Shaler Area High School Presentation of Anastasia
The spring performance of this dazzling show by Shaler Area High School transported its audience from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the glitz of Paris in the 1920s as Anya , a brave amnesiac , sets out to discover the mystery of her past . Pursued by ruthless but smitten Soviet officer Gleb , who is determined to either woo or silence her , Anya enlists the aid of dashing con man Dmitry and lovable ex-aristocrat Vlad . Together , they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home , love , and family .
Senior Max Milligan played Anastasia ’ s nemesis , Gleb . Milligan is passionate about the stage and is pursuing a degree in musical theater . He notes that art and music bring us together . He shares , “ Theater is about connecting with people . If I make the audience feel something , it means I did my job . But it ’ s also connecting with my friends behind the stage . I ’ ve met lifelong friends here . The bond with people you perform with is what keeps you here .” Ms . Birch reflects , “ The SAHS performing arts students are magic . They are talented , intelligent , dedicated , and kind . They are the strength , heart , and future of this community . They are everything
Students Explore 51 Bridge Street , Imagining New Partnership
Shaler Area High School students are getting a first-hand look at how a former steel property is being leveraged for the energy needs of the future . 51 Bridge Street in Etna formerly housed a manufacturing plant for pipes used in steel mills . The building was acquired by AM Group and is now being leased to Westinghouse for a technology accelerator focused on the eVinci microreactor , a transportable nuclear battery .
Matthew Cypher , Professor at Georgetown University and Partner at the AM Group , addressed students from Ms . Nilson and Ms . Leung ’ s science classes in a classroom lecture and were joined by Westinghouse ’ s John Kostelnik , who led students on a tour of 51 Bridge Street .
The building , which had stood vacant for decades , is now a polished multi-use office and manufacturing facility . Cypher expressed , “ I am involved in real estate because it makes a difference . It can enhance life for a community and the people who live there . There ’ s nothing more satisfying to me to take something that was a blight and to honor the tradition of the work that went on in that facility .”
SAHS junior Christian Mendoza enjoyed the glimpse into redevelopment happening in the school district . Mendoza shared , “ It was interesting to see the sustainable aspect of the building . It ’ s nice to see in Etna how they are looking to implement very sustainable options .”
we want our kids to be as we send them out into the world . And to have them bring a fairytale to life this year feels so appropriate . This show is about holding tight to your roots while you seek new adventures ; about finding courage in the midst of fear ; about balancing legacies with opportunities . It ’ s the embodiment of what our seniors are living and experiencing in real time , and the passion they bring to these characters and to embarking on the next stage of their lives is awe-inspiring . The technical trappings of the show are certainly a good fit with the talents of our cast . But the heart of this show echoes so beautifully the hearts of our students .”
haler area school district SHALER AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
SHALER AREA ❘ SPRING 2024 17