin.

Explore the exciting world of STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, right here at Seneca Valley! In this episode, we're uncovering the wide range of STEM classes, clubs, and activities available to students, plus a sneak peek at the upcoming STEM Alumni event and STEM fair.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• What STEM is and the significant growth in related classes and programs over the years
• The many ways students can get involved with STEM
• Details about Seneca Valley's STEM Alumni event and STEM fair
• How STEM skills are preparing students for future careers

For more information about the STEM Alumni event or STEM fair, email Ms. Rebecca Finch at FINCHRS@svsd.net or Ms. Kelly Weston at WESTONKM@svsd.net.

SPECIAL GUESTS

Ms. Kelly Weston, Seneca Valley Senior High School AP Chemistry teacher, Science Department Chair and Sponsor for Science Honor Society

With 25 years of teaching experience, including two decades at Seneca Valley, Kelly Weston is a dedicated educator and passionate advocate for science. Currently teaching AP Chemistry, she also serves as the Science Honor Society sponsor and faculty advisor for the PJAS and PRSEF competitions. Her commitment to outreach shines through her organization of elementary STEM activities and mentorship of senior project students as they create their own STEM events. Mrs. Weston loves sharing her enthusiasm for science with learners of all ages, inspiring the next generation of curious minds.

Ms. Rebecca Finch, Seneca Valley Senior High School/Anatomy and Molecular Biology Teacher

Rebecca Finch is in her 32nd year of teaching in the science department of Seneca Valley Senior High School. Throughout her career, she has taught a variety of subjects, including Science and Technology, Horticulture, Biology, Honors Anatomy, and Honors Molecular Biology. Ms. Finch is also the proud sponsor of the Medical Careers Club, where former STEM students return to engage current students in hands-on career exploration. Additionally, she co-sponsors the Science Honor Society, overseeing both the STEM Fair and annual events featuring STEM alumni.

Did you know there's a historic landmark on SV's secondary campus in Jackson Township that dates back to 1905? In this episode, you’ll learn about the small plot of land that houses a cemetery with 16 graves, all belonging to members of the Knights of Pythias. Join us as we learn more about the cemetery, its residents, and the ongoing efforts to honor and preserve this special part of our community's past.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• Historic landmarks on the SV campus dating back to 1905
• General information about the Knights of Pythias and its grave sites on the secondary campus
• Unique ways these historic landmarks are utilized as an educational resource
• Lesser-known facts about the Knights of Pythias

SPECIAL GUEST
Ms. Linda Andreassi, Seneca Valley Communications Director

Linda Andreassi has been working at Seneca Valley for over 27 years. A graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Ms. Andreassi has previous experience in the newspaper industry where she was a reporter and editor. She has over 60 awards for excellence in public relations programs and publications from such organizations as Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA), Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association (PenSPRA) and National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA).

Ms. Andreassi is responsible for all District written and electronic publications, as well as communications through the mass parent notification system. She also manages the District website, social media sites, "Voices" Podcast series, mobile app, and serves as the press spokesperson for Seneca Valley. Additional department responsibilities include press releases, annual report development, marketing and promotion of the District and managing advertising for the website, e-newsletter and districtwide calendar.

Lace up your sneakers for the 2nd Annual Ryan Gloyer Memorial Run (5K Run/Walk), Sunday, Nov. 3 on SV's Secondary Campus in Harmony, PA. In this episode, you'll learn more about the event, how to register and the overall mission of the Ryan Gloyer Memorial Run.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• What is the Ryan Gloyer Memorial Run?
• Where and when the event will take place and who can participate.
• The mission of the Ryan Gloyer Memorial Run.
• What the event proceeds go toward?
• How can someone register for the event.

SPECIAL GUEST
Ms. Annie Mersing, Seneca Valley Foundation Director of Development

Ms. Annie Mersing earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Concentration in Management from Robert Morris University. Ms. Mersing has been in the Seneca Valley School District since 2019, first serving as the Executive Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools. Now in the role as the Director of Development for the Seneca Valley Foundation, Ms. Mersing also serves as the District's Director of Advancement and provides assistance with securing and writing District grants.