A
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.”
MT. LEBANON
❘
FALL 2018
21