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 th eir 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.”
SOUTH FAYETTE
❘
FALL 2018
15