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McKeesport AreA
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One of Emily’ s favorite high school activities was being a leader in“ The Jungle,” the student cheering section for the district’ s football and basketball teams. One of her fondest memories is playing on the WPIAL champion girls basketball team.
During her summers, she played traveling basketball, and got to see various areas through that league. In addition, Emily assisted with McKeesport’ s International Village in the summer.
Her speech to her classmates focused on overcoming adversity and how everyone struggles with something, but it’ s how you handle it and work it through that counts. She explained that your actions and commitment to the people and principles that matter most to you, make all the difference.
Ryan Swauger, Jr. is the McKeesport Area High School Class of 2026 Salutatorian. He is the son of Ryan and Char Swauger of McKeesport. He will be attending Seton Hill University on a renewable four-year academic scholarship to study forensic science. His ultimate career goal is to work in forensic science with the federal government.
MCKEESPORT AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
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Ryan explained that his older sister, Kyrstin, was currently in school studying to be a mortician. Seeing an autopsy was one of his out-of-school experiences that made him look to forensic science. He and his dad discussed career options earlier this year and he guided him toward forensic science and had him talk with someone who is currently in the field.
Ryan became an avid golf player on the high school’ s WPIAL winning team and they were champions this past year. He commented that usually sons pick up golf from their dads, but he ended up teaching his father how to play, so they can enjoy it together. During high school he also worked part-time with the City of McKeesport public works on the streets.
In his speech to his classmates, he said that he wanted to remind them to focus on the good times.“ In school, there’ s a lot to deal with, but remembering the good times is important.”