Holiday Sentiments Sent to Seniors
BioTechnology Students Observe Open Heart Surgery
Holiday Sentiments Sent to Seniors
Local seniors were in the hearts and minds of Hutchinson elementary students as they thoughtfully prepared over 200 Thanksgiving cards to be paired with a holiday dinner from Tri-City Meals on Wheels . Under the guidance of computer teacher Michelle Sparrow , students hand-designed cards to lift the spirits of elderly residents who may not be able to travel to the grocery store or prepare their own meals at home . Fifth-grade students Brennan Laskoski and Alana Jennings delivered the personal sentiments to Lois Weaver , the Meals on Wheels Coordinator , at the nonprofit organization ’ s location near Red Devil Park before the holiday . Ms . Weaver , a Greensburg Salem alumnus , shared that the people receiving the meals are likely the age of the students ’ grandparents , and the gesture would be a welcome surprise for the 154 meal recipients . For Thanksgiving , volunteers will prepare turkey , mashed potatoes , Jell-O salad , green bean salad , and stuffing to be delivered to residents of Greensburg , South Greensburg , Southwest Greensburg and neighboring cities . The contribution of holiday cards from Hutchinson elementary
Meals on Wheels volunteers discuss their roles with Hutchinson students . Left to Right : Michelle Sparrow , Shelley Millette , Bob Leyshock , Lois Weaver , Duffy Greba , Alana Jennings , Brennan Laskoski .
students will be added to each Thanksgiving meal delivery . Lois stated , “ Many of these residents don ’ t get out . This will brighten their day !” For more information on volunteering or becoming a Meals on Wheels recipient , please contact Lois Weaver at 724-837-6117 .
BioTechnology Students Observe Open Heart Surgery
Twelve GSHS students accompanied Mrs . Andrea Redinger to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh to observe cardiac surgeons perform a triple bypass surgery in early December . Both during and after the open heart procedure , surgeon Dr . Bailey spoke with the group for a question and answer session regarding the students ’ observations of the surgery . They followed tissue samples from the surgery to the pathology department , then visited the autopsy room to examine case studies using human tissue . Student Emma Cribbs commented that “ it is one thing to learn about cardiology and the heart in class , another to hold it in your hands and experience the practice of the profession .”
This experience tied in all of the pre-trip studies that had taken place in Mrs . Redinger ’ s Biotechnology class . She describes her course a “‘ hands-on , minds-on ’ experience for students which goes beyond the classroom walls to truly prepare students considering a future career in the sciences ”. In the classroom , students have participated in both preserved and fresh heart dissections ( donated by Weimer Custom Meats ), fetal pig system dissections , and the design of artificial heart valve prototypes . Dr . Asghar Fahkri , a Cardiologist with Excela Health , Dr . Dennis Trumble , a Carnegie Mellon University Biomedical Engineer , and Dr . Rick Payha , a General Surgeon with Excela Health , have visited the class to discuss interventional cardiology , prototypes , and surgery techniques such as suturing , as well as to give students insight into these STEAM focused careers .
reensburg Salem
GREENSBURG SALEM SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
Andrea Redinger ’ s BioTechnology Students at Allegheny General Hospital .
Back Row : Hannah Pedder , Ashley Long , Mrs . Andrea Redinger , Kasey Sipos ,
Jenna Barbour , Cassie Mica , Kacie Werts , Marvel McGowan .
Middle Row : Holly Cuccia .
Front Row : Emma Cribbs , Courtney Mattucci , Kat Trask ,
Lauren Goodnight .
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