The Franklin Regional Panther Foundation
CELEBRATES TWO SUCCESSFUL COMMUNITY
EVENTS AIMED AT RAISING FUNDS TO
SUPPORT GRANT PROGRAM
T
he Franklin Regional Panther Foundation,
together with its sponsors The Lynn &
Patrick Gurrentz Foundation, Mayor Regis &
Diane Synan, PNC Bank, and Metz Culinary,
presented the Second Annual Festival of the Arts
on March 22, 2018 at Franklin Regional Senior High
School (FRSH). A collection of fine art pieces, including
2D, the students of Franklin Regional School District
showcased 3D, painting, drawings, pottery, jewelry,
and photography. Professional artists also offered
demonstrations in a variety of mediums. FR Middle
and High School students gave musical performances
and an array of food beverages were served. A silent
art auction featured 24 art pieces donated by local
artists as well as a basket raffle with items donated by
various individuals and businesses. The event raised
$7,420 with more than 320 people attending.
The Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra (WSO)
also made its first appearance at FRSH’s auditorium
to present a concert entitled, “Camera Lights Music!”
to benefit the Foundation. The show featured the
full symphony, which played a concert comprised of
popular movie themes including Harry Potter and
Star Wars, along with familiar classics, such as Swan
Lake, under the direction of Grammy-award winning
conductor Lucas Richman. A VIP pre-dinner event
with delicious food selections was served before
the concert. The food selections were generously
donated by Atria’s, Hoss’s Steak & Sea, Fox’s Pizza
Den, Spaghetti & Steak House, Eat N Park, Grandma’s
Country Bakery, Giant Eagle, and Metz Culinary. Event
sponsors include The Lynn & Patrick Gurrentz Family
Foundation, Regis and Diane Synan, Export Florals,
and PNC Bank. The event raised $6,772.
“We are so grateful to our communities for
supporting these two event,” said Cara Zanella,
Executive Director for the FR Panther Foundation.
“Our neighbors and businesses demonstrate how
much they care about advancing the educational
opportunities for all Franklin Regional students
every time they donate to the Foundation or attend
one of our events. Through the generosity of many
business sponsors and individuals, the Foundation
can continue to provide Innovation Grants to help
propel innovative and creative learning programs for
all FR students.”
To date, the FR Panther Foundation awarded
$68,000 in Innovation Grants to Franklin Regional
teachers and students.
FRSH COLLEGE & TRANSITION FAIR HOSTS 60
ORGANIZATIONS
Students in grades 9-12 at Franklin Regional High School
(FRSH) attended the Career & Transition Fair in April. Parents were
encouraged to attend. More than 60 organizations including
universities, career schools, agencies, and employers participated
in making this the largest Fair the school has hosted. Organized
by FRSH teacher Michelle Longo, the Fair, now in its third year,
introduces students to potential educational and job opportunities.
Students and parents were able to interact with representatives from
various agencies to explore post-secondary options and interests.
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