Seneca Valley
Seneca Valley School District NEWS
128 Seneca School Road Harmony, PA 16037 Phone: 724.452.6041 • Fax: 724.452.8357
SCHOOL DISTRICT ranberry SENECA VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
SV ADMINISTRATOR RECEIVES BEST BUDDIES ADVISOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Dr. Kathleen Mahon, School Psychologist at Haine Elementary School, was recently named Best Buddies Advisor of the Year for the Pittsburgh region by Best Buddies International.
Best Buddies is an international organization consisting of volunteers that create opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. At the elementary level, it’ s about promoting inclusion and friendship among students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities through group activities.
In 2023, Haine Elementary School established a Best Buddies chapter, pairing teacher-nominated third, fourth and fifth graders with students from Haine ' s Multiple Supports classrooms to participate in fun, collaborative activities throughout the school year. After a successful inaugural year, the program expanded in 2024 to include more fifth-grade students and continues to grow and flourish.
Dr. Mahon received this award in recognition of her dedication to the mission of Best Buddies, her passion for promoting inclusion and her unwavering support and leadership of Haine’ s Best Buddies chapter.
“ Dr. Mahon’ s passion for inclusion and inspiring leadership led to the founding of a Best Buddies chapter at Haine Elementary, which has thrived and grown since its launch in 2023,” says Dr. Cassandra Doggrell, Director of Student Services.“ Her recognition as Best Buddies Advisor of the Year is a testament to the success of the program and the lasting impact she continues to make through her compassion, dedication and commitment to fostering belonging.”
Dr. Mahon was honored at the Best Buddies Friendship Walk held at Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh on April 27. During the awards ceremony, Best Buddies recognized some of their most outstanding chapters and leaders, honoring the students and educators who are transforming their schools into more inclusive spaces every day.
“ I was deeply honored and grateful to receive this recognition,” says Dr. Mahon.“ Leading the Best Buddies chapter at Haine has been an incredible privilege. The support from students, staff and families has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are excited to expand the chapter in the coming year. Teaching inclusion to our youngest learners is so important, as it sets the foundation for them to carry these values with them throughout school and life.”
30 CRANBERRY
SENECA VALLEY MARCHING BAND CROWNED GRAND CHAMPIONS
The Seneca Valley Marching Band was named the Grand Champions in the Norfolk North Atlantic Treaty Organization( NATO) Festival’ s“ Parade of Nations” in Norfolk, VA, held on April 26.
In addition to the“ Grand Champion” award, the highest overall score of any ensemble at the festival, the marching band also earned the best percussion award, best auxiliaries award, and a gold rating. The band was judged on all aspects of their performance including music presentation, marching, alignment, auxiliary routines, and overall pride, carriage and poise. Seneca Valley was one of only eight high school bands selected nationwide to be in the parade.
The Norfolk NATO Festival hosted its 72nd annual“ Parade of Nations,” the longest continuously running parade in the region and the only parade in the United States honoring NATO. At the parade there were over 100 parade units with local and visiting high school bands from five states, U. S. and International Military bands, and colorful floats that represented each of the 30 NATO Member Nations.
This marks Seneca Valley Marching Band’ s fifth appearance in the parade, and they proudly earned the title of Grand Champions every time.
“ We are so proud of our students and their hard work,” says Varden Armstrong, Seneca Valley Band Director and Performing Arts Coordinator.“ They have continued the rich tradition of excellence and have left their mark in the legacy of the SV Band program. This is a significant accomplishment and is the direct result of the students’ time, dedication and determination.”
The Seneca Valley Marching Band is led by directors Mr. Varden Armstrong, Mr. Robert Babick, Ms. Sara Snyder and Mr. Brian Croach.