IN Canon-Mac Summer 2026 | Page 46

Canon-McMillan Welcomes New Athletic Director

The Canon-McMillan School District has named Kenny Klase as its new athletic director, bringing a wide range of experience to the District.

He has served as the athletic director at Seton LaSalle High School since 2021. In that role, he has overseen a comprehensive athletic program of more than 25 teams, managing scheduling, transportation, coach hiring and development, and student-athlete mentorship.
He has also coordinated booster organizations, supervised all home game operations and overseen more than 20 clubs and extracurricular activities.
“ I’ m excited for the opportunity to work with student-athletes and give back to them in the same way athletics has given to me,” Klase said.“ Sports have taught me so many life lessons, and I’ m looking forward to helping our students grow both on and off the field.”
A graduate of Waynesburg University, Klase earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a major in sports management and a minor in marketing. He was also a member and captain of the university’ s men’ s basketball team, an experience he credits with shaping his leadership style and passion for athletics.
“ I’ ve always had a passion for student-athletes and their development,” Klase said.“ Playing sports growing up and at the college level gave me so much, and I’ m excited to be in a position where I can give that back.”
Klase has remained active at the league level, regularly attending WPIAL meetings and recently earning a position on the WPIAL Board of Directors.
In addition to his administrative work, Klase has built a strong coaching résumé, serving in various roles since 2016. He currently serves as head varsity basketball coach at Seton LaSalle, a position he has held since 2024.
Klase said Canon-McMillan’ s reputation and sense of community made the position especially appealing.
“ I grew up in the area, so I’ ve always been familiar with Canon-McMillan and the pride this community has,” he said.“ The District has a strong tradition of excellence, not just academically but athletically, and I’ m excited to come in, build relationships and continue that success while helping the programs grow even further.”
Klase emphasized that relationship building will be a key priority as he steps into the role.
“ I’ m really looking forward to getting out, meeting our students, families, teachers and staff, and becoming part of the community,” he said.“ That sense of pride and connection is what makes this District special.”

Students Step Into the Courtroom

anon-Mac CANON-MAC SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

Students from Canon-McMillan High School walked into a courtroom to take part in the Pennsylvania Mock Trial Competition at the Washington County courthouse.

The fictional case, distributed by the Pennsylvania Bar Association, centered on a high school student who allegedly sustained permanent injuries that prevented her from participating in athletics. Her family sued her primary care physician.
With just six team members, including three attorneys and three witnesses, Canon-McMillan’ s team took on extra responsibility. Each witness portrayed two roles, one for the plaintiff and one for the defense, while attorneys prepared separate lines of questioning
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for both sides, arguing both sides of the case.
“ It’ s almost like the attorneys had to have two sets of questions ready,” said coach Mr. Dill, a social studies teacher at Canon-McMillan High School.“ These types of environments really prepare them for life. The students had to think on their feet and be ready to respond to whatever was thrown their way. It’ s a great lesson and one I know they’ ll carry with them.”
The Mock Trial team is made up of members from the Debate Club. While many schools offer Mock Trial as a class, Canon-McMillan runs its program through the Debate Club, which meets after school.
Students balanced preparation with sports, jobs and other commitments, often working together outside of scheduled practices to refine testimony and anticipate cross-examinations.
“ The whole time, I was nervous,” said Canon-McMillan student Liliana Harris.“ But you just have to stay in the moment and trust your preparation.”
Freshman Anja Dessify added,“ It seems intimidating, but once you’ re up there, you realize you prepared for this. You’ re just advocating for your character and telling your story.”
The team faced an unexpected challenge the morning of the competition when a scheduled witness fell sick. A student originally assigned as timekeeper, Tova Wudkwych, volunteered to step into the role, spending just a few hours memorizing the deposition before taking the stand. She delivered such a strong performance that she earned one of the competition’ s Best Witness recognitions.
“ For me, that’ s a life lesson,” Mr. Dill said.“ You prepare, but sometimes things don’ t go as planned. Being able to adapt, stay calm and work together— that’ s something they’ ll carry with them long after high school.”
Whether pursuing law, business or other fields, Canon-McMillan’ s Mock Trial students walked away with confidence, resilience and the ability to respond quickly under pressure.