est Jefferson Hills WEST JEFFERSON HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
Celebrating TJ’ s Newest National Honor Society Members
On Monday, December 15, sixty-seven TJHS juniors and seniors were proudly inducted into the National Honor Society. This prestigious accomplishment reflects not only their exceptional academic dedication but also their unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact within our school and community. As members of NHS, these students exemplify the organization’ s four pillars: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character, setting a high standard for excellence and integrity that inspires their peers.
TJHS 9th Graders Explored Career Opportunities at Steel Center
Ninety-two ninth-grade students from TJHS had the opportunity to tour Steel Center for Career and Technical Education, a public school that served students from 11 school districts across the Mon Valley and South Hills.
During their visit, students explored all 18 career majors offered at Steel Center. The program emphasized hands-on learning, industry certifications, and leadership opportunities, equipping students with the skills they needed to succeed in both college and future careers.
To support students interested in applying, school counselors hosted PLTS sessions to guide them through the application process.
The tour provided TJHS students with valuable insight into career pathways and the practical skills they could gain at Steel Center, helping them make informed decisions about their educational and professional futures.
Youngest Jaguars Shine on the 100th Day of School
On February 2, Gill Hall proudly celebrated the 100th Day of School! This special milestone gave us the opportunity to pause, reflect, and recognize just how much our students have grown over the first 100 days of this school year.
Throughout the building, classrooms marked the occasion with engaging activities centered around the number 100. From creative projects and math challenges to writing reflections and collaborative lessons, students had fun while celebrating all they have accomplished. Most importantly, we recognized that our Jaguars are now 100 days stronger, 100 days kinder, and 100 days smarter.
At Gill Hall, we value growth— not just academic growth, but growth in character, confidence, and resilience. It has been incredible to watch our students develop new skills, build friendships, and take pride in their learning. The progress we see in just 100 days reminds us of the tremendous potential each child carries with them, not only this year but throughout their entire educational journey within the West Jefferson Hills School District.
We are so proud of our students and grateful for the partnership we share with our families. Your involvement, encouragement, and commitment to your child’ s education make a meaningful difference every single day. Thank you for your continued support and for being an essential part of our Gill Hall community.
Here’ s to the next 100 days of learning and growing together!
Third Graders Launch Their G. O. L. D. Journey
G. O. L. D.( Girls Only Leadership Development) proudly welcomes over one hundred third graders as they begin their leadership journey. Starting in third grade and continuing through 12th grade, the program helps girls grow academically, socially, and emotionally while building confidence and leadership skills.
GOLD representatives from our middle and high school serve as mentors, inspiring the younger girls to see the leaders they can become. This collaboration allows for building friendships and the chance for our student leaders to grow their own leadership skills. To celebrate their first year, students participate in hands-on activities centered on friendship, leadership, and working together.
The young leaders had fun enjoying their own“ Friendship Trail Mix,” with each ingredient representing qualities like patience, compassion, teamwork, and kindness. Through guided conversations, they discovered that just like the mix, every unique strength blends together to create something truly powerful.
They also made friendship bracelets, carefully choosing colorful strands to represent kindness, trust, respect, and confidence, each thread woven together just like their own special qualities. Everyone had fun and made some new friends. Next up our fourth grade girls will have an opportunity to attend GOLD in March and the fifth graders in May.
District Announces Hall of Fame Class of 2026
Academics Terry Ackman(‘ 70) Mark Brubaker(‘ 85) Elizabeth Irwin( Farber)(‘ 90) Robert Newton(‘ 76) Guy Reschenthaler(‘ 01)
Athletics Khayla Lowe Atte(‘ 01) Brian Baldrige(‘ 09) Julius Brown(‘ 74) Stephen James Buches(‘ 67) Brad Dawson(‘ 05) Ryan Fagan(‘ 01) Jimmy Giansante(‘ 10)
Arts Jim Frazier(‘ 81) Mary Lorenzi(‘ 61) Paula Reed Ward(‘ 93)
Staff Member / Contributor / Volunteer Raymond Fisher Charles McDevitt
Teams: 1988 Girls Track / Field Team 2004 Football Team
The Hall of Fame Class will be inducted during Hall of Fame Weekend at a banquet on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Georgetown Centre in Pleasant Hills. Tickets are $ 65 per person and may be purchased online at wjhsd. net / HallOfFame or by calling 412.655.8450, extension 2225. Each ticket includes a buffet dinner and dessert. Doors will open at 5:30 p. m., with dinner and the induction ceremony beginning at 6:45 p. m. The ceremony will be emceed by WTAE reporter and Thomas Jefferson High School alumna Ava Rash. The deadline to purchase tickets is Friday, April 4, 2026.
34 WEST JEFFERSON HILLS