t the conclusion of the 2017-2018
school year, Megan Hanlon not only
received her high school diploma, she
was the 3,000th recipient to cross the
stage as part of Project Succeed, which
gives individuals a second chance to
earn a high school diploma.
Commemorating its 30th anniversary this year, Project
Succeed was created in 1988 by Joel Vanucci, the program’s
executive director, who has overseen its success to date.
Having worked in education for more than 40 years, it was
after his first year as a guidance counselor at Keystone Oaks
High School when the idea first came to him.
“After looking through some of our records I noticed a
number of kids had dropped out of high school,” recalls
Vanucci. “It was more than I was comfortable with and an
issue that needed to be addressed.”
He took it upon himself to contact the kids who had left
school before graduating that year, and five years prior, to find
out why they’d done so.
“The issues ranged from kids who were pregnant or needed
to make money for their families, to those who didn’t care if
they were in school or not,” he says. “Then I asked if they’d
consider taking classes in an alternative program in order to
get their diploma. All of them said yes.”
After discussing his findings with superiors, Vanucci asked
if a program could be developed to give these students a
second chance. Upon approval, Project Succeed was born. It’s
an evening academic program approved by the Pennsylvania
Department of Education and operated by Keystone Oaks
School District. Students earning a diploma from Keystone
Oaks must accrue 25.5 credits by taking classes in math,
science, social studies and English, complete an independent
study, and perform 30 hours of community service. All
classes are taught by certified teachers and offered two
evenings per week.
“In 1988, Project Succeed enrolled the first six students
and four of them graduated. The second year, 12 students
enrolled and six graduated. We have seen our numbers
increase like this every year,” says Vanucci. “I had no idea the
program would grow to be the success it is today. But the
flexibility of evening classes, combined with the dedicated
teaching staff and the students’ commitment, has allowed
people to pursue higher education and gainful employment.”
He salutes his staff of teachers, many of whom have been
pulling double duty for years, teaching regular daytime
classes and then evening classes for Project Succeed.
“They are just as devoted to this program, and the students,
as I am and they deserve all of the accolades of our success,”
notes Vanucci. “John Murphy is our Social Studies teacher,
Danielle Kandrack teaches math, Rick Heilmann heads up
English classes, and Linda Capozzoli and Lynn Heasley keep
our students informed and focused with Career Awareness
development.”
The Project Succeed program also provides students with
college counseling support and gives them the opportunity
to hear from guest speakers and attend a college fair. The
program is funded with support from the Grable Foundation,
the Laurel Foundation, and BNY Mellon, and tuition is paid
either by the students or their home districts.
“There are nine high schools that make up the Project
Succeed consortium, including Brentwood, Carlynton,
Chartiers Valley, Keystone Oaks, Moon, Mt. Lebanon,
Quaker Valley, South Fayette and West Jefferson Hills,”
explains Vanucci. “These schools participate willingly, and
without their support we would not be here today.”
This year, 105 students between the ages of 17 and 43
participated in Project Succeed, with 100 of those students
meeting the requirements to earn a diploma either from
Keystone Oaks School District or their home school district.
Nearly 70 students will attend a post-secondary institution,
including South Hills Beauty Academy, Community College
of Allegheny County, and Point Park University. Three
students have enlisted in the Armed Forces.
“To give 3,000 individuals the opportunity to reach their
goals has truly been a dream come true,” says Vanucci. “On
behalf of the students, I am grateful to the school districts
that have sent students to Project Succeed, the philanthropic
community, and the Keystone Oaks School District for their
30 years of support.” n
“I had no idea the program
would grow to be the success
it is today. But the flexibility of
evening classes, combined with
the dedicated teaching staff
and the students’ commitment,
has allowed people to pursue
higher education and gainful
employment.”
KEYSTONE OAKS
❘
FALL 2018
13